Candied orange and lemon peel
As autumn embraces Scandinavia, we welcome the citrus season with a cherished tradition—making candied orange and lemon peels. Sourced from Spain's bountiful orchards, these vibrant fruits, once rare Yuletide treasures, are now a staple of our festive preparations. In our cozy kitchen, we transform the peels through a gentle, slow boiling process on our wood stove, culminating in a sweet syrup bath.
Red pickled beets
In our Scandinavian kitchen, pickled red beets are a staple for winter feasts. We boil the beets until tender, let the children join in by slipping off the skins, and then slice them up. The pickling brine, a harmonious mix of vinegar, sugar, and spices like cloves and cinnamon, gives the beets a delightful sweet-tangy flavor.
Norwegian salmon
Norwegian salmon, a staple of our Scandinavian fare, finds its way to our table with the promise of sustainability. In our kitchen, we cook it with buttery, sesame-seed-studded crusts, roasting it to crispy perfection. Our family gathers, each savoring their preferred doneness, from the juicy medium at the head to the well-done tail.
Sunchokes in the crisp autumn air
In the soft light of autumn, our garden's sunchokes offer a lesson in nature's resilience. These sunflower-like invaders, with their charming blooms and vigorous growth, are a forager's delight and a gardener's bane. Our youngest, Bear, delights in digging for their sweet tubers, a perfect addition to salads or a subtle twist in our hearty soups. We've learned to harvest them in moderation, especially after the first frost, when they're at their sweetest and kindest to our bellies.
Nordic Wild Asters
As we wander through the fields and meadows, collecting these wild Asters, we’re reminded of the enduring legacy of our ancestors. Their tales and traditions live on, even as we create our own modern rituals, intertwining the old with the new, the sacred with the everyday, and finding beauty in the simple, wild blooms that have witnessed the passing of countless autumns.
Crabapple Applesauce
Discover the sweet simplicity of our crabapple "mos" – a Scandinavian autumn delight, perfect for breakfast with soured milk and a dollop of creamy goodness.
Snapshots from a cozy hygge Scandinavian Fall
In the embrace of Scandinavian autumn, we find beauty in transition and warmth in tradition. From the stark undressed trees to the comforting ritual of fika, each moment is a brushstroke in the painting of fall.
Pulleys for the playground
In our latest backyard adventure, we've introduced pulleys to the playground, transforming playtime into an immersive lesson in physics and fun. Our children are now hoisting and heaving with glee, learning the power of mechanics in the most delightful way. Join us as we share this simple yet profound addition to our family's outdoor haven.
A whittled wooden knife for our Youngest Chef
Nestled within the daily rhythm of tending to our wood stove lies an opportunity for creativity—a chance to transform a simple beech log destined for kindling into something more, something special. Today, we found such a piece, one that whispered the potential of becoming more than just a spark for our fire.
Red Deer roast with cherry sauce
Savor the essence of the Scandinavian forest with our Red Deer Roast. Browned in bacon fat, nestled on a bed of root vegetables and forest mushrooms, and braised in a robust black cherry juice reduction. Finished with a rich, creamy sauce, this roast is a testament to tradition and the bounty of the wild.
Danish Elderberry soup - Hyldebærsuppe
In the heart of Scandinavian autumn, kitchens are filled with the rich, inviting aroma of Hyldebærsuppe—a simple yet soul-warming elderberry soup. We take our homemade elderberry cordial, simmer it gently, and if the mood strikes, thicken it to a velvety consistency with a whisper of potato starch.
Tilting trees in the autumn wind
The breath of autumn stirs the woodland, prompting the tallest trees to bow as the damp soil loosens their ancient grips. Amidst the rustle of fallen leaves, we witness the silent dance of nature's giants toppling, temporarily blocking our paths, and in doing so, drawing the community closer in shared stewardship. Here's a glimpse of the forest's seasonal shift, where every fallen branch tells a story of change and resilience.
The Delight of Mini Chanterelles
Out in the forest's quiet, under the whispering canopies, we've discovered a tiny treasure trove: mini chanterelles, no larger than a pinkie finger, awaiting those with keen eyes and gentle hands. Some might pass them by, waiting for the full flourish of sprouted fungi, but not us. With Bear as our guide, his small stature a secret weapon, we pluck these young gems from their mossy cradle.
The Art of Upcycling Old Dining Chairs
In our kitchen stands a circle of oak chairs, each over a century old, handcrafted and originally part of a grand estate's dining set. With history etched into their grain, these chairs have been a canvas for our family's creative expression. Today, we've breathed new life into them once more, re-upholstering their seats with fabric that tells its own story—floral patterns from fabric scraps, the back of an old jacket, the remnants of a favorite T-shirt. This isn't just upcycling; it's a way of weaving our memories into the very place we gather, eat, and share our lives.
A hallows eve Elderberry Roast
In the midst of autumn's embrace, we venture into a culinary journey that brings together the smokiness of the hearth and the rich depth of elderberries. Our roast, charred to perfection and slow-cooked atop a bed of rustic vegetables and aromatic herbs, is a testament to homely culinary artistry. Paired with a creamy elderberry gravy and a refreshing side salad, this dish is both a nod to tradition and a burst of innovative flavor.
Bear's Bone Adventures: A Halloween Extravaganza!
In the heart of the woods, young Bear stumbled upon red deer bones, igniting his imagination of a time where dinosaurs roamed. In Scandinavia, kids often confront life's realities, from nature's cycles to a chicken's fate in kindergarten. At home, these bones transformed into tales of mighty beasts, showcasing the wonder of childhood during this Halloween season.
Signs of Autumn
Embracing autumn in our woods, we're reminded of the Scandinavian 'høst' or harvest. As golden hues and breezes whisper of change, the apples gleam and starlings prepare for winter. Amidst the scent of burning wood and rustling of fading leaves, we find solace in the tranquil embrace of the season.
Roasting sweet chestnuts
Roasting sweet chestnuts unveils a blend of flavors reminiscent of baked potato and hazelnut. After a gentle roast on the wood stove or in the oven, we let them steam under a damp cloth, ensuring tenderness. Finished with a dab of butter, each chestnut offers a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Picking Sweet Chestnuts with the Kids
As autumn unfolds, our kids lead the charge in foraging sweet chestnuts, a hidden gem in our diverse Nordic woods. Arriving at our doorstep with buckets of glossy chestnuts, their pride is palpable. With spiky husks as our guide, we're ready to roast and savor the seasonal bounty, creating cherished family moments along the way.
Mini Pumpkin Pies: A Nordic Twist on a Halloween Treat
As the Halloween spirit engulfs our Nordic home, we find ourselves eagerly embracing the festive season with a batch of delightful mini pumpkin pies, baked to perfection in a muffin tin and topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Harnessing the flavors of local pumpkins that thrive in our Nordic climate, we opt for either the sweet Hokkaido or the versatile butternut squash, creating a rich and flavorful pumpkin puree from scratch.
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