Karljohan and the nordic boletes
Journey with us through the labyrinth of history and folklore surrounding the Bolete Edulis—also known as Karl Johan in the mystical forests of Scandinavia. Once shunned due to cultural 'mycophobia,' this 'king of mushrooms' found its regal status thanks to a French-swedish king. Today's Karl Johan is a foraging favorite, a culinary treasure hidden amidst mossy forest floors.
Mushroom ‘spice’ powder
Our homemade mushroom powder is more than just a spice; it's a sprinkle of forest magic. Ground from mushrooms we've carefully dried ourselves, this umami powerhouse transforms pasta, elevates stews, and even makes a mean mushroom sauce.
The Art of Drying Wild Mushrooms
Drying mushrooms, especially boletes, creates an incredibly pungent and long-lasting pantry staple that adds a woodsy, umami boost to any dish. We like to slice them thin and hang them near our wood stove, where the circulating air and gentle heat work wonders in drawing out moisture. Stored in clip-top jars and displayed in a shaded kitchen corner, these dried boletes not only look decorative but offer an intense mushroom aroma that always delights our guests. It's like capturing the essence of a forest walk in a jar.
Miniature Småkakor Scones
Unearth the perfect balance between Scandinavian Småkakor and British scones with our recipe for miniature scones. Less sweet than a cookie, but sweeter than a biscuit, these mini scones are the perfect companions for tea, picnics, or simply to enjoy a moment of quietude. They're as versatile as they are delicious, and they're waiting for you to discover them.
Creamy Orecchiette with Chantarelles and Young Hazelnuts
Embark on a culinary journey that brings the forest to your table with this creamy orecchiette and chantarelles dish. Enhanced with the nutty goodness of young hazelnuts and the vibrant flavors of peas, garlic, and onion, this pasta dish is a celebration of late summer's bounty. It's forgiving, flexible, and utterly delicious.
Young hazelnuts: A Forager's Guide to Coexisting with Squirrels
Discover the hidden delights and dramas of our local hazelnut forest. Learn how we've adapted our foraging habits to coexist with the agile and acrobatic squirrels that call this woodland home.
A Day at Fårup Sommerland themepark in Denmark
Fårup Sommerland is not your typical theme park. With its woodland theme and charming mascots like Porcupine, Squirrel, and Fox, the park offers a uniquely authentic experience. From the natural decor to a remarkable pirate treasure hunt obstacle course, Fårup Sommerland goes above and beyond to create an environment that feels as intimate as a walk in your neighborhood woods. Get ready for a different kind of thrill, one that leaves you with tired legs, wet shoes, and a heart full of joy.
Cooking Blackberry Jam the Scandinavian Way
Dive into the world of Scandinavian jam-making with our blog post on crafting the perfect blackberry jam—or should we say, brombærmarmelade? We explore the linguistic and cultural nuances between jams, marmalades, and jellies, offering not one, but two recipes for this delicious preserve. Whether you're a purist looking for a simple fruit-and-sugar blend or a culinary adventurer seeking to fine-tune consistency and flavor, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on this seasonal delight!
A stay at Fårup Sommerland Hotel
At Fårup Sommerland, nestled amidst the Danish woods, contrasts blend into a delightful harmony. Imagine starting your morning with a peaceful cup of coffee and a fresh croissant at the hotel's serene lakeside, and then, just a short stroll later, finding yourself on one of Europe’s most thrilling roller coasters. It’s a small, intimate hotel experience – cosy, Nordic design, kids finding playmates as evening falls, and golden hour walks along the lakeside boardwalk
The giant boletus mushrooms
In our woodland explorations, we've discovered giant bolete mushrooms, with some weighing in at over a pound each. These are the grand specimens of Boletus edulis and Boletus badius, majestic in size and brimming with deep, intense flavor, akin to a finely matured cheese. Here, we showcase some of our most impressive findings, each one a delectable promise of meals to come and a vivid reminder of the bountiful surprises the forest holds.
Picking “Bear-berries” Björnbär Blackberry
In the Nordic woods, blackberries, known as 'Bear Berries', beckon both humans and wildlife closer with their dark, sweet allure. The resilient blackberries, bristling with thorns yet offering sweet rewards, paint a portrait of late summer and autumn days filled with gathering, preserving, and savoring the wild bounty of the land.
Oxtail in Cherry sauce
When comfort food calls, we turn to a rich, hearty Oxtail stew. But we’re giving it a twist, swapping traditional wine for the deep, "wine-ish" flavor of dark Morello cherry juice. This blend merges earthy richness with a touch of sweetness, offering a vibrant and deeply savory dish. It’s an aromatic celebration of the season’s flavors, and a true comfort on a chilly day
“Coq au vin” with cherry juice
In the heart of autumn, as the leaves begin their colorful descent, our kitchen finds solace in slow, simmered dishes. Among our favorites this season is our twist on a classic: 'Poulet au Jus de Cerise,' or 'Chicken in Cherry Sauce.' Instead of wine, we opt for dark Morello cherry juice, which holds a 'wine-like' depth and tang that elevates this dish to something special.
Harvesting Wild Poppy Seeds
As autumn whispers its arrival, it's time for a cherished ritual: harvesting wild poppy seeds. Before we collect these tiny treasures, we gently shake each pod, releasing some seeds back to the earth to ensure future blooms. With careful snips, we gather the pods and take them home, where we tap out the plentiful seeds — a delightful, edible bounty that adds a nutty crunch to breads and desserts alike.
The Lovable Enigma of Cherry Plums
In the late summer turning to autumn, our woodland orchards bursts into life with the bounty of cherry plums - a gift from our much-loved Prunus cerasifera trees. These small, juicy fruits, as irresistible to us as they are to our kids, Ronia and Bear, embody the seasonal shift in all its generosity.
Creamy Chantarelle Pasta
Featuring freshly foraged chantarelles, our creamy pasta is a delightful fusion of woodland bounty and homey comfort food. This dish shines with versatility, easily accommodating vegan dietary needs or even the inclusion of stored ramson leaves for added depth of flavor.
The Secretive Art of Chantarelle Picking
Dive into the hushed rhythm of the forest as we unveil the mysteries of mushroom picking, specifically the golden treasure - chantarelles. Our post illuminates the unwritten rules of this secretive pursuit, elucidates the tradition of leaving some fungi behind, and shares a glimpse into how Bear and Ronia learnt to identify these bright, uniquely shaped delights.
The Harvesting and Drying of Our Homegrown Herbs
From the first snip of garden shears to the last aromatic sip of tea, join us as we walk you through our herb harvesting journey. Experience the vibrancy of mints, lemon balm, thyme, and oregano at the peak of their readiness, and learn the delicate art of drying that not only preserves their essence but also enhances their flavor. As these herbs sway from our chandelier, they fill our home with fragrant whispers of the summer that's been, and the cozy autumn meals that lie ahead
Recap: From Sunlit Nights to Autumn Lights. A Seasonal Shift from Summer.
We revisit the glorious highlights of the summer season, from the grandeur of Scandinavian light nights to the enchanting dance of summer blooms. As the sun sets on the light nights, signaling the gradual approach of autumn, we reflect upon the beauty we've witnessed and the memories we've cultivated. Don't miss this evocative recap post, as we bid farewell to summer and welcome the muted, earthy tones of fall with open arms.
Homemade Mini Peppermint Patties
Experience the delight of crafting your own candies with our rustic mini and micro peppermint patties. Infused with homemade peppermint oil, these sweets provide a uniquely satisfying experience, as each bite is a testament to the labor of love that went into their creation. From forming your sugar-peppermint dough to coating each piece with tempered chocolate, embrace the joy of making treats straight from the garden to your table.
Subscribe to our Pigeon Post.
Follow Vv on Instagram.
