North Wild Kitchen

Category: Occasion

  • Gomme (Norwegian Sweet Cheese)

    Gomme (Norwegian Sweet Cheese)

    Gomme (Norwegian Sweet Cheese) Gomme (Norwegian Sweet Cheese)

    “Lefse uten gomme er som grøt uten salt”.

    (Lefse wthout gomme is like porridge without salt)

    Gomme goes by many names, including gumme, gubbost, and dravle. It’s created by cooking down fresh milk – curds and whey and all – to achieve a soft and spreadable sweet cheese. It’s been around for centuries, perhaps one of the older desserts known, and has had a central place among Norwegian milk dishes. Life on a self-sustainable farm meant a limited supply of cow’s milk during certain parts of the year. Therefore, since gomme was made of fresh milk, it is reasonable to assume it was a highly treasured dish that was reserved for special occasions and high holidays. (more…)

  • The Southern Coast {Sørlandet} + Seawater-Poached Salmon Steaks

    The Southern Coast {Sørlandet} + Seawater-Poached Salmon Steaks

    The Southern Coast (Sørlandet) + Salt Water Salmon Steaks The Southern Coast (Sørlandet) + Salt Water Salmon SteaksA smoldering heat enveloped me as I gazed out from the brygge (docks) toward the sea; one hand shading my eyes from the sun’s bright rays. The blue waters appeared never ending – with small,  rocky, and only somewhat-barren islands jetting out as the seagulls danced around the them. The breeze gave only the slightest sense of relief from this year’s endless heat wave, but the beauty and tranquility of the landscape alone was enough to take my mind off of it. (more…)

  • Kvæfjordkake: The World’s Best Cake (Verdens Beste)

    Kvæfjordkake: The World’s Best Cake (Verdens Beste)

    Norway's Kvæfjordkake (Verdens Beste "The World's Best Cake")Norway's Kvæfjordkake (Verdens Beste "The World's Best Cake")Sponge cake baked with meringue and almonds becomes the centerpiece of this delightful layer cake filled with custard and whipped cream. It began its inception in the north of Norway and has earned it’s nickname as verdens beste, “the world’s best”. (more…)

  • Outdoor Skillet-Bread with Lamb and Pea Pesto (Bålbrød med lam og erterpesto)

    Outdoor Skillet-Bread with Lamb and Pea Pesto (Bålbrød med lam og erterpesto)

    Outdoor Skillet-Bread with Lamb and Pea Pesto (Bålbrød med lam og erterpesto)Outdoor Skillet Pizza with Lamb and Pea PestoA crackling fire set amidst the backdrop of nature is one of the most pleasant and fulfilling ways to cook. There’s a connection between the ingredients, the process, and the finished meal that completely transcends the traditional kitchen.

    One thing you learn quickly when living in Norway is that your home extends beyond a structure’s walls. Your time is shared both under a roof and in the open expanse of the surrounding landscape. Not even bad weather can, nor should, contain an individual to an enclosed space. That’s why every opportunity to explore the outdoors is relished upon. (more…)

  • Aquavit, Orange, and Juniper Cocktail (Akevitt-cocktail med appelsin og einer)

    Aquavit, Orange, and Juniper Cocktail (Akevitt-cocktail med appelsin og einer)

    Aquavit, Orange and Juniper Cocktail (Akevitt-cocktail med appelsin og einer) Aquavit, Orange and Juniper Cocktail (Akevitt-cocktail med appelsin og einer)As a follow up to my previous recipe post, Whole Wheat Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange Peel Braided Swirl Bun, I’m sharing this simple and refreshing cocktail that I like to make when I have leftover orange syrup (from all those candied orange peels) around. I especially find this to be a great drink to serve during påske (Easter), right after a good, long trek in the brisk mountain air.

    I use a local aquavit called Fjellvitt Akevitt “white mountain aquavit”  that has a rich characteristic of caraway and other spices, and just a hint of sherry. The orange adds a nice sweetness and the juniper berries offer a subtle earthiness. To me, this drink captures the essence of the hytte (cabin) lifestyle and can easily be made indoors or outdoors. If snow and ice are still gracing the landscape, then pack your bag with some empty cups, a flask, a small jar of the syrup, and instead of ice cubes, use what nature readily provides. (more…)

  • Whole Wheat, Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange Peel Braided-Swirl Bun (Grov-flettekrans med skjokolade og kandiserte appelsinskall)

    Whole Wheat, Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange Peel Braided-Swirl Bun (Grov-flettekrans med skjokolade og kandiserte appelsinskall)

    Whole Wheat Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange Peel Braided Swirl Bun (Grov-flettekrans med skjokolade og kandiserte appelsinskall) Whole Wheat Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange Peel Braided Swirl Bun (Grov-flettekrans med skjokolade og kandiserte appelsinskall) Påske (Easter) is only a few weeks away and Norwegians are undoubtedly preparing for the days preluding påske and the days following. Påske is one of the biggest holidays in Norway – a full week off from work and school and whatever else occupies one’s time. Setting the religious aspects of the holiday aside, there are certain elements that need to be present in order for it to be a truly Norwegian påske. Two of these elements are oranges and chocolate. (more…)