Shore leave Venice

The early bird catches the Venetian worm. Between 6 and 10 am, the lagoon city shows up the most beautiful – before the endless tourist-lindworm rolls over the Rialto Bridge and overflows the famous St. Mark’s Square. “Early in the morning and late in the evening, you can enjoy Venice’s morbid charm and unique atmosphere the best,” the captain recommends.

Eggplant – Mediterranean flavour

This dip of eggplant, herbs and yoghurt is a great accompaniment to roast meat and fish. But even as a starter it is unbeatable: simply serve as a spread on crispy roasted bread. Fits.

Greek minced steaks with grilled watermelon

A short trip to Greece, that’s it. Currently, we do not have to complain in northern Germany about lack of sunshine. This summer, even the holiday on our balcony is fun. And with Bifteki from the grill, we get the ultimate culinary holiday feeling.

Bari – seafood and pasta

Raw fish and seafood – everyone immediately thinks of Japan. Sushi, clear. Or of Peru. Ceviche, too. But what about Italy? In Puglia – and especially in the region around Bari – raw fish and raw seafood are indispensable to the restaurant menus. As indispensable as the orecchiette pasta in the streets of Bari.

Red fruit jelly as with grandma

In July, strawberries, currants, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries abound. The market tables are bending and one would like to buy all of them at once. The famous North German red fruit jelly called “Rote Grütze” always reminds me of childhood days. On hot summer days we enjoyed it with cold milk – and of course the fruits came from Grandma’s garden.

Plaice Fillet with Lettuce and Peach

Sesame oil, or more precisely roasted sesame oil, makes this simple green salad taste so special. In combination with the sweetness of the peach and the fresh herbs this salad matches perfectly to the crunchy fried plaice. A light and fast summer meal.

On foot: 120 kilometers through Lüneburg Heath

Just put the backpack on, lock the front door and see how far you can walk in six days. We made it from Hamburg-Fischbek to Soltau. Across the northern Lüneburg Heath – on the so-called “Heidschnucken Trail” [Heidschnucke is a group of moorland sheep from northern Germany]. Just walk, eat, sleep. Mobile phone only for emergencies, no I-pad, no appointment book.

Strawberries, the stars on the early summer stage

When strawberries step on the stage, you can be sure: Now it’s getting delicious! With this strawberry-orange-mascarpone-cake they have a big performance! Their role in the play: the icing of a fine, fresh cake made from orange, mascarpone, curd and cream. Strawberry’s duet partner is the vanilla. Unbeatable!

The halibut, which is a flounder

The name is misleading, because strictly speaking, the white halibut is a flounder, because he is right-eyed. His body is brown-black and white on the “blind side”, hence the name. It can become incredible four meters long. Ours was not that big…