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…)
Tag: dairy
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Kvæfjordkake: The World’s Best Cake (Verdens Beste)
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Outdoor Skillet-Bread with Lamb and Pea Pesto (Bålbrød med lam og erterpesto)
A 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…)
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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…) -
Stewed Green Pea Dip with Radishes (Ertestuing-dipp)
Spring officially marked its entrance on the meteorological calendar, but it has yet to arrive (or come close to arriving) in our valley.I’ve been conjuring up ideas for spring dishes with pops of color and fresh greens that have just sprouted up from the once frozen earth. But alas, the snow seems to be standing its ground with a fierce endurance that will undoubtedly result in its presence until the very last moment when hope for a timely and long spring has all but dwindled.
So, I turn to the kitchen to take up battle by making spring-inspired dishes (as if by making a dish that is reflective of spring I will somehow will spring into arriving faster). But battle seems like a harsh stance, especially since this winter has been one of the most charming and delightful winters we have had in Numedal since moving here and I look forward to a few more ski trips leading up to påske (Easter). I suppose even if spring is still a long time away, one can always bring it to the plate a little earlier. (more…)
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Creamy Norwegian Cod Soup (Torskesuppe)
While winter means a barren landscape void of fruits and vegetables and wild herbs, life is teeming and thriving under the waters. In fact, winter in Norway is the best season to feast on fish and seafood along the coast despite the love affair we associate with consuming them during the warm, summer months.Cod is one type of fish that happens to be in the best condition during the colder months. There is even an old saying in Norway stating that cod is at its best when eaten in all the months with the letter ‘r’ in them – meaning, all months except for May, June, July, and August.
Torsk har ypperlig kvalitet i alle måneder med “r”.
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Cinnamon Cake Bread (Kanelkakebrød)
Winter came with a fierceness this year, unlike last year’s somewhat bleak and disappointing season where pockets of snow and slush lay strewn about fields of brown. This winter had other ideas. Grandeur ideas. A plush blanket of white snow, covered with another blanket, and another, and yet another. In some places, the snow towers so high that when I peer out my window I can only see the skyline. (more…)