Holiday Traditions
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One of the things we like to do as a family is to have a night of snacks (and wine). A family favourite is Bacon wrapped water chestnuts or figs. It's kind of messy, but always a hit.
Also good with medjool dates. Also good with medjool dates stuffed with gorgonzola (but even messier…).
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I can confirm that good dates in bacon is delicious. I will have to try the Gorgonzola too as that is a favourite cheese of mine.
One of our traditions is making a festive dinner each Sunday in advent. The reason for this is that as the cook in family and as an immigrant to the country I felt I needed the practice to perfect the somewhat idiosyncratic and provincial execution of the dishes. It is also because eating them only once a year is not very satisfying [emoji1].
First Sunday in advent is only a few days away so I’ll be back here then.
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Humping fire wood…
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Christmas Puddings… absolutely nothing Austrian and the epitome of British Xmas. But we do it every year... usually preparing it in September as in needs some rest. Then it will be reheated, flambéed with lots of brandy and served with vanilla sauce. This year I was late... prepared it end of October...
Candied the lemons some days before:
Mixed them with raisins, almonds, sugar, spices, eggs and brandy… of course:
Steamed in bowls in hot water a whole day
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Our family took advantage of a Teacher’s professional activity day (kids day off) and cut our Christmas for this season. We normally take 3 days to decorate and should have everything completed on Sunday Evening.
We wanted to share a couple of pictures of our shenanigans:
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First Sunday in advent tomorrow so we are gearing up here. Generally Norwegians are low key and bound by tradition with regards to xmas. Many houses simply start with an advent star and that is it.
Tomorrow I’ll put some lights up outside. They are simple but very effective due to the permanent gloom and the fact that you they heavily influence out living room because they are visible from the inside all the time. Pics to come.
Last night I started preparing the pinnekjøtt. This is the first and last meal of xmas for us. We always eat it the first day of advent and on xmas eve. It consists of dried, salted, smoked lamb rib that had finne soaked for 24-48 hours before a 3 hour steam.
