Tag: norsk

  • A Coastal Journey + Fish Cakes (Fiskekaker)

    A Coastal Journey + Fish Cakes (Fiskekaker)

    Norway's CoastThere is a great wonder when you travel throughout Norway, never quite knowing what grandeur will appear around each and every corner. The landscape can change dramatically and each part has a beauty all of its own.

    I journeyed throughout parts of western Norway from Lærdal to Molde and back inland through Romsdal and Jotunheimen until I made it home again to Numedal, the Medieval Valley. I went looking for inspiration from the surrounding waters. For recipes. Dishes from the sea, the fjords, the locals. A short time to delve into a few of Norway’s coastal gems. Each place having a marvel of its own and a history and a story to tell. (more…)

  • Strawberry Mousse (Jordbærfromasj)

    Strawberry Mousse (Jordbærfromasj)

    Strawberry Mousse (Jordbærfromasj)Strawberry Mousse (Jordbærfromasj)Daylight seems to never fade over the blooming fields as the sun’s warmth beats down. It’s the start of summer. The summer solstice, the longest day of the year. A day that has been marked and celebrated throughout time. Midsummer.

    Midsummer is a celebration of both folklore and Christianity in Norway and across Scandinavia. In Norway, you’ll hear the names Midtsommer and Sankthans  interchangeably. The older tradition of celebrating the summer solstice then blended into a newer tradition of Sankthans, which commemorates the birth of John the Baptist. While the name Sankthans still reflects the Christian view of the day (St Hans), it is the non-Christian elements, such as the midsummer bonfire, which has held fast over the years. And while the day is celebrated less so than that of Norway’s neighbor, Sweden, it is still viewed as the arrival of summer. (more…)

  • Crusty Rolls with Oats (Rundstykker med Havregryn)

    Crusty Rolls with Oats (Rundstykker med Havregryn)

    Norwegian Crusty Rolls with Oats (Rundstykker med Havregryn)It’s not difficult to see just how important bread plays a role in Norway. The Nordic food culture is built upon grains and the varieties of bread types have an historic thread throughout the region.

    The most usual practice was to mix a variety of grains for daily bread or porridges. These grains would have been course and unrefined – with refined flours only entering the diet in the 1900s. The most common cereals would have been rye, barley and oat. Wheat and wheat flour were viewed as luxury (high society) items, but they eventually became common for all classes of society in the late 1800s. (more…)

  • Bløtkake (Norwegian Cream Cake)

    Bløtkake (Norwegian Cream Cake)

    Bløtkake (Norwegian Cream Cake)Bløtkake (Norwegian Cream Cake)Yay for May! And layer cakes!

    With 17 May (syttende mai) soon approaching, there is always a heightened sense of enthusiasm and anticipation in the air. The National Day of Norway – with parades, national costumes, flags, drummers, sausages, games, family and friends – is one of the most special days in Norway. And the cake table is no exception. (more…)

  • Norwegian Success Tart (Suksessterte)

    Norwegian Success Tart (Suksessterte)

    Norwegian Success Tart (Suksessterte)Norwegian Success Tart (Suksessterte)Norwegian Success Tart (Suksessterte)A name can give away a lot. A name with a bold statement also has a lot to live up to. This is one cake, and I think you will agree, which lives up to its name and puts all its cards on the table. In every way, this cake is a golden success.

    It’s no wonder suksessterte (suksesskake, gulkake) has won the hearts of many. It’s a rich and delicate cake, with a bright hue of yellow. While used year-round for celebrations (confirmations, birthdays and the like), it has, over the years, found a special place during påske/Easter. The bright, golden color and the eggs make it particularly suitable for this time of year. Even nature tends to nod in agreement with the first bulbs of spring sprouting yellow.

    Not to mention it’s gluten-free, with a macaron bottom that proves to be irresistible. The simple custard whipped together with a generous amount of butter doesn’t hurt either.  (more…)

  • Rye Waffles with Wild Blueberry Butter (Rugvafler med Blåbærsmør)

    Rye Waffles with Wild Blueberry Butter (Rugvafler med Blåbærsmør)

    Rye Waffles with Wild Blueberry Butter (Rug Vafler med Blåbær Smør)Rye Waffles with Wild Blueberry Butter (Rug Vafler med Blåbær Smør)There’s something quite alluring about making waffles. Golden batter poured over a hot, textured iron, quickly flowing into each deep groove. As the top of the iron closes over the bottom, the batter squeezes towards the edges. Sometimes a little batter escapes the confines of the iron grasp and hangs on the outside. With a bit of patience, the waiting concludes with a simple green light or a gentle lift. The test of success comes in the form of desired crispiness, desired browning, and whether it can easily be peeled from its honeycomb embrace. Seeing those five hearts melded together and the taste of each one is nothing short of humble satisfaction. It’s the simple pleasures, you know. (more…)