Here we are the 1st December – and so the Festive season begins. Baking is one of my favourite activities at this time of year, I love the ritual of creating Christmas treats for family and friends. This is a Swedish classic; an enriched sweetened bread referred to as saffranslängd. Now the translation isn’t pretty:…
christmas
Christmas Saffron Wreath with Cranberries and Orange
The countdown is on! Only 17 days left to go, sorry don’t want to stress you out but what will you be baking this Christmas? Maybe you don’t fancy making mince pies this year and want to try something a little different. I want to share this with you in case you’re looking for any…
Festive Christmas Canapés
It goes without saying that we all want to be organised at Christmas so if you have unexpected visitors or you’re planning a party you’ve got something prepared ahead or something stashed in the freezer. These festive bites are excellent to prepare ahead, even freeze and pull out when needed. Do remember that when you prepare…
Lussekatter – Lucia Saffron Buns
Lussekatter (Lucia saffron buns) are traditionally eaten on the day of Lucia, served with either coffee or glögg are delicacies unique to this festival. 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…
Santa Lucia (St Lucy’s Day) 13th December
Lucia is a magnificent advent tradition in Sweden, for the music, white gowns, candles and the sheer beauty of the event – it is definitely worth seeing if you can, you won’t have to go far to find a Lucia celebration in Scandinavia at this time of year. In the past, the feast of Lucia was celebrated during the Winter Solstice and…
Pepparkakor (Swedish Gingersnap Biscuits)
Pepparkakor (Gingersanp biscuits) There is no other aroma that reminds me more of the festive season than freshly-baked pepparkakor – so moreish that you can never just stop at one! Pepparkakor are delicate, incredibly light, thin, crisp cookies – baked in hundreds in every Scandinavian home. These melt-in-the mouth biscuits are often shaped as hearts,…