Embracing European Excellence

Preserving Heritage, Products, and Pride

Rooted in Europe: Exploring My Heritage and Supporting European-Made Products

Europe isn’t just a place on a map for me—it’s woven into my DNA. With ancestry spanning Ireland, Germany, Scotland, England, France, Latvia, Lithuania, and Italy, and my daughter’s Nordic, Norwegian, and Dutch heritage, I feel a deep connection to the cultures, traditions, and craftsmanship that define this diverse continent.

One of the best ways to honor and stay connected to my roots is by supporting European-made products—celebrating the quality, sustainability, and cultural richness they bring. That’s why I’m excited about Buy European Made, a community-led platform that helps people discover and support European businesses.

Why Buy European Made?

In today’s globalized world, it’s easy to overlook where our products come from. Buy European Made is more than just a database—it’s a movement to champion European craftsmanship and support local economies.

Here’s why it matters:

1. High-Quality Craftsmanship – European manufacturers follow strict quality standards, ensuring well-made, durable products.

2. Sustainability – Many European companies prioritize eco-friendly practices, ethical sourcing, and reduced carbon footprints.

3. Supporting Local Economies – Buying European-made products helps sustain jobs, small businesses, and artisans across the continent.

4. Cultural Heritage – From French fashion to Italian ceramics, supporting European products helps keep centuries-old traditions alive.

5. Fair Labor Practices – Europe has some of the strongest labor protection laws, ensuring fair wages and ethical work environments.

Rather than boycotting non-European goods, Buy European Made focuses on making informed choices that align with quality, sustainability, and heritage. The website Buy European Made makes it easy to find European alternatives to everyday products, helping people reconnect with and support businesses across the continent.

Bringing European Heritage Into My Kitchen

One of the most meaningful ways I connect with my roots is through food. Every European country has signature flavors and time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Inspired by my heritage and the Buy European Mademission, I created a recipe that celebrates European ingredients.

Rustic European Harvest Stew

This hearty dish brings together ingredients sourced from across Europe—a blend of Italian olive oil, French wine, German caraway, Irish potatoes, Dutch root vegetables, and Baltic herbs—into a warm, comforting meal that reflects the diversity of European cuisine.

Ingredients (All Found in Europe!)

• 1 ½ lbs grass-fed beef (Germany, Scotland, or Ireland are famous for quality beef)

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (Italian or Greek)

• 1 onion, diced (Common in European cooking)

• 2 carrots, chopped (Dutch and Nordic cuisine staple)

• 2 parsnips, chopped (Used in Baltic and Scandinavian dishes)

• 3 potatoes, cubed (Irish and English influence)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (French and Italian essential)

• 1 cup wild mushrooms (France and Italy are known for their mushrooms)

• 1 tsp caraway seeds (Popular in Germany and the Baltics)

• 1 tsp dried thyme (Used across Europe)

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 cups European beef broth (Homemade or sourced from a European brand)

• 1 cup dry red wine (French or Italian)

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (British origin)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Sear the meat – In a large pot, heat European olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the stew meat, then remove.

2. Sauté vegetables – Add onions, garlic, carrots, and parsnips. Cook for 5 minutes.

3. Deglaze with wine – Pour in French or Italian red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Build the stew – Return beef to the pot. Add potatoes, mushrooms, caraway, thyme, bay leaf, Worcestershire sauce, European broth, salt, and pepper.

5. Slow Cook – Cover and simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld.

6. Serve – Remove the bay leaf and serve with European dark rye bread (a staple in German, Baltic, and Nordic cuisines).

This stew isn’t just food—it’s a love letter to my European roots, using ingredients that highlight the quality and diversity of European agriculture.

Embracing European Heritage Beyond the Kitchen

While food is one of the most tangible ways to connect with ancestry, honoring European heritage goes beyond the dinner table.

• Supporting European Businesses – Checking Buy European Made before purchasing everyday items ensures that my money goes toward businesses that reflect my values.

• Learning About Traditions – Reading about Celtic folklore, Baltic solstice celebrations, or Italian Renaissance art helps me appreciate the legacy my ancestors left behind.

• Celebrating European Holidays – Recognizing events like St. Patrick’s Day (Ireland), Midsummer (Nordic countries), and Oktoberfest (Germany) keeps traditions alive.

• Exploring Ancestral Languages – Even learning a few words in French, German, or Norwegian strengthens the connection to my past.

The Future of European Heritage

Our ancestors built legacies through craftsmanship, storytelling, and a deep connection to the land. By choosing European-made products, we aren’t just celebrating the past—we’re investing in the future of local artisans, ethical production, and cultural preservation.

If you’re interested in reconnecting with your own European roots—or simply want to support high-quality, sustainable businesses—check out Buy European Made to discover products that align with your heritage and values.

Because sometimes, the best way to honor the past is to invest in its future.