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Writer’s Kitchen: Working through the Seven Sorts of Norwegian Christmas Cookies

Serinakaker

One of the things I love most about my Norwegian heritage is the appreciation of simple yet delicious baked goods. From the cakes and cookies to the tortes and candies, Norwegians know how to take a few simple ingredients–butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, for example–and transform them into something spectacular and beautiful.

This year I’ve been observing the tradition of the syv slags kaker, or seven sorts of cookies, that are a must in a Norwegian household during Christmastime. I started tracking my progress over at Outside Oslo on November 1, and so far I’ve discovered a new favorite: serinakaker, pictured above. These cookies are at once crisp yet delicate, with an elegant sprinkling of chopped almonds and pearl sugar on top. It takes a lot for a cookie to make me sit up and take notice, but these do exactly that.

Another favorite type? Sandbakkelse.

Sandbakkels

These pretty and delicate little cookies are formed one by one in molds, and are perfect to make with loved ones as you sit around the table catching up and talking about life. They are a specialty of my Grandma Adeline, who has been teaching my mom and me to make them. While you could certainly fill them with some sweetened whipped cream and lingongberry preserves, many Norwegian families–including my own–prefer to eat them as cookies rather than tarts.

Last week we baked krumkaker together, and I have a batch of pepperkaker dough chilling in my refrigerator now. I’m starting to feel the clock ticking, though, as I still have three more sorts to make! If you happen to have a traditional syv slags recipe that you enjoy making, let me know–I’d love to hear from you! Or if the tradition is new to you and you’re interested in learning more, I’d be delighted if you’d follow Outside Oslo, where I’ll be writing much more about these cookies in the coming weeks!

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Destination Inspiration: Crux Fermentation Project

Crux Exterior

When it comes to picking a place to go to write, coffee shops are the typical choice. But sometimes it’s nice to get off the beaten path and get a change of scenery. Sometimes the new setting can also help give you a fresh perspective on what you’re writing.

On our recent trip to Bend, one of the highlights was Crux Fermentation Project. Having opened in June, Crux is one of the newest craft breweries in the area.

Crux Larry Sidor

 

Food and Drink

While the babies napped, we sat down with our husbands to talk with Crux co-owner Larry Sidor, who is former brewmaster of Deschutes Brewery. Our husbands are home-brewers, so they were starstruck getting to talk and share beers with Sidor. Sidor shared with us a sampling of the beers before showing us the facilities.

They have food too but we had just come from lunch at 10 Barrel.

 

 Crux Sampler

Location and Atmosphere

Crux earned it’s namesake for being literally at the crux of Bend, OR. From this point you are about equidistant from anywhere in Bend.  Spacious new facilities, big and open, are accented with large shiny brewing equipment. You can look up from your pub fare and see Larry himself checking on the next batch.

One of our favorite parts of the facility is the patio. Hops growing up tall lattices and tables shaded by umbrellas and trees make a nice retreat with good friends and a cold beer.

Crux Hops

Crux Interior

Crux Equipment

Crux Equipment

Crux Patio

Crux Larry Sidor

Writeability and Purchased Presence

If it’s a sunny day, then order a beer and a snack and head out to the patio with your writing buddy and work on your screenplay plot.

Parking

You’ll have no trouble finding a spot in the parking lot that’s just as spacious as the building itself.

Crux and Beer Tour

Writer’s Tip

If you’re lucky enough to be there as one of the local beer tours shows up, use this as an opportunity to eavesdrop on snippets of buzzed conversation for dialogue practice.

Find It

Crux Fermentation Project
50 SW Division Street
Bend, OR 97702
Website

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Daily Writer’s Fix: December 3-7

How to use Daily Writers’ Fix

Monday:

Sight

Washington Wheat

Whether you’ve just wrapped up a month of fiction writing for NaNoWriMo or are working on poetry or songwriting, treat yourself to some personal writing based on travel today. Pull a photo album off the shelf and choose a photo from one of the favorite places you’ve ever visited. Start by describing what you see in the photo, and see where your writing goes from there. Maybe you’ll end up with the vignette your memoir has been needing, or an idea for a travel article to pitch to your local newspaper. In any case, share the results with us in the comments section!

Tuesday:

Smell

Rose and Blue Building

Today’s prompt is an exercise in recollection. Since we’re well into autumn and it’s been months since the summer sun warmed our skin, take a few minutes of reflection to think back to the smell of roses and the verdant scent of freshly-cut grass. Spend some time freewriting, using this thought as a starting place, and see what you come up with.

Wednesday:

Sound

Train at Dusk

Chances are, if you’ve spent time living near the train tracks, a bus line, or airport, you’ve gotten so used to the comings and goings–and the sound that accompanies such transportation–that you don’t always notice it anymore. Don’t forget to share the entire sensory experience of your readers, however, and make them feel like they are there. Practice the art of observation in your writing today.

Thursday:

Touch

Fire Escape

Even superheroes feel the cool chill of metal as they grab onto railings in pursuit of the villain. Today, work on making your most outrageous or unbelieveable character a little more human.

Friday:

Taste

Sandwich

What is your protagonist eating for lunch today? What about your antagonist’s mealtime plans? What does this say about them?