Christmas and the run up to it is all about one thing: the famed Swedish smorgasbord that is called Julbord
(pronounced ‘yuleboard’) at Christmas time. This is where you get
practically 101 dishes elbowing for space on a table or, a series of
tables. And as in Swedish society, there is proper order involved in how
you negotiate your way through the meal. There should be lashings of
schnapps and beer involved. And there should be one full belly at the
end.
Swedish Christmas Drinks
Snaps – aquavit – Yes, hard liquor is part of Swedish
tradition and making toasts. Snaps are strong, flavourful and more than a
couple shot implies trouble.
Glögg – Mulled Wine
Glögg is similar to the English mulled wine
sold on the streets. Blossa Glögg and Tindra are two famous Swedish brands that
make different types of glögg.
Julmust – Christmas Cola
It’s not Coke. It’s not Root Beer. It’s
something in between. Coke has tried for years to beat julmust but hell,
Christmas tasting soda is way better.
They are very close to gingerbread cookies
but are hard and thin cookies (more coffee/ tea friendly than milk).
Risgrynsgröt
– Rice porridge
- Swedish
Christmas Desserts
A rice porridge served for breakfast on Christmas Eve. It’s delicious, creamy, rich, and added cinnamon, brown sugar and milk makes it even more decadent. One almond is hidden in the pot and the person who finds it gets a prize and if you’re slightly older, you’re going to be the first to marry.
Swedish Christmas Meats & Fishes
Julskinka – Christmas ham
The traditional meatballs make an appearance
for Chirstmas Eve dinner. Then there is the pickled herrings - sill. All different varieties are offered - mustardy, herby spicy....
Smaklig måltid!
Lussekatter or Lussebullar
– Saffron Buns
Traditional served on Lucia day, you know, when
girls wear candles on their head and sing Christmas songs.
Pepparkakor – Gingersnaps
A rice porridge served for breakfast on Christmas Eve. It’s delicious, creamy, rich, and added cinnamon, brown sugar and milk makes it even more decadent. One almond is hidden in the pot and the person who finds it gets a prize and if you’re slightly older, you’re going to be the first to marry.
Swedish Christmas Meats & Fishes
Julskinka – Christmas ham
Quite similar to the American ham. But many
families here have the cut ham that can be used as in a smörgås.
Janssons Frestelse –
Jansson’s Temptation
This is a casserole dish with potatoes,
anchovies, and cream. "yummy! and can't be missed on the julbård to complement the meat and fish !"Smaklig måltid!
