Since we knew we were going to travel to Koln early on Saturday, we decided to make Friday a nice, relaxing evening.
For starters, we enjoyed a nice home-cooked meal! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted one of our meals (mostly because Joe’s had traveled a bit and I do have 2 meals a week at school). However, I found a new recipe and was very excited to try it!
Balsamic Chicken & Mushrooms (from this blog). I followed the recipe almost exactly (I didn’t have any fresh thyme so I subbed in some remaining chicken spice plust I added 1/2 an onion). I then made roasted brussel sprouts as a side! I still can’t figure out when brussel sprouts are in season here…seems like fall and spring?
Yum, I fo sho had 2nds!
After, we decided to check out Gent’s Christmas Market. It didn’t open until Friday for some reason (perhaps because I heard most Belgian Christmas celebrations happen after Sinterklaas). The setting was beautiful – right outside St. Baaf’s Cathedral. It was significantly smaller than the Brussels Christmas Market, but very cozy and quaint. There was even a band playing! Here are some pics:
The Belfort tower nicely lit!
The inevitable "Gluhwein" stand!
And of course, AWESOME hot chocolate - can you see the HUGE marshmallows?
We then walked into the Korenmarkt to see the big Christmas tree. Definitely did not pass the “squint test,” but still very pretty. I don’t understand all these carnival rides…
Gent's Tree!
Quite a nice night!
Expats In Ghent 