Christmas Smorgasbord Tasting

What a wonderful evening! The perfect end to a long holiday weekend.  I was given a rare opportunity to attend a traditional Swedish, Christmas Tasting.  A smorgasbord of authentic Swedish foods.  When I first received the invite from a close friend, I immediately knew I would like to attend. Not only for the food, but for the chance to spend some quality time with amazing friends.

As we drove into the city, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  The home of our host was in a small condominium, on a side street, in a quaint suburb.  After climbing several flights of stairs, we were greeted by our host, and the delicious aroma of foods being prepared.  The sun was streaming through the bank of windows and illuminated the sleek and modern apartment.  Small tables set with white tablecloths and gleaming china and silverware were gathered on one side of the room, a bright centerpiece of red carnations added a splash of color.  The walls were adorned with abstract art in blues and greens, black and white photographs and a 3D print of the city.  Large flat screen tv’s were showing Swedish music videos.  The room was warm and very inviting.

Shortly after our host, Uncle Chris, took our coats, we were offered a beverage from a pleasant waitperson.  One sip, and I knew we were in for a treat!! The Cucumber Dream Cocktail was wonderful.  Not normally a gin drinker, the flavor was smooth and mild.  Before I could finish the first drink, another was offered!  Gingerbread Punch was amazing!! So sweet and smooth my friend questioned if there was alcohol in it!

After some social time and mesmerizing Swedish music videos, the bell was rung, and dinner was about to begin.  We found our seats, and waited to see what was next.  Over the next 4 hours we were treated of the most amazing foods all prepared by our gracious host.

First up, the herring and fish.  Pickled herring, lemon herring, cured salmon with mustard sauce, crayfish toast, and shrimp with yellow gazpacho.  Then a shot of Aquavit, a traditional liquor, to which we toasted, “skol!”

Next, the cold meats.  Christmas ham on rye bread, which was the most delicious ham I have ever tasted.  Brined and then boiled, it was tender and flavorful. Sandwich cake, and assortment of sausages and cheese, including Elk and Reindeer sausage.  Vosterbotten Pie, pressed cucumbers and christmas soda.

After a berry sorbet, to cleanse the palate, we were on to the Hot dishes.  Christmas meatballs with boiled potatoes, Potato sausage with lingonberries, prince sausage, mulled cabbage with apples, lucia buns and mumma.

Lastly, but certainly not least, were the desserts! Christmas pudding with gingerbread, cloudberry parfait, cinnamon rolls, rose hip soup, mulled wine and coffee.

This was an amazing experience I won’t soon forget!

That’s me in the middle! What a way to start the holiday season!