I always enjoyed attending the small Swedish Christmas Fair near my home in Southeastern Michigan. It was festive and charming. A few performances, tables of baked goods, a selection of Christmas decorations for sale. The hallways and common rooms of the church were packed with people saying:
I loved it, so I knew I would seek out the same kind of festival when I moved to Seattle. Jackpot! This region has a large Nordic presence and I learned that they are opening a beautiful new Nordic Heritage Museum this Spring (May 5, 2018).
It was a rainy Seattle Sunday when Dan and I drove to Ballard (an area within Seattle) to check out Yulefest. After 40 years, we arrived in the final hours of the current museum being open. I could hear attendees making sentimental statements about coming to this building as children and wanting to photograph just a few more special places inside.
The Nordic Heritage Museum was packed. Like turn sideways to cross through the halls packed. It was wonderful to see that so many wanted to take one-last-pass through the halls and honor their heritage. I took this short video (above) to let you hear a traditional folk song and witness the bustling cafe where attendees ate open-faced sandwiches and authentic Christmas cookies.
Vendors were set up in the museum's display rooms and hallways for easy shopping.
In honor of Yulefest, I wore a Dale of Norway sweater, similar to this glorious display (above) and the shop woman smiled at my choice.
I stopped to admire these Norwegian Rosemaling wood carriers. I imagine they are for bringing food to a party, but that might just be me. I love their beauty and craftsmanship. I found a similar piece on Etsy if you are interested.
I felt foolish when I realized that I missed my chance to get in line for a hot ebelskiver. By the time I peeked through this doorway and saw what was going on, the line was even longer. This kind woman showed me how you gently turn these Nordic pancakes with a wooden skewer to keep it from browning too much on one side. Next year, I am getting my hot ebelskiver first!
Whether your ancestors are Nordic or you are just an admirer like me, be sure to attend Yulefest (November 2018) in the brand new Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard, Washington.
God Jul!
In your wildest culinary moment, have you ever sliced a grape? Me neither, but look at how beautiful it looks in this collage of edible items called lunch. I was served this mini-masterpiece at the tiny Scandinavian shop called Punzel (near Interlochen, Michigan) last year and I took a good five minutes photographing each part.
Lunches are created one-by-one for a small number of guests each week. They layer cheeses, edible flowers, Scandinavian breads and fresh fruit to create little vignettes of flavor around the plate. When I noticed that they had constructed a flower from grape slices and a fresh berry, I had to show you.
The next time you are making a fruit salad or a lunch plate, slice some grapes. You too can add a touch of edible art.
The cookbook, Swedish Cakes and Cookies, talks of a traditional coffee klatch where friends gather for coffee, sweets and conversation. I am in!
I can't wait to try and replicate some of these sweets. This photo was taken at our last stop in Andersonville, "The Swedish Bakery" on North Clark Street. I ate cookies from each shelf and they were delicious!
The cookbook, Swedish Cakes and Cookies, talks of a traditional coffee klatch where friends gather for coffee, sweets and conversation. I am in!