How It All Started: A Challenge, a Recipe, and a Dream
I totally forgot I won something this April… A little prize from the city of Bruges, as part of Veggie Challenge wedstrijd Stad Brugge. The email began politely:
“Good afternoon,
You participated in the Veggie Challenge competition for the €50 gift voucher. We thank you for the beautiful entry.
We had to wait in suspense for a while longer, but…
You are one of the winners, congratulations!…”
What was my creation, you ask?
Fluweelzachte Bosstoofpot met Romige Aardappelwolken – or, in English, Velvety Forest Stew with Creamy Potato Clouds. Yes, the name is a bit whimsical. But why not give our food a little poetry?
I’ve always dreamed of opening a small food shack – somewhere cozy and casual – where dishes don’t just list ingredients but tell little stories. The recipe may include simple ingredients, nothing fancy – but the names? That should spark curiosity. Joy. Even a giggle.
Inside Bruges City Hall: A Recipe Celebration
I was invited to a charming press event on Thursday, April 24, at 3 p.m. in the gorgeous salons of City Hall at Burg 12. The building itself felt like a warm embrace from history – think ornate wood, tall windows, golden details.
The organizers didn’t just hand out prizes. They went further: They compiled a recipe booklet featuring the five winning dishes (mine included!).
If you’re curious, the full booklet is available for download – though it’s in Dutch, it’s packed with color and soul. (Download the booklet)
Photos: A little press event, a lot of history – welcome to the city hall of Bruges, where even the walls feel important
About That Patrick Devos Moment…
So, I had originally chosen to enjoy my gift voucher at the Patrick Devos restaurant, thinking, “Why not treat hubby and myself?” But when I peeked at the prices… let’s just say my lunch plans changed faster than you can say red beetroot espuma. And yep, I skipped lunch.
No hard feelings though! Honestly, I’m fine with that. Sometimes the best food adventures happen in our own kitchens – spices in our hands, cats judging us while weaving between our feet, hoping for snacks. You know the vibe.
What I Prepared Today: Paprika Waffles & Green Ajvar
Because food dreams don’t end with one contest win, I’ve kept playing in the kitchen. Most recently, I whipped up what I’ll boldly call a Waffle Revolution. And today’s star dish? It goes by the name: Waffle Waltz with Balkan Spice.
Here’s the idea: I use a savory waffle-style batter made with eggs, flour (usually oats, buckwheat, spelt, or chickpea), and a splash of soy or oat cream. Then I stir in spices – salt, pepper, paprika, onion, garlic – whatever I’m craving that day (or it is in the fridge at the moment). Sometimes I throw in chia seeds, sunflower seeds, chopped leek or red onion. It’s spontaneous cooking, guided by mood and taste buds.
Today’s creation was simple, cozy, and full of color
- The batter: eggs, oat flour, soy cream enhanced with pasta from grounded fresh red paprika (yes, inside the dough!) and sipices – salt, peper, onion.
- The topping: a generous dollop of green ajvar, my favorite Balkan roasted green pepper and eggplant relish.
Sure, it’s made in a waffle maker, but is it a waffle in the traditional sense? Debatable. Delicious? Absolutely.
Why I Keep Naming My Food Like a Poet with a Frying Pan
“Creamy Potato Clouds.”
“Forest Stew.”
“Waffle Waltz with Balkan Spice.”
I know some people might raise an eyebrow, but for me, naming dishes is like writing little love notes to the eater. It’s my way of blending art and taste. The ingredients are always clearly listed (no one’s getting mystery mushrooms here, LOL), but the name? That’s where the magic lives.
Wrapping Up with Gratitude (and Garlic)
Being part of the Veggie Challenge Bruges was more than just fun – it was a reminder that plant-based cooking has a whole community behind it. A tasty, creative, sometimes slightly over-the-top community, but one that I’m proud to be part of.
So, cheers from Belgium, where waffles might contain paprika, and stew might wear a poetic name.
Eet smakelijk. Bon appétit. And keep your potato clouds fluffy.
