Today’s TEAM Eats comes from Melissa Lundquist, a TEAM worker in Austria.
I recently met a colleague at an Austrian café. We usually meet in the afternoons, during the traditional kaffee und kuchen (afternoon coffee and cake) time.
There are so many coffeehouses in Vienna to choose from! We’ve been to traditional ones and we’ve been to modern ones, both of which have pros and cons — but the idea of afternoon coffee and cake is the same regardless.
When you walk into a coffeehouse in Austria, you’re greeted by a glass display case of cakes and desserts. After you you decide which special treat to indulge on, you find a seat in the café, look through the menu and place your order. When your coffee is delivered to your table, it’s usually brought out on a silver tray. It’s also accompanied by a small glass of water and your special treat.
And you don’t just dig in! You take your time and savor it — enjoy it. Often, a café visit lasts several hours. And that one cup of coffee will last almost the entire time you’re there. (Yes, it will get cold, but the conversation likely will not.)
When we were in the States on home assignment several years ago, we came up with the idea to host an Austrian coffeehouse experience event. It gave our churches and supporters the opportunity to learn about Austrian culture, geography and history through the experience of a café visit.
We served our guests’ choices of coffee or tea, as well as a sampler platter of yummy Austrian treats. Some of my recipes require ingredients only found in Austria, but this Bavarian apple torte recipe can be made with ingredients found in the States.
As you enjoy a slice of Bavarian apple torte with a cup of coffee during your afternoon kaffee und kuchen time, would you consider praying for the conversations that missionaries in Austria are having during their kaffee und kuchen time? Whether it’s with a colleague, a neighbor or someone in their church, pray for the conversations that will glorify God and lead others to Him!
Here’s how to make Bavarian apple torte!
See full ingredients list below.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar, divided into even thirds
- 1 cup flour
- 1 package (250g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 3-4 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, peeled and sliced
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Beat butter and ⅓ cup sugar in small bowl until light and fluffy. Add flour. Mix well.
2. Spread batter onto bottom and an inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese and ⅓ cup sugar in the same small bowl until well-blended. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Spread evenly over crust batter in springform pan.
4. Combine remaining ⅓ cup sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over apple slices in large bowl, and toss to coat thoroughly. Spoon or place over cream cheese layer in springform pan.
5. Bake 10 minutes at 400 degrees. Reduce temperature to 375 degrees, and continue baking 25 to 45 minutes, until center is set.
6. Cool on wire rack. Loosen torte from rim of pan. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
Do you want to share Christ’s love with the people of Europe? Discover short-, mid- and long-term opportunities to share the Good News there today!
