Chocolate Cramique (Chocolate Chip Brioche)
Chocolate cramique comes from northern France and Belgium. Bakers there have made it for generations. It is part of daily life, not a festive dessert.
Cramique is a soft, lightly sweet bread. It sits between brioche and milk bread. Eggs, butter, and milk give it a rich texture. Bakers add chocolate chips, raisins, or pearl sugar to the dough.
Today, chocolate cramique stands as a small but delicious example of how regional food traditions ignore political borders, evolving instead through local tastes, ingredients, and habits—warm, simple, and meant to be eaten fresh.
Ribs in a Sweet and Spicy Sauce
Ribs in a sweet and spicy sauce are all about balance and indulgence. Slow-cooked until tender, the meat practically falls off the bone, soaking up a rich glaze that brings together deep sweetness and a gentle kick of heat. The sweetness—from maple syrup or honey—caramelizes as the ribs cook, while cayenne pepper or a touch of paprika adds just enough spice to keep every bite exciting. The result is sticky, glossy ribs with bold flavor: comforting, smoky, and just spicy enough to make you reach for another bite. Perfect for casual dinners or anytime you want something messy, satisfying, and unforgettable.
Sauerkraut Pancakes- Fuczki
When simple, hearty food is what you need, Sauerkraut Pancakes—Fuczki (pronounced “FOO-ch-kee”)—step in with flavor and history. I’m sharing a traditional dish from the Lemko people of the Bieszczady Mountains in southeastern Poland. Families in rural villages once relied on them during hard times, using only what they grew or preserved themselves. Today, fuczki are more than survival food—they’re a beloved regional specialty in Podkarpacie, often served with garlic sauce, sour cream, or mushroom sauce. This recipe keeps that spirit alive: simple, satisfying, and full of character. Let’s bring a taste of Lemko tradition to your kitchen.
