SCANDINAVIAN CUISINE

The countries of Scandinavia are surrounded by thousands of miles of coastland, dotted with thousands of lakes, and heirs to a thousand-year-old seafaring history. So it should come as no surprise that fish is the mainstay of the Scandinavian diet, and fishing a favorite pastime.

The Scandinavians enjoy their seafood in many different ways, some of which have become as popular abroad as they are at home. Gravlax, for example—salmon marinated in salt and dill and accompanied by a mustard sauce—can be found in any New York deli worthy of the name, along with smoked kippers and rolled herring.

One of Scandinavia’s favorite food styles is not Scandinavian at all, but Japanese. Sushi and sashimi—perhaps appreciated as much for their minimalist plating as for their taste—have become ubiquitous in restaurants throughout northern Europe. Scandinavian chefs, always creative, have learned to put their own spin on this beloved Japanese export.

Sweden's great contribution to international eating is the smorgasbord—literally a “bread-and-butter table” but actually a sumptuous feast of three courses. Herring—which may be cooked in a variety of ways including filleted, pickled, baked, jellied, or stewed—makes up the first course. Next comes a selection of cold meats, followed by a third course of Swedish meatballs and other hot dishes.

Swedish pancakes, a popular treat traditionally served with lingonberries or fruit preserves, is equally delicious for breakfast or dessert.

In Scandinavia, eating healthy and eating well are as easy as kalakukko (a Finnish pie or hollowed-out loaf of dark bread, stuffed with fish). Other mouthwatering dishes include smørrebrød (a Danish open sandwich that comes in hundreds of variations), nyponsoppe (a Swedish soup prepared with rose hips, almonds, and whipped cream), vorshmack (ground meat, herring, and onion cooked Finnish style—but originally from Russia where it means “something to taste before your meal”), “Jansson's Temptation” (a Swedish potato and anchovy casserole), frikadeller (Danish meatballs made with ground meat and sautéed in butter), sandkage (Danish sand cake), and krumkage (a Norwegian Christmas cookie). Aquavit is the favorite spirit of many in Scandinavia.

EAT LIKE A SCANDINAVIAN!

The Scandinavian Society of Nova Scotia
http://www.scandinaviansociety.ca

Recipe Zaar
http://www.recipezaar.com/browse/00F082

The Food Network (search for “Scandinavian recipes”)
http://www.foodtv.com

New Scandinavian Cooking
http://www.scandcook.com

Recipe Goldmine
www.recipegoldmine.com/worldscand/scand.html

Epicurious (search for “Scandinavian recipes”)
http://www.epicurious.com

Ha god hälsa! (Be in good health!)