Fettisdag

Fettisdag! Happy Fat Tuesday!

Today is the day of Semla Buns, which are very popular in Sweden. The semla buns are a small, wheat flour bun, flavoured with cardamom and filled with almond paste and whipped cream. It was a Swedish tradition to eat the rich Semla buns before the beginning of Lent. The tradition was expanded to every Tuesday between Lent and Easter, but now Swedes enjoy Semla buns all the time. Traditionally, bakeries start selling the buns shortly after Christmas, much to the chagrin of many Swedes who feel as though bakeries are selling them too early. (Sorta like putting Christmas Decorations out at Halloween in the U.S.!) Cyle and I of course had our Semla Buns today!

                                  

Cheese Tasting

The Nordic Museum recently held a Swedish cheese festival celebrating Swedish cheeses and cheese-makers. As soon as I read there was going to be samples, I had to attend! The festival allowed us to experience the huge range of different cheeses produced in the country. 

It was interesting to taste how the same type of cheese can taste so different depending on the region, type of cow, etc. 

I also learned that Swedes prefer more milder cheese for breakfast (most Swedes eat sandwiches for breakfast) and the stronger cheeses later in the day for lunch and/or dinner. 

Belle was voting for her favorite cheese 

Belle wasn't a fan of the stinky cheeses :) 

The cheese tasting was a fun and "cheesey" experience!

Grattis På Alla Hjärtans Dag

<3 Glad Alla Hjärtans Dag <3

"All Heart's Day"

Happy Valentine's Day from Sweden.  <3  The essence of Valentines Day in Sweden is the same as in America but on a much smaller scale.  Flower shops were decorated and promoting beautiful bouquets of flowers, but I didn't see the heart shaped boxes of candy or teddy bears that I find in the United States.  In fact, Valentine's Day as a romantic holiday in Sweden didn't start until the 1960's.  Following America's tradition, flower shops tried to cash in on the holiday by pushing the idea of Valentine's Day.  It wasn't until the 1980's that Swedes started celebrating, but on a much smaller scale than in America. .

Even though it's not a big deal in Sweden, we still celebrated and had a great Valentine's Day.  I made us an American breakfast of biscuits and gravy, which was enjoyed by all.  

After breakfast, we exchanged our gifts.  Belle and I bought Cyle a sweater and a print of Stockholm to add to our collection of paintings from our travels.  

Cyle bought me chocolates and a massage (which I can't wait to use!).

Cyle and I got Belle a baby doll that Belle fell in love with while we were shopping at NK department store  We took her to the toy section and she picked up the doll and wouldn't put it down.    

A Princess Cake Card for our Princess

 She now sleeps with her baby and walks around the house saying "baby, baby."  

Later that afternoon, Belle and I received beautiful pink roses from Grandpa Wepsic. 



Belle also received a surprise from Grandma and Grandpa Graber and her cousin Ava!

That evening, we went over to Mike and Allison's apartment.  







We enjoyed a delicious Thai dinner and fantastic desserts.  Allison made truffles and I made raspberry cheesecake ice cream.  We toasted the evening with a glass of pink champagne.  

I guess you could say that we were very Swedish in our celebrations as we enjoyed a low-key  but memorable Valentine's Day.  

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone! 

~ Glad alla hjärtans dag allihopa!