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…)
Tag: chocolate
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Whole Wheat, Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange Peel Braided-Swirl Bun (Grov-flettekrans med skjokolade og kandiserte appelsinskall)
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Tropisk Aroma-Kake (Tropical Aroma Cake)
Tropisk Aroma-Kake, or tropical aroma cake, conjures up an incredible scenery in the mind. Thoughts of palm trees and exotic fruits, perhaps, or even a sandy beach and bright, blue waters. A cake laden with colors and tastes from paradise. At least that’s what my mind envisioned as the words fell out of my Norwegian friend’s mouth. She explained to me that there was this cake, which her aunt always made, which she adored, and which I just had to make myself. An old fashioned cake and a reminder of her childhood. A Norwegian cake, with a tropical name.When Irene sent me the recipe, I eyed the ingredient list waiting to spot pineapple or banana or coconut. Instead, I saw nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing to bring me straight to a lush paradise. A few spices, some cocoa, and I suppose what could be interesting in some eyes, the addition of strong coffee. I was a little surprised, a little curious. Perhaps even a little disappointed. Disappointed that I fell into the trap of reading into a name. But surely there was more to this cake. (more…)
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Cardamom Hot Chocolate (Varm Sjokolade med Kardemomme)
There’s nothing quite like a cup of hot chocolate to warm you up in the cold of winter. There’s a certain decadence to it, and I like mine served alongside anything baked. And that’s when it hit me. Maybe I can have the best of both worlds in one cup.
Norwegian baking and cardamom go together like bricks and mortar. Sugar & cream. Salt & pepper. Knives & forks…. I digress…. But in all honesty, the two are concurrent with each another. Where there is boller (buns), there is cardamom. And when you enter into any bakery in Norway, you will be welcomed in by that sweet, aromatic scent.
And so I thought, if I can’t have my boller and my hot chocolate, why can’t I have my hot chocolate inspired by boller. A creamy, subtly rich & flavorful cup of cocoa which will satisfy all on its own. So here it is, one of my favorite versions to warm up any cold winter’s day or night.