Greetings from Sweden: Postcard No 2
And so we’re still in Lapland. We’ve migrated South from Kiruna, just beyond the Arctic Circle. We’re now by the river, looking at Finland. If I waved, they could see me.
Today involved an exploration of indigenous Sami food. Greta, a native Sami, brought reindeer heart, candied angelica, and other things to try. We also did some fishing, although failed to catch any fish. I blame the boys ;)
We finished the evening with a sauna dinner. I must confess that I didn’t participate in the sauna and hot tub (I forgot my swimsuit!), but I did enjoy the dinner. And I loved sitting on the terrace, looking at Finland, eating lots of herring, reindeer and local specialities, whilst gazing at the starry sky, and… Finland!
Photographic highlights:
Reindeer Heart
Arctic Raspberries
Greta, a wonderful Sami lady
Wild Mushrooms
Perfect Spot for Lunch
Fresh Lingonberries
Hot Smoked White Fish
Hot Smoked White Fish
Comments
Wow. Looks like you’re having fun. I’ve always wanted to eat hot smoked fish that has been nailed to a board. Must try it next time I have a BBQ.
It was great Jonathan. Mozzies aside! I would highly recommend. Mighty tasty indeed. I need to build me one of those smoke houses by the river.
I like how you relate the origins, preparation and presentation of the food to the place and the people, which seem to add multiple layers to the eating experience. Recipes alone often leave out so much.
Thanks Max! That’s what I try to do but I wasn’t sure I was achieving it. Very little time to write these posts on such a busy trip.
The scenery is amazing. It makes me want to take my next holiday to lapland.
I would highly recommend it. Will post a little guide soon.
Looks wonderful!
We went to Lapland in Finland last year, but with some friends and their young ones, on a special finding Santa trip so not much chance to sample authentic local cuisine… a shame.
I used to visit Sweden regularly as a child, we used to go to Lidkoping, my dad worked there in his holidays from his job here in the UK.
Happy memories, would love to go back.
We were just across the river from Finland for some of the trip :)
The cuisine is unique and very interesting. I would recommend an explore.
Thanks for the comment!
It’s Heaven on Earth especially the smoked white fish
The smoked white fish was *divine*. Better still, mine had roe.
It’s just like something out of a Tove Jansson novel- fantastic. Glad you’re having such a wonderful time. Still not sure how I feel about eating reindeer. I saw Gordon Ramsay eat it once around Christmas time…slightly disturbing.
It’s very common to eat it there. The conditions are so harsh, they don’t have many options. They herd them, too, it’s their tradition. I only saw one field of cows and that was where the arctic circle finished.
wow it looks like a beautiful country and the food looks great. not sure if i could eat the reindeer heart!! enjoy the rest of your trip. Smoked fish looks gorgeous.Vicky x
It really is Vicki. That smoked fish… swoon. The reindeer heart was delicious, truly.
Hello,
I’m impressed you like Smoked fish so much…have you tried Summer Isles Foods Awarding winning Smoked Salmon from Achiltibuie in the Highlands?
If you have then we are running a wee competition…
Do you remember when you first tried Summer Isles Foods?
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(UK only entries unfortunately and closing date is 1 November)