Tag: nuts

  • Sour Cherry Crisp with Almonds and Seeds (Smuldrepai med Kirsebær)

    Sour Cherry Crisp with Almonds and Seeds (Smuldrepai med Kirsebær)

    Sour Cherry Crisp (Smuldrepai med kirsebær)Sour Cherry Crisp with almonds and seeds (Smuldrepai med Kirsebær)The slender tree branches, laden with luscious, dark sour cherries, seemed in dire need of relieving their seasonal burden. As always, it’s on a first come first serve basis: us or the birds.

    As I walked through my friend’s delightful garden teeming full of berry bushes and fruit trees (each with a long history and proclamation to the land which their roots sink deep into), I couldn’t help but begin to recount all of the times my friends and I would use the garden as our own playground when we were little. We would pluck fruits from the trees in such earnest that our hands would be stained, the lower parts of our shirts became makeshift baskets, our conversations became limited as we kept our mouths full of our succulent findings, and our greediness was shown outright as we left with full bellies and more fruit than we could carry. (more…)

  • ‘Glitre’ kringle

    ‘Glitre’ kringle

    Glitrekringle (Maj-Lis's Norwegian pastry with raisins and nuts)Glitrekringle (Maj-Lis's Norwegian pastry with raisins and nuts)In the bright of the day, looking toward the bay, the water sparkles as the sun’s rays reflect off the waves with an intense luster creating an almost magical atmosphere.  This reoccurring picture and likening to glitter is what gave inspiration for the name of a farm in Rollag three generations ago. It would, in recent times, be the inspiration behind the name of the baked good so loved and so often served at this farm, by the hands of Maj-Lis. (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…)

  • Veggli Bakeri & Kafe + Trillemarka Inspired Barley Bread

    Veggli Bakeri & Kafe + Trillemarka Inspired Barley Bread

    The smell of bread slowly baking is one of the most delightful and simple pleasures in life. As I walked through the doors of Veggli Bakeri og Kafe, I felt welcomed in by that sweet aroma and the warmth from the ovens hiding behind a single, wide-open door. Even more welcoming were the smiles that beckoned me. And I was eager to learn more about this town institution and about the people who work all sorts of hours to create their breads and baked goods to be served and sold across shops throughout the area.

    I was going to learn to make Trillemarkabrød. An homage to the natural reserve of Trillemarka, which lies between the two valleys of Sigdal and Numedal and is Norway’s largest forest reserve. A special loaf they created, packed full of grains and seeds and cooked lovingly in their old oven.

    Veggli BakeriVeggli BakeriVeggli Bakeri (more…)

  • Wild Blueberry & Almond One-Pan Pancake (Blåbær og Mandel Pannekaker)

    Wild Blueberry & Almond One-Pan Pancake (Blåbær og Mandel Pannekaker)

    It’s the weekend. Which means we usually make a bigger effort with breakfast. And we take a little extra time to start the days. Not that we get to sleep in, mind you. Sleeping is not something my son has grasped the desire for…yet. I’m still hanging onto hope though. Daily. But nonetheless, we sip our coffee slower, hang out in our pj’s a bit longer and take the time  to cook something a little extra special.

    My son has an affinity for vafler and pannekaker (norwegian waffles and pancakes), among other things. And this morning it was his turn to pick breakfast. He also loves blueberries. Therefore, it was only natural he would request blueberry pancakes. Luckily for us, our freezer is full of frozen wild blueberries we picked in the summer. Oh, and it just so happened to be snowing the day before, so he also requested to go sledding outside.

    (more…)