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 8 Psychopathologie 23 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 8: Forensische psychologie

Forensische settings

  • Voorhechtenis: Individu wacht op een uitspraak van de rechter
  • Gevangenis: Individu is al veroordeeld
  • Forensisch psychiatrische centra (open of gesloten): individu vormt een gevaar voor zichzelf en/of zijn omgeving
  • Fornenisische verslavingsklinieken: ter gevolgen van middelgebruik
  • Pieter Baan Centrum: diagnostiek en risicotaxatie

Doelgroep

  • Mannen 90%: doordat ze sneller geneigd zijn agressief gedrag te vertonen
  • 25-45 jaar 60%: jongeren mensen ontvangen vaak lichtere straf en voeren minder heftige daden uit
  • Migratieachtergrond 65%: is disproportioneel met de samenstelling van de populatie
  • Middelengebruik 65%

Risk-Need-Responsivity Model
Big 4: tellen zwaar mee
Geschiedenis van antisociaal gedrag
Antisociaal persoonlijkheidspatroon
Antisociale cognities
Antisociaal netwerk: bvb crimineel netwerk
Moderate 4: tellen minder zwaar mee
Familie/gezinsomstandigheden
School/werk
Vrije tijd/ontspanning
Middelengebruik
Need
Dynamische noden: gebaseerd op risico
Intensiteit van de behandeling wordt aangepast aan risico. Minder

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Hoorcollege 7 Klinische Neuropsychologie 2023 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 7: Taal

Taal: gemeenschappelijk communicatiesysteem met als doel het uitwisselen van informatie. 

  • De link tussen concept en woord is arbitrair (willekeurig). Binnen dezelfde taal gebruiken we allemaal dezelfde links. 
  • Hetzelfde concept is op verschillende manier uit te drukken: spraak, gebaren etc
  • Is sociaal, dient oa als het belangrijkste communicatiemiddel tussen patiënt en arts. 
  • Is cognitief (leren): binnen 4-6 jaar hebben kinderen de taal onder de knie wat betreft de belangrijkste onderdelen (zinsbouw & morfologie). Beschadigingen van hersengebieden zijn bij volwassen dan ook veel schadelijker
  • Taalontwikkelingsstoornis (TOS): komt bij 5% van de kinderen voor, maar wordt vaak over het hoofd gezien
  • Er zijn veel verschillen tussen gezonde mensen in woordbegrip/geletterdheid. Hierdoor kan het dat een ander je boodschap niet begrijpt (ruis)
  • Taalstoornissen kunnen naast primaire ook van secundaire aard zijn, waardoor het minder opvalt. Bvb empty speech (Alzheimer) “je weet wel” “toen ging ik dat doen”. 
  • Taal is
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Hoorcollege 6 Klinische Neuropsychologie 2023 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 6: Intelligentie

Aristoteles (384-322 BC): We bezitten vouc. Dit is een deel van de ziel dat zorgt voor intelligentie en verstandigheid en is gelokaliseerd in het hart. 

Binet-Simon/Standford-Binet Intelligence Test (begin 20e eeuw): test die ontwikkeld is om intelligentie te meten bij kinderen om vast te stellen wie ondersteuning nodig had. Hierbij moesten zij onder andere getekende gezichten beoordelen op mooiheid. Op basis van leeftijd zijn verschillende mijlpalen vastgesteld. 

  • 3 jaar: aan kunnen wijzen welke onderdelen miste van de getekende gezichten en cijfers kunnen herhalen
  • 5 jaar: 5 cijfers kunnen herhalen
  • 6 jaar: linkerhand en rechterhand van elkaar kunnen onderscheiden

Definities van intelligentie

  • "... intelligentie, dat wil zeggen, redeneren, oordeel, geheugen en de kracht van abstractie" (Binet 1890, geciteerd in Sattler, 1988, p. 45)
  • "Intelligentie is een algemeen vermogen van het individu om bewust zijn denken aan te passen aan nieuwe eisen" (Stern, 1914)
  • "
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Hoorcollege 5 Psychopathologie 2023 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 5: angststoornissen

Angstoornis: subjectief lijden/gehinderd worden door een abnormale angstrespons. Dit is houdt in dat de intensiteit van de response niet in verhouding is tot de ernst van de dreiging en heeft dus niet te maken met de aard van de angstresponse zelf. 

Soorten angststoornissen: 

  • Separation Anxiety disorder
  • Selective mutism
  • Specifieke fobie: afhankelijk van de aard van de fobie( bvb angst voor vliegen)
  • Sociale angststoornis: angst voor afkeuring door anderen omdat andere tekenen van sociale angst zien (blozen, trillen etc)
  • Paniekstoornis: catastrofale misinterpretatie van lichamelijke sensaties
  • General anxiety disorder (GAD): wisselend, doorlopend aan het piekeren

Tot 59 neemt de prevalentie van angststoornissen toe, na de 60 is er sprake van een dip (meer dan een halvering)

Cruciale elementen angststoornissen

  • geconditioneerde stimulus (CS):  “voorspeller van gevaar”
  • ongeconditioneerde stimulus (US): gevreesd gevaar/catastrophe
  • geconditioneerde respons (CR): veiligheidsgedrag en vermijdingsgedrag
  • Emotie i.h.b subjectieve angst als reactie op de CS
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Aantekeningen Correlationeel hoorcollege 1 Toepassing Onderzoeksmethoden en Statistiek - UU (2022-2023) - Psychologie

Correlationeel Hoorcollege 1

 

Customer satisfaction: om erachter te komen hoe tevreden de consument is. Met knoppen op het vliegveld.

Soorten peilingen:

  • Political polls
  • Peilingen voor politiek.
  • Governmental statistics: door vragenlijsten. Niet verzameld voor een interventie, dus het blijft correlationele data.
  • Data worden toevallig verzameld en met opzet.
  • Slimme tv’s: Wordt toch al verzameld, dit is toevallig.

Data worden op verschillende manieren verzameld:

  • Per ongeluk = organic
  • Expres = designed

Correlationele data wordt designed om 

  • De sociale werkelijkheid te omschrijven.
  • Om bepaalde (causale) verbanden te bestuderen
  • Onderzoeksresultaten generaliseren naar een grotere groep

 

Inferential goals:

  • Description
  • Causation
  • Prediction

 

De economische positie van vrouwen is vooruit gegaan → Description

Hoeveel mensen willen meedoen aan de verkiezingen → description

 

Vragenlijst mogelijkheden:

  • Face-to-face (CAPI). Staat voor computer assistent personal interview
  • Mail, dit is de post
  • Telephone (CATI). Computer assistent telephone interview.
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Hoorcollege 5 Klinische Neuropsychologie 2023 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 5: Lichaamspresentatie

two point discrimination (DIY): twee stimulatiepunten op dezelfde afstand worden ergens geplaatst op het lichaam. Middels dit wordt het onderscheid in gevoeligheid en specificiteit van receptieve velden in de cortex in kaart gebracht. 

  • Two-point felt:  twee receptieve velden worden gestimuleerd. De receptieve velden zijn dus kleiner en gevoeliger. Bvb vingers
  • One-point felt: één receptief veld gestimuleerd door de twee stimulatiepunten 

Mentale lichaamsrepresentatie:

  •  Is van belang doordat we een lichaam hebben die we niet continu zien,  maar wel continu gebruiken
  • intern model van het lichaam (blauwdruk) die wordt opgebouwd uit multi sensorische input. Omvat ook abstracte informatie (is niet enkel een plaatje van je lijf)
  • Is cruciaal voor het dagelijks leven. Voor cognitie, affect, semantiek, perceptie, motoriek en actie

Lichaamsbeeld: Omvat cognitie/affect, semantiek, perceptie. Is bewust en stabiel over tijd. 
Anorexia is sprake van een verstoord lichaamsbeeld, ondanks de persoon veel is

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Hoorcollege 4 Klinische Neuropsychologie 2023 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 4: Waarneming

Hersenen

  • bovenkant: dorsaal
  • onderkant: ventraal
  • voorkant: frontaal, anterieur, rostraal
  • achterkant: posterieur, caudaal

Visuele waarneming

  • Visuele systeem: receptoren in je netvlies worden geprikkeld door licht. 
  • Je beeld van de wereld valt eigenlijk ondersteboven op je netvlies. 
  • Alles wat links van je zichtveld is, valt rechts op de retina.  Alles wat rechts van je zichtveld is, valt links op de retina. Tenzij je ernaartoe gaat kijken. 
  • Kegeltjes: lichtgevoelige receptoren die zorgen voor de waarneming van kleuren en scherp zicht. Zijn het meest geconcentreerd in het midden/fovea
  • Staafjes: lichtgevoelige receptoren die optimaal functioneren bij flauw licht
  • Blinde vlek: Deel in oog zonder waarneming. Hier verlaat de gezichtszenuw het oog

Twee-systemen voor de verwerking van visuele informatie:

  • Ventrale pad – wat (gezicht en objectherkenning, V5/MT)
  • Dorsale pad – waar (V1/V2, V3A, V4 (kleur))

Problematiek met waarneming

  • Hemianopsie: laesie locatie, schade op verschillende plekken
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Hoorcollege 4 Psychopathologie 23 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 4: Netwerkmodellen

Bij psychopathologie is kritisch nadenken belangrijk omdat er sprake is van een hoge prevalentie, de etiologie is onbekend, er een beperkte effectiviteit van behandelingen is

DSM-5: 7 classificaties (1880) → 419 classificaties (2012). Is van belang voor orde scheppen in de chaos, door eenduidigheid te scheppen in symptomen. Waardoor we beter evidence based behandelingen kunnen onderzoeken en gebruiken
kritiek: iedere patiënt heeft een unieke set aan symptomen en vaak is er ook sprake van comorbiditeit, heeft het dus eigenlijk wel nut om te classificeren? vb een groep van 3703 patiënten met unipolaire depressie bleken 1030 unieke combinaties van symptomen te hebben

kritiek op classificeren

  • classificaties zijn heterogeen
  • grenzen tussen classificaties zijn vaag
  • hoge comorbiditeit: komt grotendeels door overlappende symptomen
  • doet geen recht aan de diversiteit van psychopathologie

Voorbeeld netwerktheorie van groep opstellen: 840 patiënten met unipolaire depressie → Quick Inventory of Depressieve

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Hoorcollege 3 Psychopathologie 23 Universiteit Utrecht

Hoorcollege 3: Depressie

Criteria voor Depressie

  • Symptomen veroorzaken lijden/beperkingen in het dagelijks leven
  • Symptomen niet toegeschreven aan een middle/somatische aandoening
  • Symptomen niet verklaard door psychotische stoornis
  • Geen manie/hypomanie

Lastige zaken omtrent depressie

  • heterogeniteit: verschillende neurologische paden, uitingsvormen, symptomen, onder/overdiagnose. Studie die keek naar 3703 patienten ondervonden hierbinnen 1030 unieke symptoom profielen. Grote mate van heterogeniteit dus
  • Hoge comorbiditeit: er is een hoge overlap tussen depressie en oa angststoornissen (65%), persoonlijkheidsstoornissen (45%), alcoholmisbruik (12 tot 30%), somatische stoornissen (20 tot 60%)
  • Vaak is er een slechtere prognose (behandeluitkomst), mede door deze comorbiditeit. Comorbiditeit bij persoonlijkheidsstoornissen heeft dit geen negatief effect op het behandelresultaat

Multifactoriële ontstaan Depressie

  • Biologische factoren: genetische factoren, hersenen, HPA-as, immunologie
  • Sociale factoren: Life events, stress. Jeugdtrauma: met name emotionele verwaarlozing en mishandeling is geassocieerd met depressie, maar dit leidt niet tot slechtere behandeluitkomsten
  • Psychologische factoren: theorie van Lewinsohn, cognitieve theorie over depressie
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Check or search within topic: Europe
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Hoorcollege 1/ introductiecollege “De cursus biedt inzicht in de huidige stand van zaken op het gebied van motivatie en zelfsturend gedrag, in hoe deze zich ontwikkelen, en in hoe kennis met betrekking tot motivatie en zelfsturend gedrag wordt aangewend om gedrag te begrijpen, te voorkomen, of...

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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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