Tag: traditional

  • The Island of Ona & Crab Fishing

    The Island of Ona & Crab Fishing

    Ona, Norway and Crab Fishing
    Ona, Norway and Crab Fishing

    Peering out into the horizon and under the pale grey sky, amongst groups of small jutting islands, I could spot the red lighthouse in the distance. Firmly situated above a cluster of tightly-packed, colorful wooden houses, this particular lighthouse garners the attention it deserves, but not in a towering and obtrusive way. In a way that subtly states its important role as the guiding light of this once bustling traditional fishing village. You can’t miss it. It’s the iconic symbol of Ona’s story, written by those who have carved their names in the land and the sea that surrounds and sustains it.

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  • Wild Nettle and Pea Soup (Brenneslesuppe med erter)

    Wild Nettle and Pea Soup (Brenneslesuppe med erter)

    Wild Nettle and Pea Soup (Brenneslesuppe med erter)
    Wild Nettle and Pea Soup (Brenneslesuppe med erter)

    Bring on the wild nettles.

    It’s the season again when these wonderfully nutritious, wild greens pop up all over. They pack a punch with their sting, but once tamed they make the most wonderful feature in any dish or dessert, such as this Nettle and Honey Cake.

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  • Sosekjøtt & Spring Mashed Potatoes

    Sosekjøtt & Spring Mashed Potatoes

    Norwegian sosekjøtt and Spring Mashed Potatoes
    Norwegian sosekjøtt and Spring Mashed Potatoes

    The sun is setting behind the mountain’s edge and as I look out the window, the trees sway in the gentle breeze. There’s an undeniable change happening as winter’s grasp seems to be giving way. Spring is officially here. And today, it’s Sunday.

    In the pot – gently simmering away – is a dish so simple, so classic, so unbelievably comforting it’s a wonder we don’t eat it more often. It’s the ideal Sunday dish; when the whole family has more time to take things slow, which in turn is reflected in the meal. Pieces of fatty chuck steak slowly cook in a rich, beef sauce flanked with onion slices a bay leaf. After a few hours, it’s ready. This perfect and simple stew called sosekjøtt, also referred to as kjøtt i morke “meat in the dark”.

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  • Pannekaker (Norwegian Pancakes)

    Pannekaker (Norwegian Pancakes)

    Norwegian Pancakes (Pannekaker)
    Norwegian Pancakes (Pannekaker)

    The smell of eggy batter cooking atop a skillet is almost unmistakable. It draws you in as it evokes loving memories to the forefront.

    Pancakes (pannekaker) are deeply embedded into the Norwegian food culture. They’re typical “farm to table” food, with the ingredients sourced from a working farm – eggs from the hens, grain from the fields, and milk from the cows.

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  • Serinakaker (Norwegian Christmas Cookies)

    Serinakaker (Norwegian Christmas Cookies)

    Serinakaker (Norwegian Christmas cookies) Serinakaker (Norwegian Christmas cookies)The snow continues its graceful decent from above – large flakes producing a thick, white blanket as far as the eye can see. It’s a winter wonderland and today is the last day of any work and school obligations before celebrations truly take hold. With only a few days to go before juleaften, I wanted to share one more favorite baked good with you: serinakaker. (more…)

  • Potato Tarts with Spiced Stewed Apples (potet-terte)

    Potato Tarts with Spiced Stewed Apples (potet-terte)

    Potato Tarts with Spiced Stewed Apples (potet-terte)Orchards have this incredible presence and sense of wonderment that draws you in and envelops you as you gaze among its rows and rows of spectacular fruit-laden branches. An unkept orchard can become a magical arena for the imagnination and the senses to come alive.

    All across Norway, regions are brimming with apples from August to November, depending upon the apple variety and climate. The village we live in is just one example of how apples have overtaken many yards. A quick drive through and your eyesight will be drawn to craggy apple trees  dotted with bright reds, pinks, and subtle greens. Even the ground below is strewn with fallen fruit.  (more…)