Today is the National day of Sweden (Sveriges nationaldag), the tradition of celebrating 6th June as Flag Day began in the 1890s, when Artur Hazelius held such celebrations at his Stockholm-based open-air museum named “Skansen.” In 1916, the tradition gained yet more steam when it was honoured at the Stockholm Olympics. Every year, the King…
Fika
Blueberry Energy Balls
Now that we’ve entered the month of April, the days are getting warmer and longer, so much more can be achieved in a day. I’m very happy to be leaving this last winter behind, it has been long and harsh. My bicycle has been dusted down ready for long weekend cycle rides with friends, one…
Blood Orange and Almond Cake
At this time of year, we have our pick of the citrus, they are the sunshine in a season otherwise filled with vegetables grown underground, citrus is also worthy of our appreciation because it’s incredibly versatile. Last summer my partner and I travelled to one of our favourite places, Italy, the region of choice, Sicily….
Semlor Buns (Swedish Lent Buns)
The merest hint of cardamom or cinnamon instantly triggers memories of my childhood. The smell of meatballs sizzling in butter and the comforting feeling when the air is scented with pepparkakor fresh from the oven. How smell can evoke such happy, mouthwatering memories. My mother and grandmother always had buns of differing flavours in the…
Lucia Saffron Buns (Lussekatter)
Lussekatter (Lucia saffron buns) are traditionally eaten on the day of Lucia. Each bun is shaped into an S-shape, which is supposed to resemble a cat’s tail. Nobody knows for sure the origins of the shape and the connection with Saint Lucia, but it seems likely that they were originally called djävulskatter (the devil’s cats). …
Pepparkakor (Swedish Gingerbread Biscuits)
There is no other aroma that reminds me more of Christmas than pepparkakor. My Mormor (granny) used to bake hundreds of them to give to all the family at Christmas. I loved helping her and they were one of many biscuits that were on her Christmas baking list. They make beautifully scented edible Christmas gifts and…
