Exotic Spices on a Budget

Another great find in Milwaukee was the Spice House. Jars of the highest quality, hand-selected and hand-prepared spices and herbs lined the walls and aisles of this wonderful store. I also loved the labels containing the descriptions and history of every herb, spice and blend. I could spend hours roaming the store, absorbing the aromas and learning about the products.



One of my favorite parts of the store was their large selection of spice blend gift boxes. They were very unique combinations and there would be a blend for just about anybody. From the “Fisherman’s Seasoning Box” to the “Butcher’s Rubs Gift Box” and several “Ethnic Chicago” boxes featuring flavors from some of the historic Chicago neighborhoods.



This store is a great place to find gifts for anybody on your holiday list, or even get ideas to make your own spice blend gifts! With reasonable prices it would be easy to stay within a budget. Plus, as a “Budget Diva” I love that you can buy as little as one ounce of their exotic and difficult to find spices rather than shelling out much more money for a large jar at gourmet grocery store!



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Milwaukee is 'sehr gut!'

A trip up to Milwaukee marks the tenth and final stop on my Holiday Entertaining media tour! No trip up to Wisconsin is complete with a delicious indulgence in some traditional German food. The best place in town is the historic Mader's Restaurant. For over 100 years it has served classic German fare not only to the residents of Milwaukee but to countless celebrities and four presidents.

There was no doubt that I had to order a stein of German beer, but when I saw the soft pretzel listed on the appetizer menu, I knew I just had to try it. What a surprise when the server (all dressed up in leiderhosen!) walked up to our table with this...



The giant soft pretzel spilled over the edge of the plate. Served with cheese and German mustard, it was the perfect way to start the meal.

For the main dish, I couldn't wait to try the Beef and Mushroom Strudel. It was a beef sauerbraten with grilled red onions, sauteed mushrooms and smoked ham rolled in crisp pastry baked with Emmenthal cheese. Served with ginger brown sauce and julienne vegetables, it looked gorgeous and every bite was the perfect comfort food on this cold winter evening.



Finally, we completed the meal with a classic Schwartzwalder Kirschtorte (such a fun thing to say!) or Black Forest Cake.



Danke Schon!



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