Happy Midsummer!!

[Claire]

Today it's Midsummer's Eve which is a big holiday in Sweden. For those interested in the dictionary explanation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midsummer

My family don't really celebrate it that much. I've never been one for dancing around the May pole, singing that I'm a frog, or getting really drunk... (God, I sound boring! LOL)

As I woke up with a really strange tired feeling, heavy head and headache, I stayed in the whole day. We did have herring, new potatoes and strawberries for dinner though. Just like we're supposed to.


This photo was taken two summer's ago at Nääs, not too far from where I live. There they have the traditional celebrations for two days. The first day is lots of music and dancing. Many wear traditional folk costumes. The next day (Midsummer Day) they hold games and an old traditional wedding.
http://static.flickr.com/57/172839747_ddc7a3bb08.jpg?v=0

Herring and new potatoes
http://static.flickr.com/62/173412864_7bdd8bf422.jpg?v=0

Herring closeup
http://static.flickr.com/53/173413220_61a50460e4.jpg?v=0

Time for dessert! Mom and I decided to make the strawberries a bit more interesting, so we put them in the melon. :)
http://static.flickr.com/45/173413938_d82489b8a9.jpg?v=0

[Moppie]

Enjoy the sun, its 10deg C here, inside the house.

That herring looks nice to. mmmmmmmmmm warm thoughts.............

[catsith]

OMG, I hope that is not raw herring!!!!! I tried some when in holland. Sorry, but yuck! But then, I eat vegemite, so what hope do i have??:lol: Nice photos.

[saravrose]

I thought I was grasping the concept of midsummer and then I saw the raw fish, and i'm all confused again, why herring?.. and are you allowed to cook it if you don't like it raw?..

sari

[Claire]

Well, it's not really raw...eh, it's pickled herring.

Pickled herring
A very popular Scandinavian food item, pickled herring has been around for a long time. Most herring curing at home uses a two-step curing process. Initially, herring is cured with salt to extract water. The second stage involves removing the salt and adding flavorings, typically a vinegar/salt/sugar solution to which ingredients like peppercorn, bay leaves and raw onions are added.

Once the pickling process is finished and depending on which of the dozens of classic herring flavorings are selected, it is usually enjoyed with dark rye bread, crisp bread, or potatoes. This dish is a must at Christmas and Midsummer, where it is enjoyed with a snaps.

In Germany, North Sea herring is pickled to make Matjes, or soused herring.

[catsith]

as far as i am concerned, pickled is still raw!!

[catsith]

and just out of curiosity, what is the temperature there today?

[saravrose]

okay.. one of those delicacies. Idaho has weird food too.. send me a PM and i'll tell you what Rocky mountain oysters are.. (but, I swear i've never eaten them..)..

sari

[Claire]

Today we had a temperature of 19 Celsius I think. It was awfully windy though and really depressing weather. It's been great sun and blue skies for a couple of weeks, but not today. They say it may rain this weekend. :(

[Claire]

Tina, I take it you're not big on sushi then! ;)

[catsith]

no, certainly not!! funny thing is, i have a fussy son, and when we went to visit our student's home in japan, he ate the raw fish with rice (doesn't like seaweed for sushi).
And another funny thing, it is winter here downunder, but i live in queensland, and today it is about 19deg's. We are in a severe drought, but it has actually rained a little over the last few days, and today is cloudy as well, but no rain. Otherwise it should be at least 24/25C.
and sari, i'll skip on the RM oysters thanks, i'm having breakfast!

[jbkalla]

I love pickled herring! Love sushi, too!

Strawberries are great in chocolate! Mmmmm.... :-)

[tommykjensen]

Sounds like fun.

Heering - no thanks.

The desert - yes please :D

I did go to a bonfire here in Copenhagen but I choose the wrong one - it was pretty boring and since I underestimated how quickly it got cold I went home early so I only got a few shots of the bonfire before it got really dark. Though it was not a complete waste I got a little practice pannning speedboats in the harbour - not great results but getting there I think.

[Acc]

I love pickled herring! Love sushi, too!


Me too ... still remember buying jordgubben in the countryside :lol:

Alb

[jbkalla]

The only pickled herring I've ever had was the stuff they sell in the jar at the supermarket/grocery. I like that, so I imagine the real thing would taste even better! :-)

[Longwatcher]

I am fairly sure I have tried both Pickled herring as well as RMO (at the least the first is a fish and the second technically a mammal, but some of the things I saw being stir fried in Thailand just don't belong in my mouth except in desperation.

I always thought dancing around the maypole was Spring Solstice. BUt mid-summer makes sense also.

[Claire]

Well, as Swedes are generally seen as calm & boring we need a few holidays when we can go nuts. :)

[jbkalla]

Well, as Swedes are generally seen as calm & boring we need a few holidays when we can go nuts. :)

:lol: