Tag: traditional norwegian food

  • 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…)

  • Brune Pinner (Norwegian Christmas Cookies)

    Brune Pinner (Norwegian Christmas Cookies)

    Brune Pinner (Norwegian Christmas Cookies)Brune Pinner (Norwegian Christmas Cookies)Brune pinner directly translates to “brown sticks” – a direct reference to their appearance, but an understatement in terms of their taste. They’re somewhat similar to gingerbread/pepperkaker, but with a strong hint of syrup and cinnamon, and a topping of sugar and almonds to accentuate every bite. (more…)

  • Gomme (Norwegian Sweet Cheese)

    Gomme (Norwegian Sweet Cheese)

    Gomme (Norwegian Sweet Cheese) Gomme (Norwegian Sweet Cheese)

    “Lefse uten gomme er som grøt uten salt”.

    (Lefse wthout gomme is like porridge without salt)

    Gomme goes by many names, including gumme, gubbost, and dravle. It’s created by cooking down fresh milk – curds and whey and all – to achieve a soft and spreadable sweet cheese. It’s been around for centuries, perhaps one of the older desserts known, and has had a central place among Norwegian milk dishes. Life on a self-sustainable farm meant a limited supply of cow’s milk during certain parts of the year. Therefore, since gomme was made of fresh milk, it is reasonable to assume it was a highly treasured dish that was reserved for special occasions and high holidays. (more…)

  • Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder and Cabbage with Pan-Fried Apples

    Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder and Cabbage with Pan-Fried Apples

    Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder and Cabbage with Pan-Fried ApplesScrumptious lamb, slow-cooked atop cabbage that has softened while baking in all the juices is just one of the autumn dishes I look forward to the most this time of year. The combination is simple. No fuss. Just allowing the flavors of the ingredients to shine. (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…)

  • The Southern Coast {Sørlandet} + Seawater-Poached Salmon Steaks

    The Southern Coast {Sørlandet} + Seawater-Poached Salmon Steaks

    The Southern Coast (Sørlandet) + Salt Water Salmon Steaks The Southern Coast (Sørlandet) + Salt Water Salmon SteaksA smoldering heat enveloped me as I gazed out from the brygge (docks) toward the sea; one hand shading my eyes from the sun’s bright rays. The blue waters appeared never ending – with small,  rocky, and only somewhat-barren islands jetting out as the seagulls danced around the them. The breeze gave only the slightest sense of relief from this year’s endless heat wave, but the beauty and tranquility of the landscape alone was enough to take my mind off of it. (more…)