Traveling in Quarantine: Globally Inspired Meals to Keep Your Wanderlust Spirit Alive

My Cooking In Quarantine series continues! This blog post has a twist though – Traveling in Quarantine: Globally Inspired Meals to Keep Your Wanderlust Spirit Alive. When you’re stuck inside during a Global pandemic, traveling the world may seem out of the question. But in an effort to keep it alive, let’s feast on these globally inspired meals!

Italy/Italia

Italy has been on my travel bucket list for a while. I’m hoping it’s one of the next countries I get to mark off. Until then I’ll keep visiting via the kitchen. Italian cuisine is so fun! There really is so much simplicity about this type of cooking. It doesn’t take a lot of ingredients to make a killer Italian meal!

This Roasted Pepper Pappardelle Pasta is the perfect pantry recipe during this COVID crisis. Add in an antipasto salad, a classic Italian dessert, like these Olive Oil and Lemon Mini Cakes, and an Aperol Spritz and you’re practically living La Dolce Vita.

Germany/Deutschland

Staying in Europe, lets travel north to Deutschland (Germany). I was there last October and I was pleasantly surprised by the cuisine. Even though I grew up with some well-known German dishes – Germany was never really on my radar, from a culinary perspective, at least. However, I had some of the best food in Germany! On the menu; Beer Bratwurst with Sauerkraut, Oktoberfest Beer Cheese with Pretzels, and Apple Strudel.

Greece/Ελλάδα

I got my first taste of truly authentic Greek food when I lived in Tennessee. My roommate’s mom was Greek and she is a fabulous cook! She’d cook us some amazing meals every time she came to visit! My favorite was the lemon rice soup! I’ve always loved Greek salads, but did you know the authentic recipes do not have lettuce? So in true travel fashion I made it just the way a Greek momma would. I also made a Greek inspired flat bread – just store bought dough with pest0, feta, Greek olives, and artichokes. So yum!

Thailand/ประเทศไทย

Thailand is not top on my bucket list, but it’s definitely on there. I LOVE Thai food! I would absolutely love to explore this country and wander the streets eating the amazing street food. Until then, I’ll settle for Pad Thai and Chicken Red Curry from my very own Kitchen. Haha – luckily Lukas likes these dishes, too!

Spain/Espana

I’ve been to Spain MANY times….with out even getting on an airplane. Okay – I’ve never physically been there, but I explore the country’s culinary creations frequently! I love making Tapas, Paella, and of course, Sangria!! So, to help quench my thirst to really go to Spain, I made Spanish Ham Croquettes, Seafood Paella, Mixed Greed Salad (Ensalada Mixta), and Sangria. Oh and I tried a traditional Spanish dessert for the first time – Crema Catalana. This is one of my favorite stops, so far, while in Quarantine!

England

Fish and Chips – perhaps the most iconic English dish that Americans love to gobble up, too! It truly is such a delicious meal – when made the right way! And no one makes it better than Gordon Ramsay! I’m not even going to attempt to recreate the wheel here. This recipe is outstanding! And when followed correctly – it’s perfection! You MUST have mushy peas to truly get the British vibes with this meal. So fun!

France

We simply cannot travel in Quarantine without making a stop in beautiful France! My favorite country and favorite cuisine to cook! The dishes are simple, beautiful, and tasty. Since we’ve been working and staying at home, I’ve been trying to brush up on my French (through the Babbel app). I’ve been trying to teach Lukas, too! I’ve also been reading more about the country and pulling from my many French cookbooks. Perhaps my favorite dish is salade niçoise – simple perfection! Serve the salad alongside some French fries and finish the meal with Julia Child’s Cherry Clafouti!