Hej!

As you may know, last Tuesday was Shrove Tuesday. In Sweden, it is called Fettisdag. It’s also referred to as Semmaldagen (Semla Day). So, what the heck is a semla?

Well, it is a cardamom bun filled with almond paste, a whole lot of whipped cream, and a dash of powdered sugar on top. Let me tell you, they are so freaking good! They only sell them around this time of year usually in packages of two. I might have to stock up before they disappear from the shelves.

Grocery Store Finds

There are a few very Swedish things you can find at the grocery store.

• Jars of pickled herring: This is pretty self explanatory. Herring is called Sill in Swedish and is usually served with garlic, dill, or mustard.

  

• Caviar in a tube: Yes, they put caviar in a tube here. No, it is no the caviar you’re thinking of. It is cod roe, not the sturgeon roe we call caviar. And it is sold in a tube.

  

• Tubes of Mjukost: The direct translation of mjukost is "soft cheese." However, it is quite different from soft cheeses like brie that might come to mind. While it is a spreadable cheese, it comes in a variety of savory flavors including shrimp, mushroom, bacon, ham, and jalapeño. And yes, it also comes in a tube. (Notice a pattern here?)

  

• Godisgången: The candy aisle, or godisgången, is quite the sight. Most grocery stores have a massive "pick and mix" selection. You grab a bag and scoop whatever you like. Swedes truly love their sweet treats, and it really shows the moment you walk into the store!

So, would you try shrimp-flavored cheese from a tube, or are you sticking to the candy aisle? Let me know which Swedish delicacy sounds the most (or least) appetizing to you!

Vi ses! (See you!)

Iman