2023-12-17 - Dinner In Denmark With Charlotte
In common with much of Europe (but not the UK), Denmark celebrates Christmas on December 24, Christmas Eve. Traditionally, that means eating an elaborate Christmas dinner in the evening and opening presents, often late into the night, afterwards. In Denmark, the name for Christmas is jul.
We were invited to Charlotte's home to celebrate this evening.
Just like other Danish Christmas traditions, the Danish Christmas food has not changed much over the years. One of the favorites is æbleskiver. Æbleskiver are spherical Danish snacks made from fried batter. The name literally means "apple slices" in Danish, although apples are not usually an ingredient in present-day versions. The crust is similar in texture to European pancakes, but with a light and fluffy interior similar to a Yorkshire pudding.
Charlotte's Æbleskiver was amazing.
She prepared Gløgg - Danish Mulled Wine. Gløgg is a hot and sweet mulled wine which goes hand in hand with the Danish Christmas season. Many Danes add additional alcohol in the form of schnapps or rum for fuller flavor and kick.
Charlotte has been a family friend for fifteen or more years and is remains an avid golf player at Old Ranch. We played with her quite often and I credit her in making me an average golfer - that is a complement! She taught me how not only to play golf but to enjoy golf!
Mary and Charlotte.
Did You Know? - What about Father Christmas In Denmark?
Father Christmas certainly visits, but in a slightly different guise. In a less than poetic turn of phrase, Father Christmas/Santa Claus is named Julemanden in Danish (literally: The Christmas Man), and he is assisted by a group of Nisse, a sort of naughty elf that has a lot in common with the American 'elf on the shelf' (some people say they are the original version).
Presents are brought for children by Julemanden and he arrives on December 24 to distribute them. No magic chimneys or middle-of-the-night magic required: he is typically one of the family (an uncle, dad or grandad) dressed up in traditional red robes.
Charlotte must have cooked for two weeks! All Danish specialties!
Did You Know? - There are plenty of wonderful foods that are eaten around Christmastime, including æbleskiver, little fried doughnuts sprinkled with icing sugar, Christmas Beer, gløgg, or hot mulled wine, and candied almonds.
There was food everywhere!
This was "Chicken Pot Pie" and it was terrific!!!
Charlotte's stepdaughter was here and before she departed to visit her boyfriend, I changed the background on her - she was amazed!
See you on the course very soon!
We had a delightful evening and departed with full tummies and more of the Christmas spirit.
