Pancakes and Waffles
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Welcome to the first delicious installment of our Culinary Companions series! This time, we're journeying to the heart of Sweden, inspired by the culinary moments shared between Astrid and Veronika in our July book club selection.
In the book, Astrid introduces Veronika to the simple yet delightful Swedish Pancakes, more akin to crepes than American-style pancakes, served with wild strawberry jam 🍓. This shared meal marks the beginning of their beautiful friendship, and we've included a similar strawberry jam recipe for you to recreate this moment at home.
As their story unfolds, they enjoy another Swedish classic - Waffles, traditionally adorned with Lingonberry jam. While fresh lingonberries might be hard to come by, Lingonberry Jam is a delightful alternative, offering a taste similar to a sweet cranberry sauce.
But the Swedish love for waffles goes beyond everyday meals. They celebrate "Våffeldagen" or "Waffle Day" every March 25th, where heart-shaped waffles are traditionally savored with Cloudberry jam and whipped sour cream. Intrigued by this tradition, we've sourced Cloudberry jam and found a simple recipe for whipped sour cream for you to try. For those who have never tried one, Cloudberries last like an apricot and raspberry blend with hints of other tasty fruits.
So, let's embark on this Swedish culinary adventure together! Remember, it's not just about the food, but the joy and memories we create while making and sharing it. Let's bring a taste of Sweden into our kitchens and hearts. Happy cooking!
Swedish Pancakes - Pannkakor
Ingredients
4 eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup flour
1 tablespoons sugar
Pinch salt
4 tablespoons salted butter
Instructions
1. Start by whisking all the ingredients, except for the butter, together until you have a smooth batter.
2. Turn your non-stick pan to low heat and let the butter melt into a golden pool.
3. Once the butter has melted, whisk it into the batter, infusing it with a rich, buttery flavor.
4. Now, it's time to turn up the heat! Crank your pan up to medium-high and let it warm up.
5. Pour ¼ cup of batter into the pan, letting it sizzle and cook for about 45 seconds.
6. Now flip it! Let it cook for another 10-15 seconds.
7. Gently remove your pancake from the heat and repeat the process until all your batter has been transformed into delicious pancakes.
8. Serve your Swedish pancakes with a dollop of lingonberry jam (or any jam you fancy), a cloud of whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy this Swedish delight!
Swedish Waffles - Våfflor
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, plus more for greasing
Instructions
Begin by gathering all your ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This is the foundation of your waffle batter.
Now, it's time to add some richness. Mix in the eggs and milk, followed by the melted butter. Whisk it all together until it's just combined. You're looking for a smooth, creamy batter.
Preheat your trusty waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once it's nice and hot, give it a good greasing with some butter. This will give your waffles that beautiful golden crust and prevent them from sticking.
Now, pour in a ladleful of your prepared batter, about 1/4 cup (60 milliliters). Close the lid and let the waffle iron work its magic until the waffle is cooked through and golden. The aroma will be irresistible!
Carefully transfer your freshly cooked waffle to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter.
Now for the best part - serving! Serve your waffles warm with your desired toppings. Cloudberry or lingonberry jam, a dollop of whipped sour cream, or fresh fruit all make delicious choices. Enjoy this Swedish treat!
Strawberry Jam
Ingredients
4 1/2 cups Strawberries, Fresh, Washed and patted dry,
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
2 tbsp Lemon juice, Freshly squeezed
INSTRUCTIONS
Begin by pureeing your strawberries in a food processor.
If you're not a fan of seeds in your jam, pass this puree through a fine sieve (this step is optional, but can make for a smoother jam).
Next, transfer your strawberry puree to a large non-stick saucepan and set it over medium-high heat.
It's time to sweeten things up! Add your sugar and lemon juice to the pan, stirring until they're fully incorporated with the puree.
Keep stirring frequently. Once the jam has thickened and bubbles are visible on the surface (this should take about 12 minutes), you're almost there.
Carefully pour your homemade jam into a clean jar and allow it to cool down completely.
Once cooled, seal the jar and pop it in the fridge. Your jam will keep for up to 10 days, ready to add a burst of strawberry goodness to your meals. Enjoy every spoonful!
Whipped Sour Cream
Ingredients
5 fl oz cream (40% fat)
5 fl oz sour cream (35 – 40% fat)
1 tbsp. honey
Instructions
Whip cream, sour cream, and honey together to a thick cream. Delicious!
If you've enjoyed this Swedish culinary adventure, why not take your love for food and literature a step further? Our book club is a delightful blend of engaging reads and delicious eats, just like the recipes you've tried today. We'd love for you to join us as we explore new books and cuisines each month. Or, if you know a fellow foodie and book lover, why not recommend our book club to them? It's a wonderful way to share stories, recipes, and create lasting memories. Sign up today and let's embark on this delicious literary journey together!
Some websites with more information: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/rooms/kitchen/how-to/sweet-waffles-with-cloudberry-jam-and-whipped-sour-cream-pubd8d91919 , https://ramshacklepantry.com/swedish-pancakes-recipe-pannkakor/, https://swedishspoon.com/waffles/
