Swedish Waffle Practice

Pictured are the Swedish Waffles I made on Sunday. In Sweden Waffles are a big deal.There is even an official Waffle Day coming soon (March 25). I am just practicing so I can make sure I will be able to preform as well as the other Swedish wives on the big day...more on Swedish Waffles coming soon!

The Global Economy for Breakfast

 

This morning while I ate the lovely breakfast you see pictured above I took some time to think about how it was all made possible by the modern Global Economy we live in today.

In the white porcelain bowl made in China is some Turkish Yogurt with muesli imported to Sweden from Germany, topped with Brazilian mango and honey from my Grampa's own beehives (brought back from California with care in my carryon luggage).

The coffee cup and saucer are French (of course) and the coffee in it is imported from Columbia and selected by a Swedish Coffee Company called ZOEGA's (Mezzo blend, one of my favorites).

There is much debate about the Global Economy and its effect on each country throughout the world. While I am sensitive to the effects of the Global Economy, I also think at this point resistance is futile. Instead of complaining about what is and will be, I think we should all think about what we can offer in the Global Economy. Each country and culture has unique goods, and resources that can be useful to consumers all over the World. In my opinion, you can choose to sink or swim in this case, and I personally always enjoy a good swim.

Svensk Ost/Swedish Cheese

One of my first Swedish friends, Louise from Göteborg , is crazy about cheese. Every time I went to her house she served a wonderful spread of cheeses, fruit and crackers. Before I met Louise I liked cheese, but after I experienced her cheese service I enjoyed cheese on a new level. I found that the cheese she loves is not just any cheese, it's Swedish Cheese.

Now, I have been to France and I have enjoyed their cheese, but I have to say Swedish Cheese has defiantly been over looked for way too long.

I hate to say it but I think one of the only reasons French Cheeses are better known in United States is because of the French's abilities to market their products to Americans. I think if Swedes came to the US with the same confidence the French have in their cheese, Swedish Cheese would be a mainstay in the American Food Industry.

This cheese market is called Bengtson's Ost, located in Lund right across the street from St. Jacobs Bakery (the place I wrote about on Valentine's Day). I have never seen such a large space dedicated to cheese and cheese only. Not only do they have the best and most unique Swedish Cheeses, they also have cheese from all over the world. The shop owner, Lars is pictured above and he was really sweet about letting me wonder around the shop to take a million photos. From talking with him a bit I realized that my knowledge of Swedish Cheese is still very limited. I will update you all on what types Swedish Ost  (cheese in Swedish) are not to be missed. So far my favorites are Prast and Graddost.

Alla Hjärtans 'Dag med min älskling och en Semla

Today is Alla Hjärtans 'Dag (the direct translation in English is All Hearts Day, otherwise known as Valentines' Day) in Sweden. The holiday here is basically the same as it is in America. Couples celebrate their love by showering each other with flowers, candy and affection.

My husband and I celebrated our love by driving to Lund and going to our favorite bakery, St. Jacobs. I have featured the bakery in a post a while back but I did not talk about one of my favorite items. Pictured above are Swedish Cream Puffs called Semla. Now, I have indulged in my share of cream puffs, but none so far have compared to these. They are made with a pastry type roll that is cut in half, and filled with marzipan first and heavenly cream. You can always tell when someone has had one because the powdered sugar from the top of the Semla usually ends up on their nose, no matter how careful they are.

Here’s to Love, Happiness and Swedish Pastries!