Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, food! If you’re looking for something different to add to your holiday menu this year, why not try some traditional Danish Christmas foods? From delicious aebleskiver pancakes to ris à l’amande rice pudding, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So take a break from the turkey and ham this year and give these Danish delights a try!
Aebleskiver
Aebleskiver are round Danish pancakes, traditionally cooked in a special pan with seven or more indentations. The batter is made from eggs, flour, milk, and baking powder, and the finished pancakes are served with powdered sugar and jam.
Aebleskiver are thought to have originated in the Middle Ages, and the name comes from the Danish words for “apple slices” or “apple pieces.” These pancakes were originally served as a dessert, but nowadays they are often eaten as a snack or for breakfast.
Aebleskiver are often served at Christmas time in Denmark, and they can be found at Danish bakeries and restaurants around the world year-round. If you’re interested in making aebleskiver at home, you’ll need to purchase a special aebleskiver pan, which can be found online or at some kitchen stores.
Frikadeller
Frikadeller are traditional Danish meatballs, usually made from pork or veal. These meatballs are a popular dish in Denmark, and they are often served as a main course with potatoes and gravy. Frikadeller are also a common ingredient in many Danish dishes such as stews and casseroles.
The origins of frikadeller are unclear, but the dish is thought to date back to the Middle Ages. In the past, frikadeller were made from leftover meat that was minced and shaped into balls. Today, the meat is usually ground before it is shaped into balls.
Frikadeller are usually fried in a pan, but they can also be baked or grilled. When frying frikadeller, it is important to use a lot of oil so that the meatballs do not stick to the pan. Once they are cooked, frikadeller can be served with many different sides and sauces.
If you want to try making frikadeller at home, there are many recipes available online. However, if you don’t have time to make your own, you can also purchase ready-made frikadeller from most supermarkets in Denmark.
Æblekage
Æblekage, also spelled aeblerkage or æblerkage, is a traditional Danish dessert made with apples. This dish is thought to date back to the Middle Ages, and was originally made with pork fat and cider. Today, æblekage can be baked in a pan, on a griddle, or in muffin tins. There are many variations of this dish, including those made with pears, plums, or cherries instead of apples.
This dessert is typically made with a combination of apples, flour, sugar, eggs, and spices. The apples are peeled and sliced thin before being mixed with the other ingredients. Once everything is combined, the mixture is poured into a baking dish and cooked until it is golden brown and bubbly. Æblekage is often served warm with cream or vanilla ice cream.
If you’re interested in trying this traditional Danish dessert for yourself, there are many recipes available online. Whether you make it using apples, pears, plums, or cherries, æblekage is sure to be a delicious treat!
Ris à l’amande
Ris à l’amande is a traditional Danish Christmas dish made of rice pudding and almond sauce. It is usually served with a dollop of almond sauce on top, and can be served hot or cold. The dish is often garnished with slivered almonds, whipped cream, or a cherry.
Ris à l’amande is made with rice pudding and almond sauce. Rice pudding is made by cooking rice in milk until it is soft and creamy. Almond sauce is made with almonds, sugar, butter, and egg whites. It is important to note that the dish can be served hot or cold. When served cold, the rice pudding is firm and the almond sauce is thick. When served hot, the rice pudding is softer and the almond sauce is thinner.
This dish is typically garnished with slivered almonds, whipped cream, or a cherry. Slivered almonds add a crunchy texture to the dish, while the whipped cream and cherry add sweetness and color.
Danishes
Danish pastries were first made in the early 1800s by Austrian bakers who had moved to Denmark. The pastries were originally called Vienna bread or Viennese bread. The first Danish pastry recipes were published in Danish cookbooks in the 1830s.
Danish pastries became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. American immigrants who had lived in Denmark brought their love of Danish pastries with them when they moved to the United States. By the mid-20th century, Danish pastries were a common sight in American bakeries.
Today, Danish pastries are enjoyed all over the world. They are often made with a light and fluffy dough, and are filled with fruit, cream, or chocolate. If you’re looking for a delicious treat, you can’t go wrong with a Danish pastry!
