This menu is the epitome of my memories of summers with my Finnish Granny and Grandad at the lake, short of rye bread it is an example of a Finnish meal. My mom even recalls the time her and my Dad were visiting family in Helsinki in the 70’s and my Dad’s cousins served them many meals similar to this.

Kurkkusalaatti (quick pickle)

With the cucumbers and dill, Grandad would make a jar of what he called, quick pickle. It was a side that went with everything, even just a quick nibble in passing. A blend of vinegar, sugar and water poured over fresh dill and garden cucumbers, a refreshing tangy taste.

Tomaatti-sipulisalaatti (Tomato and Onion Salad)

The lakehouse garden is where I learned to love tomatoes, especially baby tomatoes fresh off the vine; they were sweeter, fuller in flavor and somehow the warm sunshine added it’s own unique flavor that store tomatoes just don’t have. This tomato salad highlights those bright lush garden tomatoes with a vinaigrette that perfectly balances out their sweetness.

Sinappi (hot mustard)

Every summer, without fail we would roast wieners or sausages over a fire at some point, whether it was in the fire pit in the garden or the inside fireplace (on rainy days). Grandad would pull out the tube of spicy mustard to go with the sausages. The mustard was sweet and smooth, thick but has a unique nasal burn, almost like wasabi. 

Makkara (Finnish sausage)

Makkara is a generic word for sausage in Finland. They are similar to bratwurst or polish sausage but are much lighter in flavor and have a different texture, some being much finer in texture and are often mostly pork. If they are spiced it is with allspice, nutmeg or some pepper. The best way to enjoy makkara is over a fire or on a charcoal grill and then topped off with sinappi. For this mini experience we will be doing things a bit differently, we will start by boiling the sausage to cook it through and then searing it off in a hot pan.

Lohikeitto (Salmon Soup) Kalakeitto (Fish Soup)

Traditional Finnish soup, it's a light spring soup, quick and simple, with chunks of potato and fish with a creamy broth finished with fresh dill (not heavy like a chowder).  The choice of fish is up to you, Taryn prefers salmon but trout or any white fish would work just fine.

Rieska

A traditional rye "flatbread", that's quick and easy. There are plenty of variations to change things up. Commonly eaten with butter, cheese and cured reindeer or an accompaniment to soup.

Ohukaiset (Finnish Pancakes) and Strawberry Compote

Ohukaiset goes by a variety of names and are traditionally a dessert. They are similar to crepes but much darker and have butter and sugar in them and are cooked in a plett pan. The goal when making ohukaiset is to get super lacey edges, but I prefer them thicker. They are commonly served with strawberry jam or compote, whipped cream or ice cream. My memory of these little pancakes is my Granny cooking dozens of these for my brothers and I at the lake. She would patiently cook 7- 3” pancakes at a time in a plett pan and create stacks and stacks of them, only for us to devour them in minutes.

I have paired the classic strawberry compote with the pancakes for this menu but I suggest getting into the Nordic spirit of local, in season produce or the tradition of foraging and pick some of your own local and in season berries instead. This might take a bit more time but I promise you’ll reap rewards in satisfaction and taste.

Joulutorttu 

Joulutorttu is a wintertime classic for me. These cookies would start showing up nestled between the pulla and spice cookies on the dessert plate at family dinners from mid-November onward. These little star shaped cookies are often made with a puff pastry type of dough, filled with a plum jam and served with Christmas dinner; slightly sweet and best served warm, they are very "moorish" in their own way.

To go with these cookies we will have a glass of glögi. This beverage is a spiced or mulled wine served with a few almonds and raisins at the bottom of the glass, and if you¹re a part of my family, an extra shot of vodka thrown in your cup before the first sip.