When I was growing up, I would visit my grandparents in Norway every summer. And each summer I would optimistically try a slice of brunost, or Norwegian brown cheese, hoping that this was the year I finally loved it. And I have noticed with foreign visitors that Norwegian brown cheese is one of those foods people tend to love or hate. Most people do love it, but I’ve seen a few people quite shocked by the taste. It’s unique! But if you don’t immediately enjoy it, I’m happy to report ...| Scandinavian Cookbook
Spring is in full bloom in Bergen now and I was in the mood for a fresh and summery dessert, so I decided to make the easiest lemon cookie recipe I know. Citronsnittar, or Swedish lemon slices, are quick and easy cookies to make, especially as you don’t even need to shape the dough into individual cookies. Instead, you simply roll the dough into long logs and slice it into cookies after it’s finished baking. This time I topped them with coarsely chopped white chocolate and wow did these d...| Scandinavian Cookbook
Did I just buy a big block of Norwegian brown cheese so that I can add it to all my baked goods this Easter? Why yes I did. Because one thing I’ve learned in my decade living in Norway is that just about every dessert tastes better with brown cheese. While not technically a cheese, brunost is made from leftover whey from the cheesemaking process. The whey is boiled down until it caramelizes. In Norway you can buy brown cheese made both from cow’s milk and from goat’s milk, with slightly...| Scandinavian Cookbook
If you’ve ever been to Norway I’m sure someone has excitedly offered you brunost, or brown cheese, to try. And while you probably loved this sweet, fudgy cheese, there’s also a chance you thought it was too strange too eat. While not technically a cheese brunost is made from leftover whey from the cheesemaking process. The whey is boiled down until it caramelizes. In Norway you can buy brown cheese made both from cow’s milk and from goat’s milk, with slightly varying flavors. And wh...| Scandinavian Cookbook
Yesterday was my friend’s mom’s birthday and so of course I offered to bake a cake! All I was told is that she likes chocolate, so I made the best, most chocolatey cake I know: kladdkaka with a dark chocolate and coffee ganache. Kladdkaka, or sticky chocolate cake, is a simple dense chocolate cake that is crispy on top and gooey on the inside. And then the ganache topping is made with just dark chocolate, heavy cream, and a couple tablespoons of strong coffee (which you can skip if you li...| Scandinavian Cookbook
Since I was a little kid fiskesuppe (fish soup) has been one of my favorite Norwegian dishes. So of course when I moved to Norway as an adult fiskesuppe was already a staple in my repertoire. Fish soup is a Norwegian favorite, and there are so many different versions here. Some are quite complex with lots of ingredients (maybe I’ll share one of those in the future), but this fish soup is simple and easy to whip up on a random Tuesday night. And of course living in Bergen, I eat fish soup at...| Scandinavian Cookbook