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3 Scandinavian Christmas recipes for a homemade treat this Christmas
1. HOMEMADE ALCOHOL-FREE GLÖGG
What would Christmas be without the smell of mulled wine heated on the stove? The combination of cloves, cardamom and cinnamon spreading throughout the home captures everything we love about Christmas in a classic Christmas drink. In Scandinavia, mulled wine is known as glögg, it is sweeter than the version that I knew growing up in the UK and is served warm with the additions of blanched almonds and raisins. Here is a simple recipe for non-alcoholic glögg that comes together quickly and the whole family can enjoy:
INGREDIENTS FOR 6 CUPS OF GLÖGG
- 500 ml water
- 5 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cm piece of dried ginger
- 3 cardamom pods
- 2 – 3 sections of dried orange peels
- Blackcurrant cordial (to taste)
- 200 ml concentrated apple juice
HOW TO
- Boil the water and spices.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Add the blackcurrant cordial and apple juice (taste testing as you go) and warm through.
- Strain the mixture to remove the spices.
- Serve immediately while the glögg is hot.
2. SOFT GINGERBREAD WITH CREAMY FROSTING – A SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS RECIPE FOR ALL
In Scandinavia gingerbread or pepparkakor is as traditional as mulled wine at Christmas and why not, because surely they belong together? This year we have a recipe for soft gingerbread with a delightful creamy frosting, topped with delicious red lingonberries – a real Scandinavian treat! Here's how to make this sweet Scandinavian Christmas recipe:
INGREDIENTS FOR APPROX. 20 PIECES
- 200g butter
- 340g caster sugar
- 4 eggs
- 210g plain flour
- 300ml sour cream
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
FROSTING
- 60g softened butter
- 280g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 200g cream cheese
DECORATION
- Frozen cranberries
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE GINGERBREAD:
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (fan 155°C/gas mark 4).
- Using a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the sour cream.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and spices.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until smooth.
- Line a 30 x 40 cm baking tray with baking parchment and pour in the batter.
- Bake in the centre of the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
FOR THE FROSTING:
- Mix the softened butter, icing sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the cream cheese until fully combined.
- Once the gingerbread has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Cut into portions and decorate with cranberries before serving.
3. CANDIED ALMONDS
Roasted nuts are a Christmas classic, and this simple Scandinavian recipe for candied almonds makes the perfect snack for your guests before Christmas dinner, or a delightful dessert to enjoy with some homemade Scandinavian mulled wine.
INGREDIENTS FOR 200G CANDIED ALMONDS:
- 200g almonds
- 130g caster sugar
- 50ml water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Toast the almonds in a dry, hot pan until they are lightly browned and fragrant.
- In a separate pan, bring the sugar and water to the boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add the almonds to the sugar syrup and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes sticky, and the almonds start to crackle.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour the almonds onto a sheet of baking paper. Using a fork, carefully separate the almonds. Leave them to cool completely before serving. Done!
We hope we've inspired you to celebrate Christmas the Scandinavian way this year, with glögg, pepparkakor, and candied almonds. These treats also make excellent little Christmas gifts that are sure to be appreciated.
However, if something goes awry in the kitchen, don't worry—after all, Christmas is about spending time with your loved ones!
Still searching for the perfect Christmas present? Take a look here: Christmas gift ideas
If you want to celebrate in true Scandinavian style and are looking for more recipes, we’ve got you covered here: Nordic Christmas recipes
Styling: Ellinor Johansson, Arijana Kapic, Kristina Niesel; Photography: Angeliqa Daldorph
