HOME SWEET HOME!!

So, I've been back in the States now for just over a month! I'm pleased more than you can know to be home. Home to the cat Papelbon and to the pitcher Papelbon and to the beautiful landscape et al! I'm not home for good though...just until I can hit the open road again, wherever the wind takes me! Until then friends, I'll keep you in the loop about great places around Rhode Island! It has been one hell of an adventure and to those of you who made it possible I give my HEARTFELT thank you! May the spring come soon and with that a visit or many to Fenway Park. I can already taste the sausage and peppers! Go Red Sox!!

Pilsner Urquell - Pilzen Czech Republic!

What can I say???? It's a beautiful place to visit!!! This is the beer of my Dad's side of the family! This is some serious DEEEEELICIOUS BEER!!! I have toured a lot of Breweries on this trip, this beer is hands down my favorite. Its crisp and clear and complex and without a doubt the main reason I think Brewing is my next career!!! Pictured here is a beer vending machine, the only other one of these I saw was in Austria, you have to swipe the barcode on your passport to confirm you are of age. I passed! At the end of the tour they serve non filtered unpasteurized Pilsner Urquell, the taste can only be described my friends as sublime!! What a day it was:)

Carlsberg Brewery

Carlsberg Brewery - Copenhagen Denmark is one of the largest breweries in the world. This tour was filled with interesting history dating back to 1847! Pictured here is the largest collection of unopened beer bottles in the world...As you might imagine, I have mixed feelings about that:) At the end of the tour they take you through the barn where the Clydesdale Horses are! They were magnificent! This guy was particularly boisterous, he kept coming close to me so we couldn't get a clear shot. I kept pulling away:) The Brewers Star is thought to help protect the beer. I dig the mystery behind it:)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlsberg_Group

http://www.beerhistory.com/library/holdings/brewerstar.shtml

Denmark - Wrap-up

Along with the previous posts regarding my visit to Denmark there were, as you can imagine, many other wonderful "bites" along the way. I want to give as much of a nice synopsis as possible!

At Birgit's house in Copenhagen - Prior to a visit to the Royal Danish Ballet's performance of "Sleeping Beauty" (Which was phenomenal) We had baby shrimp on white bread with butter and mayonnaise garnished with lemon and chopped chervil for the appetizer. The entree was filet of sole baked with spinach, bechamel and breadcrumbs. The meal was amazing as was the review of the family tree that Birgit is responsible for! I was thrilled to find my name on it:)

Yet another Dinner with family - This time at Inge's house! No question an amazing host, she definitely had as much or more fun than all of her guests and the spread must've taken her days to prepare! Duck, Beef and Chicken (are the meats I remember), waldorf salad, potatoes...The list goes ON and ON!!! What a feast! Apparently, no Danish Feast is complete until your

wearing the hostess' bathrobe:)

Finally a trip to Tivoli Christmas Market. A stop no matter the season is a MUST SEE for all

travelers!

Of course...In true "Jana" fashion, we ate at a brewery within the gardens! A traditional Danish Christmas lunch! Cold pork, red cabbage, Brie, chicken salad, smoked salmon with mustard sauce and pickled herring. This was really yet another delicious treat! The beer was also outstanding!

http://www.tivoli.dk/composite-5020.htm

http://www.faergekroen.com/

Æbleskiver & Gløgg Roskilde Denmark

Æbleskiver, are a traditional dish during the holiday season in Denmark. Typically served with Gløgg a mulled wine also traditional during the holiday season that has slivered almonds in it. Can be served as a dessert or snack these fun treats resemble the American donut holes. As with the previous meals Anita made them and served them in her home with all of my new extended family around to share in the festivities! Another wonderful experience!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86bleskiver

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gl%C3%B8gg

Prior to the heavy dessert, also pictured, we had an amazing dinner of shrimp scampi, assorted Danish cheeses and fresh tomatoes with family I will never forget!!!