Cooking has always been about love. The way we show love to others by cooking is more than providing sustenance. It is time given to family and friends as a way to show that they are loved. For women over the centuries, preparing a meal was the central part of their existence.

During my recent River Cruise on the Danube River, I experienced an example of love demonstrated by a family who live and work together, continuing ancient traditions, at their wine estate in Austria. Wachau Valley has one of the oldest cultivated landscapes in Europe. The estate, The Nikolaihof, goes back to Roman times. Christine and Nikolaus Saahs, work with their children to produce wine and food that sustains their lively hood. Their love for their land, is evident in the food, made with organic ingredients from their own garden, the bread is homemade. This careful preparation and attention to detail shows the love and care of a family devoted to providing the best quality food available. “And if the dishes are then prepared with love as well, there is nothing to stand in the way of an excellent meal.” Christine Saahs

This is a recipe from the Wachau Valley that is cool and refreshing for a hot summer day.

            Cold Cucumber Soup

2 Cucumbers

1/4c.  whipping cream

2 cups yogurt

Salt, pepper, lemon juice, chopped dill,

Cubed white bread

Clarified butter for frying

Nasturtium blossoms for garnish

Chop the cucumbers, cut lengthwise in half, seed, cut into slices, and season with salt.

Chop or puree the cucumber with an immersion blender, add the yogurt,cream and spices, and season carefully to taste with lemon juice and dill. Chill the soup before serving.

Serve with finely diced cucumber and cubed white bread that has been fried in butter.