Summer Break (Part One)

I(we) 've been so lucky spent 10 days summer break this year traveling around several Europe countries, the main goal was to meet my in-laws in Germany. But since my visa is schengen visa so it was easy for me to traveling to another countries too.
The first destination was Hanover. Hanover is situated at the very edge of the North German Plain. The city has been recognized as ‘The City of Trade Fairs’ from years . What surprised me was, the summer weather over there was so pleasant. It was chilly in the morning and in the afternoon mostly not much than 70 F. What a beautiful weather comparing with summer in my city right now, which is reach 100 F every days.. phuiih..

Hanover was badly damaged in World War II, but after 1945 numerous old buildings were reconstructed and many modern structures were erected. Hanover is particularly known for its beautiful buildings, wells, fountains and parks. Please enjoy some pictures I've been taken and I will continuing my story from different countries soon :)

And enjoy the apple kuchen, the famous cake from Germany. You can buy German apple cake in a bakery or make it yourself, where the smells of baking apples and lemon will brighten your house. This popular apple cake recipe is considered standard for many bakeries and cafes, but it is simple to make at home with ingredients from the grocery store. When I bake this cake, my mind came back to the bakery store that i visited one day morning to get the fresh breads. the aroma from fresh breads and cakes is always make me happy :)

Kuchen is a German word for cake--It’s pronounced “KOO-khehn”—and is leavened with yeast and filled with either fruit or cheese

Apple Kuchen

4 -5 cups baking apples, Granny Smith
1 1/4 cups white flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk

Topping
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tsp oatmeal

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix 1 1/4 cup flour, baking powder, 2 tsp sugar, and salt and sift once.
Cut 1/2 cup butter into dry mix with a pastry blender to pea size.

In a small bowl, beat egg with milk and add to dry mix.
Mix thoroughly and pat dough into a greased or oiled 9x13-inch baking dish.
Pare and core apples. Cut into thin wedge slices and place on dough in rows until covered. We would cover the thin end of one apple with the thick end of the other. Dot apples with butter and mix 3/4 cup sugar, 1 1/2 Tbs flour and cinnamon together. Spread dry topping over dotted apples, and bake in oven for 45-60 minutes, until golden brown.