Stormy Skies and Viking Cheers: Celebrating Heritage at Fyrkat
Amidst the dramatic Nordic winds and a playful storm that seemed to be a blessing from Thor himself, our family found themselves swept up in the vibrant celebration of Fyrkat, one of the five Viking fortresses recently honored with a UNESCO World Heritage status.
Drying Wild Heather
Amidst the changing hues of autumn, the resilient heather blooms with delicate pink bell-like flowers. Gathered and tied into quaint bundles, they hang as rustic reminders of fleeting beauty, transforming into petite winter bouquets that evoke memories of sunlit walks and the earthy scent of the woods.
Homemade Hazel Broom Handles
Our affinity for the versatile hazel doesn’t just stop at whimsical curtain rods; it extends to functional elements around our cottage, like creating sturdy and natural broom handles. With their innate strength, slight taper, and rugged charm, hazel sticks make for a delightful and practical addition to our daily tools.
Chanterelle Stir-Fry - Hoodie-Harvested
On a whimsical forest walk, the golden allure of wild chanterelles turned our casual stroll into a culinary escapade, with a hoodie-hat playing the unlikely role of a makeshift basket. This unexpected bounty swiftly became the star of our dinner, leading to a delightful concoction of chanterelle and chicken stir-fry, enriched with soy and served atop warm, fluffy rice.
Exploring the Secrets of the Fallout Bunker Regan West
Stepping into the hidden depths of the Regan West bunker, we were enveloped in tales of secrecy and survival. Guided by a former army officer, we explored a perfectly preserved relic of Cold War paranoia, where openings for hand grenades and intricate communication systems told stories of suspected infiltrators and clandestine exchanges. Every ashtray and corner held remnants of a bygone era, creating an immersive experience for a small group of visitors, unravelling the shadows of espionage in this historical structure hidden beneath the hills of Rebild in Northern Jutland, Denmark.
Setting sails with the Swan Boat at Bramslev Bakker hills
On a rare sun-soaked day in late September, we boarded Svanen—a converted paddle steamer—for an unforgettable voyage along Mariager Fjord. As we sailed toward the charming town of Hobro, drinks in hand and awestruck by the fjord's natural beauty, it felt like a fairytale come to life.
Braised Chicken with Blackberry, Crisped Schwarzwalder Ham, and Dried Mushrooms
Indulge in the flavors of fall with our one-pan Not-Quite-Coq-Au-Vin! Braised chicken meets blackberries, dried mushrooms, and crisped Schwarzwalder ham in a cast-iron pan for a no-fuss, hearty meal. With optional sides like buttered noodles and blackberry-infused whipped cream, this dish is the epitome of autumnal comfort.
Nettle seed bread
Nettle seeds. These tiny gems, foraged from our local woodlands, add a speckled, earthy beauty to the finished loaf. Mix them into the dough, and you get a lovely texture and a pop of color in every slice.
Foraging the ‘spicy’ stinging nettle seeds
You'll know it's time to harvest nettle seeds when the once-erect stalks sag, burdened with clusters of maturing seeds. These whimsical seeds offer more than just a pop of green color; they add a delightful crunch when sprinkled atop buns or rolls.
Pressing Apple Cider—Or as We Know it, Äppelmust/Æblemost
Ah, autumn—a season that beckons us back to age-old traditions. In our home, that means pressing our very own äppelmust or æblemost, what you'd call apple cider. Simple and wholesome, our method involves nothing more than picking, washing, grinding, and pressing. It's a family affair, with the kids often asking for a 'shot' glass of this elixir when they come home from school.
Elderberry slush is a Rare Autumn Delight
Cherish those unexpected warm days in the midst of autumn with our homemade elderberry slushie. Perfectly suited for those bittersweet moments when you're caught between seasons, this treat allows the strong, distinctive flavor of elderberries to shine—even when iced to perfection.
Foraging wild Wood Sorrel
Discover the simple joy of foraging wild wood sorrel—a tart and lemony treasure waiting for you in the woods. Learn how this easily identifiable plant can be a flavorful addition to your culinary adventures. From cake toppings to zesty salads, wood sorrel brings a touch of wild to your table.
Hot elderberry drink - and elderberry toddy
Savor the warmth and unique flavors of elderberry juice in a variety of ways—from a simple, sweet mug to an adult-friendly toddy. As the seasons change, don't forget to spice it up with a stick of cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom.
Plucking Apples and the Æblerov apple-snatchers
Learn the art of æblerov, the Danish tradition of apple 'plundering,' and discover how to tell when an apple tree is ripe for the picking. From the "half-twist test" to checking the color of the seeds, we share our time-tested tips for a fruitful foraging adventure.
Elderberry Brisket: A Forager's Feast
Discover the comforting embrace of our Elderberry Brisket, a humble yet hearty dish that celebrates the richness of locally foraged ingredients. Seared brisket, aromatic vegetables, and a splash of homemade elderberry juice come together in a slow-cooked feast that's perfect for chilly autumn evenings. It's simple, it's local, and it tastes like home.
A secret giant-blackberry-yielding bramble
Discover the extraordinary blackberry bramble that has us all saying "Wow!" Nestled near a tranquil stream and dappled in sunlight, this bush yields berries like no other—plump, juicy, and twice the size you'd expect.
The Secret to Our Base Elderberry Juice—Or Is It a Syrup?
Our versatile elderberry base juice or syrup is the perfect way to capture the essence of this unique berry. With added notes of apple and thyme, this recipe transforms your elderberry haul into a culinary - and safe - delight.
Foraging Elderberries: A Tribute to Our Favorite Giving Tree
In the depths of autumn, our family eagerly anticipates the ritual of elderberry picking—a practice steeped in both lore and flavor. These bountiful berries not only offer their unique, complex flavor to our table but also fulfill a promise made to the Elder Mother in spring. In return, our children relish the coziness of cold autumn days, brightened by steaming mugs of elderberry juice and the rich aroma of elderberry-laced winter stews.
The wrinkled and illegal Nordic-japanese Rose
The Nordic-Japanese rugged rose is a fragrant beauty that dominates the Scandinavian landscape. But bring it inside, and you'll find its petals quickly fall away, as if the flower insists on belonging solely to the wild. The fruits on the other hand..
Rose-fruit jam - Nordic Rosehip jelly
Discover the vibrant hues and complex flavors of Scandinavian rosehip marmalade, made from the rugged Japanese rose along our coastline. This tart-sweet delicacy captures the essence of the harvest season, perfect on bread or as a star ingredient in desserts.
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