When I was a child, the smell of warm rolls and strong coffee in the morning meant only one thing, my mother was making something special. She was born and raised in Reiskirchen, a small town in the Hessen region of Germany, where traditions ran deep and breakfast wasn’t just a meal, it was a moment to slow down, connect, and savor life.
Today, I’m proud (and a little emotional) to share the first episode of my new YouTube series:
From Germany, With Love – Bringing My Mother’s Kitchen to Life.
This project has been years in the making, tucked away in quiet conversations, memories wrapped in linen tablecloths, and flavors that brought comfort when words couldn’t. After losing my mom several years ago, I knew I wanted to find a way to honor her, not only the incredible woman she was, but the culture and love she carried with her into every meal she made.
A Frühstück from the Heart
In this first episode, I’m recreating a traditional German breakfast (Frühstück) — the kind my mom might’ve enjoyed growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s. On the table:
Warm Brötchen (bread rolls) with butter Radishes, thinly sliced and sprinkled with salt and chives Cold cuts and cheeses like Havarti and salami Hard-boiled eggs, served warm with a dash of Maggi seasoning Strong coffee, of course — no morning is complete without it
One bite of a buttered radish sandwich and I’m back in her kitchen — where she’d call me a “starch mouth” for always sneaking an extra roll.
More Than Just Recipes
This series is a love letter — not just to my mom, but to anyone who’s ever carried the weight of grief in one hand and the gift of tradition in the other. Food has a way of connecting us to those we’ve lost. Every slice, stir, and sprinkle is a way of remembering.
I hope this series brings you comfort, joy, and maybe even a bit of inspiration to explore your own heritage — or simply try something new and delicious.
Watch the Episode
And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share if this resonates with you. It means more than you know.
From my kitchen to yours,
With love, always.
Stefanie
The Dreamer's Pen 
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