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From Zurich to Your Kitchen: How Swiss Cuisine Connected Me to My Heritage

  • Writer: Chris Loertscher
    Chris Loertscher
  • Sep 11, 2024
  • 3 min read

Updated: Aug 19

Why I Started a Cooking Blog: A Journey Back to My Swiss Roots

Born in Zurich, Switzerland, and then moving to North America in my toddler years, I’ve always felt a deep connection to my Swiss heritage. My mother, a Swiss native herself, instilled in me a love for the culinary traditions of our homeland, a passion that has only deepened over the years. Today, as I share my journey through my cooking blog, I invite you to learn how Swiss cuisine has been more than just food for me—it's been a bridge to my past and a way to preserve my heritage.


A young girl in a traditional swiss garment.
Me in a traditional Swiss Tracht (dress)

A Swiss Childhood in a Foreign Land

I was only two years old when my family relocated from Zurich to Boston, and six when we moved to Montreal. While the cities were all different, one thing remained constant: the Swiss meals lovingly prepared by my mother. These dishes—rich with the flavors of Switzerland—offered a comforting sense of familiarity in our new homes. They were a way for all of us to stay connected to our roots despite being far from the country we once called home.


Culinary Traditions as a Link to Heritage: How Swiss Cuisine Kept Me Connected.

Food has always been a powerful connector, and for me, Swiss cuisine was a tangible link to my heritage. From the crisp, golden Rösti to the creamy, indulgent fondue, each dish was a reminder of our family traditions and the culture we cherished. My mother’s kitchen was a place of warmth and, unbeknownst to me, storytelling, where recipes were passed down through generations, each bite a piece of our history.

(Check out the my Swiss Kitchen for recipes)


Traditionally Swiss Christmas tree with candles instead of Christmas lights.  Here a young girl is blowing out a lit candle off the tree.
Blowing out the Christmas tree candles. (Yes, it was, and still is, normal to have candles instead of lights).

Why I Started My Cooking Blog

The idea to start my cooking blog was born out of a desire to share these cherished traditions with a wider audience. It began as a personal project, a way for me to document and celebrate the recipes that have shaped my life. But, as I delved deeper, I realized that my blog could be more than just a collection of recipes; it could be a way to reconnect others with their heritage, wherever they are in the world.


By sharing Swiss recipes and cooking tips, I hope to offer a taste of Switzerland to those who might not have the chance to visit. Whether it’s a classic Swiss Nusstorte, a hearty Gerstensuppe, or a simple but delicious Zopf, each recipe on my blog is crafted with love and a deep appreciation for the culinary traditions that have shaped my life.


Connecting with Tradition Through Food

Food is more than just cooking; it’s about preserving and celebrating a way of life that has been passed down through generations. By embracing recipes of your heritage and me sharing mine with you, I hope to keep the spirit of Swiss cuisine alive and well, and dispel any ideas that it is simply just about cheese and chocolate.


Young girl on a chair with a gold crown for three kings day (Konigs Tag)
I won the crown and was "Queen" for the day on Three Kings Day.

Join Me on This Culinary Journey

I invite you to join me on this culinary journey. Explore Swiss recipes, learn about traditional techniques, and discover the stories behind the dishes. Through my blog, I aim to bring a piece of Switzerland to your kitchen, offering not just recipes, but a heartfelt connection to the traditions and heritage that have shaped my life.

Thank you for being part of this journey. I hope you savor the flavors of Switzerland with me and celebrate the rich tapestry of your own culinary heritage with the meals you make in your kitchen.

 
 
 

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