Something’s Rotten in the State of Denmark(But it’s not the delicious recipe found at the end of this slide show!)

By: Corinne Stanforth and Katie Taylor

GeographyDenmark, formally called Kingdom of Denmark, is a part of Europe. It bordersGermany and neighbors with Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Although you can’t tell on this map, Denmark consists of a peninsula, Jutland, and 407 islands made up of flat, sandy, arable, land and a temperate climate.

Denmark became a kingdom in the 8th century (or 700s) in a fight to gain control of the Baltic Sea.

Mad (Food)

In the past, Danish food was mostly associated with bacon and potatoes. Traditional meals the Danes enjoyed consisted of vandgrød (porridge), open sandwiches, roast pork with parsley sauce, gule ærter (pea soup), klipfisk (dried cod), and more. But more recently, the traditional cuisine has changed to emphasize lamb, fish and mussels, apples, and root vegetables.

Find out how to make æbleskivers on our tutorial slide!

Traditions and Celebrations

Mostly for children, there is a festival called Fastelavn in March or February. They dress up and walk around with a tin for collecting money. The main event is the smashing of the barrel which contains tons of sweet candies. Whichever child succeeds in smashing open the barrel is named Fastelavn King or Queen. Everyone receives candies. Traditionally, a cat was placed in the barrel. Once the barrel was smashed open, the cat was chased out of the town and apparently took evil spirits with it. Now, it is common to see a cat painted on the barrel. This usually occurs on Quinquagesima Sunday, or the Sunday before Ash Wednesday. They also call this carnival Shrovetide.

On May 5th Denmark became free from Germany. When liberation was announced on May 4, 1945 on an 8:30 p.m. broadcast, Danes lit candles and stuck them in their windows. This is a custom many Danes continue now.

Traditions and Celebrations

On June 15, Valdemar’s Day is celebrated. Apparently, on this day, the Danish flag (Dannebrog) fell from the sky in Estonia by Lyndanise where King Valdemar II the Victorious was at battle in 1213. This day is a national flag day. Danish flags are sold and until 1948, the day was considered a school holiday and festivals took place around the country.

How to Make Æbleskivers!

First, buy an æbleskiver pan! Click here for some good options.

Beat 2 egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Set aside. Save the yolks; you will need them later.

Then mix your dry ingredients in a big bowl:

2 cups of all-purpose flour2 teaspoons of baking powder1 tablespoon of white sugar½ teaspoon of baking soda½ teaspoon of salt

Add 2 egg yolks to the dry ingredients. (Left over from step 1). Do not mix yet.

How to Make Æbleskivers!

Add 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of melted butter and 2 cups of buttermilk. Beat until even mixture. Fold in whipped egg whites last.

How to Make Æbleskivers!

Prepare any fillers you would like to add to the æbleskivers. We suggest apple slices and cinnamon filling, blueberries, any nuts and dried fruits, jellybeans, and of course the original is wonderful as well! Recipe for cinnamon filling: ¼ cup granulated sugar1 tablespoons of all purpose flour¾ tablespoons ground cinnamon1/8 teaspoon of salt¼ stick (2 tablespoons) butter (cut into cubes at room temperature). Mash butter into dry ingredient mixture with back of spoon.

How to Make Æbleskivers!

Melt small cube of butter in each pan cup on medium heat.

Add about a tablespoon of batter to each pan cup.

Add your choice of filling then add another dollop of batter to cover. If you don’t want fillers, add a larger scoop of batter at the start.

How to Make Æbleskivers!

When bubbles start to form on the outside, you are ready to flip your æbleskiver! You can use a spoon, fork, or any other kitchen utensil.

After the first flip, let cook for just a little, and then prepare for another flip. You will not want the æbleskivers to burn! Remove when you believe they are ready (lightly browned).

Your wonderful treat is prepared! Good work! We recommend a dusting of powdered sugar. You are ready to eat!