Christmas food

Last week Chris and I got a taste of Christmas in Scandinavia. On Tuesday the science division at work headed to Copenhagen for a Danish julefrokost (jul means Christmas and frokost means lunch). We all left work at noon and headed for the train. Chris met us at the station and we made our way to Denmark.

The tables were all set.

There were about 30 of us. It's very common in Scandinavia to have Christmas meals out and at home during the advent season. The difference between a Swedish julebord (Christmas table) and the Danish julefrokost is in Denmark the food comes to you, family style, and in Sweden it's set up like a buffet.

There are, of course traditional foods that are served at these meals and pickled herring (sill) is a must. We had three kinds.

Next came the fried plaice, shrimp, and smoked trout. Of course there are sauces and pairings that go along with each dish.

Oh yeah, how can I forget the best part? A ramekin of fat. That's right, good ole artery clogging fat, with french fried onions, of course. I was told it was best to spread it on bread like butter and sprinkle a little salt on it, so I did! Mmmm, it was tasty!

The main course was a pork course, both crispy and roasted, as well as sausages.

I have to say, I love me some pork fat!

The last course was cheese and rice pudding with cherry sauce.

Of course it is all washed down with snaps and Christmas beer.

The food was good and the company was great!

After dinner we decided to walk through the city to the main station so we could enjoy the Christmas lights. Niko and Pascale were with us and we found a Christmas market!!