Travel to Europe to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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Intro: life and experiences in Europe

Backpacking or traveling in Europe?

  • Backpacking: Europe is the region where you can best get your first backpacking experience as a backpacker, island hopping, interraveling, hitchhiking or flixbusing.
  • Travel: perhaps the most versatile travel area with a wide variety of culture, impressive architecture, varied nature and diverse climates.
  • Checking: all the countries of Europe
  • Activity spotting: hiking in one of the many beautiful mountain ranges such as the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites, take pictures in tulip fields, discover Roman, Ottoman and Greek history, drink the most delicious wines and live the Burgundian life, relax on the Mediterranean beaches, visit pubs and listen to Celtic music, admire medieval castles, ski and climb in the wilderness of Scandinavia, behold the northern lights, discover Eastern European culture and hospitality etc...  
  • Animal spotting: brown bear, Iberian wolf, lynx, dolphins, flamingos, basking shark, wisents, wild cats, reindeer.... 

Studying in Europe?

  • In Europe you will find a huge choice of studies, with renowned universities and educational institutions scattered across the continent. Because of the Bologna system, it is easy to compare and transfer studies and qualifications.  
  • You can study anywhere in Europe. In general, the quality of education is better in the richer countries (Western Europe and Northern Europe). For example, if you want a good technical education, look in Germany. Studying here is also free in many cases. England has some of the most famous universities in the world. There is a big focus on research and humanities, law, medicine and business studies are particularly popular. Then again, the cost is incredibly high. 
  • The Netherlands is known for studies in water management, environmental sciences, international relations and design. The focus is on research and international programs. Costs are average (and relatively high for foreign students). 
  • In France, you can go for art, fashion, literature, philosophy, as well as business administration! The quality is good and there are many historical institutions, especially in Paris. Also, studying does not cost much. 
  • Sweden and Denmark are known for innovation, sustainable development and design. Universities have a progressive and innovative approach. Education for EU students is free! 
  • Italy, of course, is known for fashion, design, art history and architecture. Costs are reasonably low, as is living expenses. 
  • Eastern Europe has good universities with growing reputations. Often with international programs as well. Tuition and living costs are low, making it popular for budget-conscious students. 

Internship in Europe?

  • There are an awful lot of options. Some sector-specific options are: 
  • Germany for IT, engineering and the automotive industry, the UK for finance, marketing, media, consulting, the Netherlands for internships in water management, environmental and sustainability projects, France and Italy for fashion, art, culture and the culinary sector, Scandinavia for sustainable development, tech and design. 
  • Language: depends on the country - in the UK and Ireland it can of course be in English. In countries like Spain, Italy, and France, mastering the local language can increase the chances of getting an internship placement, especially in customer-facing sectors. In countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, internships may require you to speak multiple languages, depending on the region.
  • Formal Culture: In Germany and Switzerland, the work culture is often formal and structured, with clear expectations and procedures.
  • Informal Culture: Scandinavian countries and the Netherlands have a more informal work culture, with a focus on work-life balance and open communication.

Volunteering in Europe?

  • Volunteering in nature parks, forest management, and biodiversity projects is popular in countries such as Spain, Italy, and the Nordic countries. Projects can range from protecting endangered species to restoring natural areas.
  • In many European countries, you can volunteer to work with children and youth, for example by teaching English, organizing youth activities, or being a mentor in after-school programs.
  • In countries such as Germany, France, and the Netherlands, there are many opportunities to work with vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, refugees, or people with disabilities, often in cooperation with NGOs and local organizations.
  • Volunteering in museums, cultural festivals, or in restoration projects of historical heritage is an option in countries rich in history such as Greece and France.
  • Language: in tourist and international cities, such as Amsterdam, Berlin, or Barcelona, there are many volunteer opportunities that require only English. For volunteering in more remote or small-scale communities, it may be helpful to speak or be prepared to learn the local language, especially in social care or education projects.

Working in Europe?

  • You can find jobs all over Europe in all sectors. 
  • Countries such as Germany, the United Kingdom, and France have strong economies with diverse industries, including automotive, finance, technology, and engineering. 
  • Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark are known for their focus on technology, sustainability, and design, and offer many opportunities in these innovative sectors. 
  • In cities such as Paris, Milan, and Barcelona, there are numerous opportunities in the fashion, art, and cultural sectors. 
  • Southern European countries such as Spain, Italy, and Greece have large tourism sectors, with many employment opportunities in hospitality, recreation, and tourism. 
  • In Eastern Europe, it can be more difficult to find work because of the weaker economy. 
  • Work culture: Work cultures vary widely across Europe. Germany and Switzerland tend to have more formal work cultures with a strong emphasis on punctuality and efficiency. In contrast, countries such as the Netherlands and Sweden have a more informal and egalitarian work atmosphere, with a focus on work-life balance. Many Eastern European countries have a relatively hierarchical work culture, where respect for authority and clear structures are important. Employees are expected to follow the instructions of their superiors without much contradiction.
  • Working conditions: Europe generally has good labor laws that protect workers, such as legal vacation days, parental leave, and health insurance. Working conditions are often well regulated with clear rights and obligations for employees.

Working as a digital nomad in Europe?

  • Europe is an incredibly comfortable continent for digital nomads. You have all the comforts, the Internet is excellent, the climate wonderful (depending on the country, of course) and there are many travelers, expats and locals to make friends with. It can be quite pricey, though, depending on where you are. 
  • Favorite locations: Lisbon, Barcelona, Tallinn, Budapest, Prague, Amsterdam, Krakow, Tbilisi, Berlin, Valencia. 

Living in Europe?

  • Language: almost every country has its own language or accent, those who want to integrate will have to learn about the local language and culture
  • Living environment: countries that score high with expats and emigrants are (varying) in order: Spain, Portugal, Finland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and Greece.
  • Healthcare: the quality of healthcare in most countries is comparable to that of the Netherlands and is good
  • Health care costs: once you start working in another country, your Dutch health insurance often expires, then you will have to insure locally (and not everywhere cover is comparable to that in the Netherlands). Seek advice on insurances that provide sufficient coverage for proper care and also repatriation in case of emergency.

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Latest changes and updates tagged with: Europe

Hoorcollege 2 Neuropsychologische Diagnostiek 2023 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 2

Verschillende niveaus van visuele waarneming
Primare (lagere orde) verwerking: 
detectie: testen middels confrontatietest Stokje geleidelijk in visueel veld aanbieden en vragen aan de patiënt wanneer hij deze kan waarnemen. Of via computergestuurde tests (lichtflitsjes)
features (locatie, vorm, kleur, oriëntatie). 
  • Achromatopsie: verminderde kleurwaarneming ten gevolge van bilaterale beschadiging van de ventrale prestriate (temporale) cortex. Kan wordt getest middels 
    • Ishihara test: welk cijfer is verstopt in de kleurbolletjes?
    • Farnsworth-Munsell test: geleidelijke chart van kleuren waarbij wordt gevraagd waar de kleuren verschillen
  • Visuele vorm agnosie: verminderde vormwaarneming ten gevolge van onder andere koolmonoxidevergiftiging. Is te testen met 
    • Efron vormen: verschillende vormen worden aangeboden en er wordt gevraagd welke bvb het vierkant is
    • Cortical Vision Screening Test (CorVist)
  • Lokalisatie: stoornissen in de waarneming van de relatieve ruimtelijke positie ten gevolge van schade aan
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E-module 1 Professionele gespreksvoering 23 UU

E-module week 1

 
Vier communicatiestijlen
  • Analytische of beschouwende (uil, vb Sherlock Holmes): geduldig en gefocussed op de taak. Gericht op analytische processen, zijn persistent en systematische probleemoplossers. Ze zijn erg efficiënt en accuraat, maar hierdoor ook overcautios. 
  • Vriendelijke(duif, vb Edith Bunker): geduldig en gefocust op mensen. plaats andermans gevoelens voor zijn eigen. Wil iedereen comfortabel laten voelen, maken langzaam beslissingen. 
  • Expressive (roadrunnere/eend, vb Robin Williams): snel en gefocused op mensen. hoge energie, energiek, creatief maar maakt soms fouten
  • Directieve (adelaar, vb Donald Trump): snel en gefocust op de taak. Snelle besling nemen en ongeduldig
Je bent een combinatie van deze stijlen, waarbij er onderscheidt wordt gemaakt tussen primaire en secundaire stijlen. Flexibiliteit in stijlen is van belang voor verschillende contexten
 
Het werk van een psycholoog is afhankelijk van
  • de kwaliteit van haar eigen gespreksvoering;
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Hoorcollege 15 Psychopathologie 23 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 15: neuropsychiatrie & ouderenpsychiatrie

 
Psychiatrie en Neurologie zijn losse specialismen. Zo wordt er onderscheidt gemaakt tussen bodyless psychiatry (ofwel breinloze klinische psychologie) en mindless neurologie (ofwel emotieloze neuropsychologie). Echter heeft iedere therapeut kennis nodig van het brein en lichaam, denk aan:
  • neurobiologische oorzaken
  • slaap
  • medicatie/drugs
  • lichamelijke comorbiditeiten
  • zwangerschappen/hormonen
  • veroudering
 
Een aantal psychiatrische aandoeningen op volgorde van de grote van de rol van neurobiologie (links) naar psychologische (rechts)
autisme- ADHD- Psychose- PTSS- Depressie
 
Het rol van het brein in neuropsychiatire
  • niet te gebruiken voor diagnostiek
  • is te gebruiken voor prognostiek: het begrijpen van het voorloop
  • Voor het begrip waar symptomen vandaan komen
  • In kaart brengen van transdiagnostische traits: bvb disfunctie ventromediale  PFC
  • Vb invloed op emotionele reactie: De biologie bepaalt de
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Hoorcollege 14 Psychopathologie 23 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 14: Persoonlijkheidsstoornissen

 
Persoonlijkheid: geheel van stabiele gedragingen, gedachten en gevoelens dat gedurende de levensloop vertoont wordt door iemand en in verschillende situaties naar voren komt. Karaktertrekken ontwikkelen vanuit een wisselwerking tussen aangeboren persoonlijkheidstrekken en aanwezige omgevingsfactoren.
 
Five-factor-model
  • Neuroticism
  • Extraversion 
  • Agreeableness,
  • Conscientiousness: hoe rigide je bent, passend bij OCS
  • Openness.
Persoonlijkheidsstoornis: consistent patroon (over tijd en context) van gedragingen die zich buiten de norm van je eigen normgroep bewegen. Is dus cultuurafhankelijk. Voornamelijk de omgeving leidt hieronder, maar kan ook interfereren met levensgebieden zoals werk, relaties. 
  • Vaak traumagerelateerd. Er is dan een onveilige hechting, waardoor ze niet goed de wereld hebben kunnen ontdekken en strategiën hebben aangeleerd
  • Stoornis in de interactie tussen individu en andere personen
  • Prevalentie: is verschillend per stoornis. De prevalentie in de normale bevolking is 10-20%
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Hoorcollege 13 Psychopathologie 23 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 13: Verslavingen

 
Stoornissen in middelengebruik 
  • Controleverlies: langer of meer gebruiken dan gepland, of willen stoppen of minderen maar daar niet in slagen. 
  • Craving:  hunkeren naar het middel op zo’n intense manier dat het moeilijk is om aan iets anders te denken
  • Negatieve gevolgen: op werk, school en familie, of herhaald gebruik wanneer dit gevaarlijk is (dronken rijden). 
  • tolerantie/ontwenning:  tolerantie is dat je steeds meer moet gaan gebruiken om
  • hetzelfde effect te krijgen en ontwenningsverschijnselen treden op in de vorm van bijwerkingen als er sp rake is van onttrekking van het middel
Ernstclassificering
1) Mild - Deze cliënten hebben 2-3 symptomen uit de 11.
2) Matig - Deze cliënten hebben 4-5 symptomen uit de 11.
3) Ernstig - Deze cliënten hebben meer dan 6 symptomen uit de 11.
 
Verschil tussen natuurlijke beloners en drugs heeft
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Hoorcollege 11 Psychopathologie 23 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 11: Psychose

 
Psychose
  • Meestal tussen de 18 en 35 jaar
  • Vroegsignalering: als je opzoek gaat naar vroege signalen kun je de psychose voorkomen middels een preventieve behandeling (effectief in 45%)
  • Traumabehandeling is effectief om niet alleen traumaklachten te verminderen, maar ook psychotische klachten
  • Combinatie van medicatie en CGT wordt aangeraden
  • Kwetsbaarheid neemt toe door trauma’s, heftige gebeurtenissen, erfelijke aanleg
  • Psychotische stoornissen: schizofrenie, de schizoaffectieve stoornis en de bipolaire stoornis
  • Iedereen kan een psychose krijgen, maar niet iedereen is even gevoelig. Voor het krijgen moet je veel stresss en kwetsbaarheid hebben. 
  • Kenmerken ervan zijn sterk individualistisch en verschillen dus
  • Behandeling is gefocust op weerbaarheid, waarbij iemand leert hoe hij getriggerd wordt.
  • Prevalentie:  Schizofrenie komt bij 0.6-0.7% van de mensen mee. Een psychotische stoornis komt bij 2-3% voor en
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Hoorcollege 7 Psychopathologie 23 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 7 : Autismespectrumstoornissen

Autisme komt voor bij 1% van de mensen, net zo vaak als schizofrenie. Qua verschil tussen mannen en vrouwen staat twee tot drie mannen in verhouding tot één vrouw. Dit zou komen doordat vrouwen genetisch gezien wat beschermd zijn. Autisme is voor 85% genetisch bepaald. In NL is er waarschijnlijk sprake van overdiagnostiek, we stellen dus te vaak de diagnose. Redenen hiervoor zijn: 

  • De criteria zijn verruimd sinds de DSM 4. Hierdoor zijn we steeds meer diagnoses gaan stellen bij mildere casussen.
  • Daarnaast heerst er minder taboe op psychiatrie. Ook de maatschappij is meer veeleisend geworden.
  • Bovendien is ons zorgsysteem erop ingericht dat je alleen zorg krijgt als er een diagnose is. Deze diagnose wordt dan binnen vier gesprekken op basis van gedrag gesteld.

Gedrag
Autisme gaat over:
1) Beperkingen in de sociale communicatie in wederkerigheid, non-verbale communicatie en

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Hoorcollege 2 Psychopathologie 2023 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 2: DSM-5 Onderzoeksagenda

Drie secties DSM

  • introductie
  • diagnostische criteria
  • opkomende meetmethoden en modellen: condities voor toekomstig onderzoek (kunnen mogelijk later worden opgenomen in sectie 2)

Voorbeelden van "overige specifieke" condities zijn:

  • Attenuated Psychosis Syndrome: er zijn al veel psychotische stoornissen, maar er is vastgesteld dat sommige mensen eens in de week psychotische verschijnselen die mild zijn.
  • Cafeïne Use Disorder: als je verslaafd bent aan red bull of koffie en niet kan functioneren zonder koffie, kun je deze stoornis hebben.
  • Internet Gaming Disorder: een preoccupatie met online activiteiten.
  • Suicide Behavior Disorder: iemand heeft een poging gedaan en dat is voldoende om deze stoornis te geven. In de DSM-5-TR (text revision) is deze verschoven als een V-code, als een aandachtspunt voor klinische aandacht. Dat komt omdat als mensen een poging doen, dat een voorspeller is voor nog een poging te doen. 10% van de pogingen doen mensen
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Hoorcollege 15 Klinische Neuropsychologie 2023 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 15: Neuropsychologische behandeling

 
Niet Aangeboren Hersenletsel (NAH)
 
Het gestructureerd en methodisch toepassen van psychotherapeutische interventies bij patiënten met hersenaandoeningen en naasten, gericht op het verminderen of hanteerbaar maken van emotionele en gedragsmatige stoornissen en problemen die voortkomen uit de hersenaandoening. De focus van de therapie en het soort interventies is enerzijd afhankelijk van de therapie ationele of school die wordt ingezet en anderzijds van de aard en ernst van de cognitieve stoornissen als gevolg van de hersenaandoening
 
Ervaren problemen in de herstelfase
  • Fysieke klachten: hierop ligt de eerste focus, vaak wordt hierbij dan de cognitieve en emotionele kant vergeten.
  • Cognitieve klachten
  • Emotionele en gedragsmatige klachten
 
Primaire gevolgen: schade aan het brein, somberheidsklachten
Secundaire gevolgen: depressieve symptomen, somberheidsklachten ten gevolge dat je activiteiten die je normaliter plezier geven niet meer kan uitvoeren
 
Stadia in rouwverwerking bij
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Hoorcollege 1 Neuropsychologische Diagnostiek 2023 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 1

 
Neuropsychologische diagnostiek: in kaart brengen van functiestoornissen bij hersenbeschadiging. Bestaat uit observeren, anamnese, weergavegesprek en rapportage binnen de neuropsychologie. 
 
Indicaties van neuropsychologische diagnostiek
  • Neurologische aandoening: beroerte, tumor, traumatisch hersenletsel etc.
  • Psychiatrische stoornissen: schizofrenie, bipolaire stoornis etc.
  • Ontwikkelingsstoornissen: dyslexie, ADHD, autisme etc.
  • Veroudering en dementie
 
Diagnostisch proces
  • Anamnese en heteroanamnese
  • Vraagstelling en hypothesevorming
  • Testselectie en testafname
  • Observatie
  • Interpretatie
  • Schriftelijke en mondelinge rapportage 
 
Casuïstiek: 71 jarige vrouw met hersentumor in linker pariëtale kwab
  • Vraagstelling: Het doel is om het cognitief functioneren in kaart te brengen voor monitoring tijdens een wakkere resectie van de tumor. Dit leidt tot de vraag "Is er een valide baseline voor monitoring tijdens de operatie?” 
  • Hypothesen: Over welke cognitieve functies aangedaan zijn bvb
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Supporting Content:
Happiness quotes & statements from Europe

Happiness quotes & statements from Europe

Are you lost? A caterpillar in your hand will show you the way - Happiness quotes & statements from Spain
Give someone a bouquet of nine sorts of flowers and grasses. You will bring luck to the other person - Finland
Save the cork of a champagne bottle on New Year’s Eve. You will have the whole year of luck - Happiness quotes & statements from Italy

Save the cork of a champagne bottle on New Year’s Eve. You will have the whole year of luck - Happiness quotes & statements from Italy

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Save the cork of a champagne bottle on New Year’s Eve. You will have the whole year of luck.

When red underwear is gifted to you and you wear it on New Year’s Eve, it will bring luck the whole new year - Italy

You may make a wish when you see four identical numbers on a digital clock - Happiness quotes & statements of Denmark
You may make three wishes if you eat twelve grapes or twelve raisins at twelve o 'clock on New Year's eve. - Portugal
If you sit between two people who have the same name, you may make a wish - Russia
Happiness quotes and statements from around the world - WorldSupporter Theme
Recipes from Europe or with a local twist by WorldSupporters- Bundle

Recipes from Europe or with a local twist by WorldSupporters- Bundle

Hungarian Street Food: Lángos

Hungarian Street Food: Lángos

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This deep fried flatbread is a common street food in Hungary where it is served warm with sour cream and grated cheese, rubbed with garlic or garlic butter, or doused with garlic water.

Instructions

  1. In a mug dissolve the salt in the water. In a bowl combine the sifted flour with the yeast. Add salty water to it and stir through (if it’s very sticky, add a little bit more flour). Work the dough with a wooden spoon or with your hands until the dough comes off the bowl and gets smooth. Leave the dough in the bowl, cover with a clean cloth and let it rise for 30-40 minutes or until it has doubled in bulk.
  2. Once it is rested, carefully tip out the dough onto a floured surface, stretch out into a square and cut out about 10 cm (3,93 inch) round shapes with a big glass (big cookie cutter also good). Stretch out each piece with your fingers into a rund shape with the centre being thinner than the edges. Let the pieces rest for another 30 minutes on the floured surface.
  3. In a saucepan heat sunflower oil. Place lángos into the hot oil, fry it on one side until golden brown then turn. Repeat with the remaining lángos dough.
  4. Serve while it’s hot. You can eat it simple or sprinkle with chopped garlic or douse with garlic water and top with grated cheese and sour cream.
  5. Enjoy!

Ready In: 55 min.

Ingredients:

  • 300 g all-purpose flour
  • 7 g dried (instant) yeast
  • 250 ml water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • sunflower oil for frying
  • toppings: sour cream, grated cheese, garlic
Polish potato pancakes

Polish potato pancakes

placki - polish pancake

Using the coarse side of a box grater, grate the potatoes and place them into a sieve or colander over a bowl. Using the finer side of the grater, grate the onion and add it to the potato. Using the back of a spoon, or even your hands, squeeze out any excess water/juice from the potatoes and onion. Discard the liquid, and then put the onions and potatoes into the bowl. Add the egg, two tablespoons of flour and season with sea salt and pepper, then stir everything together – the mixture should be quite thick.

Heat a little vegetable oil in a large, flat frying pan. Drop three or four mounds of the mixture into hot oil, and flatten to make small pancakes.

Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown. Transfer the pancakes to a plate lined with a paper towel. Repeat until all the potato mixture is used, adding a little fresh oil if necessary. You can serve the pancakes immediately, or keep them warm, wrapped in tin foil in a low oven.

To make a quick mushroom sauce to serve with the pancakes, heat a little oil in a clean frying pan. Fry the chopped onion on a low heat for ten minutes until golden and soft. Add the mushrooms and cook for a further few minutes, until soft. Pour in the stock and simmer for one minute, then pour in the double cream and stir in the sour cream. Allow to bubble and simmer, then serve with the potato pancakes, along with some fresh dill and extra sour cream on the side.

Smacznego!

Ready In: 25 min.

Ingredients:

  • Ingredients:
  • 6-8 medium-sized potatoes, peeled
  • 1 onion, peeled
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons plain flour
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Oil for shallow frying
  • For the mushroom sauce:
  • 1 onion, peeled, finely chopped
  • 250g chestnut mushrooms
  • 125ml/½ cup vegetable stock
  • 125ml/½ cup double or heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sour cream
  • Extra sour cream to serve
  • Fresh dill to garnish
Sarmale Recipe - Romania

Sarmale Recipe - Romania

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Recipe for Sarmale (Stuffed cabage rolls)

Ingredients:

  • 800g of minced pork and beef (mixed well together)
  • 3 big onions
  • 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or sunflower)
  • 100g of rice
  • 150g of smoked meat (preferable pig but beef is also fine)
  • 100ml of tomato juice
  • 2 tablespoons of dill
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • Thyme, salt and pepper
  • Pickled cabbage leaves

How to prepare:

  1. Finely chop the onions and cook them until see trough with 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes, while stirring. Now add the onion and tomato paste mix to the minced meats, then add salt, pepper, thyme, the washed rice and the very fine chopped dill.

 

  1. Remove the leaves from the cabbage very carefully, now divide the leaf in two parts. Fill the leaves with the meat component and roll them until completely closed. Now fold the sides, of the roll, in so the sarmale is done. Now continue until all of the sarmale are rolled. Now moving to the pan you will cook the sarmale in, before putting in all the delicious rolls you just prepared we will have to make a bed for the rolls. We will do this by laying pickled cabbage leaves on the bottom of the pan or even chopped pickled cabbage can be used instead.

 

  1. Now lay your sarmale in the pan, do this by following a spiral form and make sure the sarmale are put together with not too much space in between them. After you finished one spiral row you can lay another bed of pickled cabbage on top before continuing with sarmale. When all the cabbage rolls are laying in the pan, Fill the pan with the tomato juice until it reaches the upper sarmale. You can ad additional pickled cabbage on top and put the smoked meat also dispersed in the pan. Now its time to turn on the fire and let your sarmale simmer for about 3 to 4 hours. Make sure to keep the lit

Tips:

  • Optionally you can decide to make the sarmale in the oven in a cooking pot if you own one.
  • To be sure that the sarmale are cooked well you can taste some of the pickled cabbage.
  • You can use more rice and less meat if you desire, or you could even go for fully rice with chopped paprika and mushrooms to make the dish fully vegan.

Ready In: 350 min.

Romanian Traditions & Foods

Romanian Traditions & Foods

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Holidays & religion
Romania is a country where most of the population is following the orthodox-christian religion. The orthodox religion is derived from Christianity but is much stricter in some ways like fasting without any animal product (milk, eggs, butter), church service takes about 4 hours on a Sunday instead of the hour and a half like in the catholic church. Romania knows multiple holidays that are comparable with the western holidays and some that are just celebrated by Romanians.

New Years eve (Revelion)
New years eve or Revelion as it is known in Romania is a very important holiday and is the first holiday celebrated in Romania. The celebration of new years eve dates back to 2000 years before Christ. During the celebration the Romanian people give each other symbolic gifts, like sweets and honey as a sign of peace, money and gold as a sign of welfare or a lantern for a year full of light.

New Years day (Anul nou)
In the cities New Years day is being celebrated by having people over at home or go out to bars, pubs and continue the party that New Years Eve offered. However the date of New Years day corresponds with the celebration of saint Vasile the great (Sfantul Vasile). In the countryside this is being celebrated on the first day of the year. On this day children will go out caroling a carol called Socrova. With the carol they wish everyone a rich, fruitfull year.

Christmas (Craciun)
During Christmas the Romanians prepare the Christmas tree with beautiful ornaments, just like in most countries Christmas day is spent with family and friends. The celebration is in name of Jesus Christ who was born on Christmas. In addition to the usual tree ornamenting, gifting to others and gathering of friends and family the Romanians also go door to door and carol for sweets, fruit or money. This is mostly being done by children who have been practicing weeks beforehand to impress the people.

Martisor
In Romania on the first of march there is a celebration named Martisor (literally translated; small march). The men give woman a gift consisting of a red and white thread or a more expensive version is a piece of jewellery with the red and white thread involved in the appearance. After the woman received the gift from a man they will wear this accessory until the end of March. This tradition symbolizes the beginning of spring and it is believed to bring strength and health during the coming year. Image

Easter (Pastele)
Easter is being celebrated on a different date than when the Christens and Catholics are celebrating the rise of Christ. Eastern is being celebrated after ‘the seven weeks of fasting’. During this time it is prohibited to eat any animal related food. This includes butter, milk, eggs and fish. During the last night of fasting everybody wakes up around midnight, washes themselves put on clean (usually new cloths) and heads towards the church. At the church there will be a ceremony where the priest will, with a cross and a lit candle in his hands, come out of the church followed by all the believers. The priest will then shout:
‘’Christos a inviat’’, meaning christ has risen, To which everybody will respond with: ‘’Adevarat a inviat’’, meaning he really has. The fire from the candle the priest brought out is being used to light everyones candles. After which everyone will return to there homes with the lit up candle by the church its flames. When arriving home instead of going to sleep, everybody sits down at the table and has the first meal in seven weeks that consists of animal products.

Bear parade
When winter is nearing its end there is another unique tradition exclusive to Romania known as the bear parade. During this period there will be a parade of dancing bears which stand for bringing luck . The participants dress themselves with real bear hides and go door-to-door while growling and accompanied by percussion and singing to wear off all the evil.Image

 

Romanian traditional foods
Cozonac
This type of cake has been made for years and is a very old tradition in Romania. It is being said that the Cozonac is originated from ancient Egypt and then taken over by the Greek. Eventually it found its way to Romania. It is being made for special occasions like Christmas or easter but its also being enjoyed on a wedding day. Its made by using flower, eggs, milk, butter, salt and sugar. Optional ingredients that are used quite often are: resins, orange or lemon zest, walnuts, vanilla or rum extract, cocoa powder and poppy seeds.

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Mamaliga
Mamaliga is a often made supplementary dish by Romanians. The dish consists of a type of corn porridge that is eaten with some type of meat (usually pig) and cheese mixed with yoghurt. Mamaliga was is known to be a replacement for bread for people who could not afford bread. During the passing of time it changed to a nostalgic food for many Romanians and is being eaten on the regular by all Romanians.

Mici (Mititei)
Mici are meat rolls usually consisting of a mix from pig-, cow- and chicken meat. This is a tradition Romanian dish that is made on a barbeque and is mostly eaten with a piece of bead and some mustard.

Sarmale
Sarmale is arguably the most iconic Romanian dish. The dish can be described as cabbage rolls stuffed with different types of meat or rice. In addition to the meat or the rice there are herbs added, onions and in some cases traditional (smoked) bacon (usually with rice). The dish is often served with mamaliga (corn porridge) and yoghurt to bring down the intensity of the overpowering flavour given by the sarmale. The dish is being eaten on all the holidays and on wedding days. Sarmale is a delicious dish especially when it is home cooked with the right ingredients. Many Romanians prepare for the winter by pickling cabbages so it can be used during the winter to make Sarmale.

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Scotch Eggs

Scotch Eggs

Scotch Egg

Hello everyone,

On my trip to great England i had the one of the best pub foods. Pub food is fast easy, simple and doesn't require to much effort. Today i wan't to share my version of scotch eggs, i've been making them since i left England and the are delicious.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook time: 15 mins

Instructions

  1. Boil all your eggs for 2-4 mins (Depening on the heat). You wan't the eggs to be cooked on the outside and liquid in the center (Yellow). Once you're eggs are done take them out and pout cold water over them for 20 seconds. This is to stop the egg from cooking any further.

  2. Preheat your deep fryer to 350.

  3. Meanwhile wrap your hard boiled eggs in your pork sausage.

  4. In 3 separate bowls add your eggs, flour and bread crumbs,

  5. Dredge your wrapped eggs first into the flour, then eggs then bread crumbs.

  6. Fry 2 at a time in deep fryer for about 5-6 minutes or until internal temperature is 160.

  7. Remove cooked eggs and serve

  8. Serve with honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce (Mayo, Ketchup, BBQ hot sauce) or make ur own.

Ready In: 20 min.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kilo of pork sausage or any other sausage type.
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 4 soft boiled eggs peeled

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