Living a Nordic Life

Welcome to Living A Nordic Life, helping you live a Nordic Life, wherever you are.

From my home in southern Norway I'd love to share my Nordic lifestyle, cooking and surroundings with you, and show you how I have discovered that you don't need to live in Norway to enjoy and embrace a Nordic lifestyle and way of living.

Blåbærsuppe (blueberry soup)

A simple and very traditionally Nordic way of serving berries. After a day in the forest blåbærsuppe is the perfect snack

Fiona McKinna

Aug 14, 20242 min read

Sørlandsbolle (chocolate covered vanilla cream bun)

Sørlandsboller are a speciality from southern Norway. A soft cardamom bun is filled with vanilla custard and topped with chocolate icing.

Fiona McKinna

Jun 28, 20243 min read

Nordic Raspberry Summer Cake (Bringebær Kvæfjordkake)

Raspberries, soft sponge, meringue and cream - what's not to love! A slice of cake outside in the summer is the perfect hygge experience

Fiona McKinna

Jun 14, 20243 min read

Drønning Maud fromasj (Queen Maud's dessert)

This delicious, creamy dessert was created for the late Queen Maud. It's both elegant and simple and perfect for any day of the week.

Fiona McKinna

May 29, 20242 min read

What is Norwegian brunost or brown cheese?

Brunost or brown cheese is a Norwegian icon, but it can be an unusual flavour when you first try it.

Fiona McKinna

May 20, 20244 min read

Piksrudkaker, butter cookies from Hedmark

These little know cookies from Hedmark in Norway have become a firm favourite of mine. They are light, crispy, delicate and buttery.

Fiona McKinna

May 3, 20242 min read

Kladdkaka med apelsin (Swedish sticky chocolate cake with orange)

Kladdkaka is a Swedish favourite. It's a deliciously gooey rich chocolate cake that is really easy to make but won't last long!

Fiona McKinna

Mar 27, 20243 min read

Denmarks sweet indulgence, Sarah Bernhardt cakes

These decadent Danish treats have a really interesting history. Layers of macaron, and chocolate truffle are covered in dark chocolate

Fiona McKinna

Mar 13, 20243 min read

Solskinnsboller (Sunshine buns) for Soloppgang on Svalvard

Every year as the sun appears over the horizon the residents of Svalbard celebrate in a unique way

Fiona McKinna

Mar 1, 20244 min read

No-Bake Bringebær & Sjokolade Ostekake (No-Bake Raspberry & Chocolate Cheesecake)

Cheeescake is one of Norway's most popular celebration desserts. This no-bake recipe is creamy and delicious and just a little decadent

Fiona McKinna

Feb 14, 20243 min read

Honningkake fra Siljan (Siljan honey cake)

Honningkake recipes are well known and loved in Norway. I like this one because it's from a town in Telemark and is simple and easy to make

Fiona McKinna

Jan 24, 20242 min read

Karamellpudding (Norwegian creme caramel)

Karamellpudding is a simple, delicious Norwegian dessert that is a classic of the dessert table at nearly every event.

Fiona McKinna

Jan 10, 20243 min read

Havrekjeks, Norwegian Oat Cookies

Havrekjeks or Norwegian oat cookies are easy to make and very tasty. They are perfect with a slice of Norwegian brown cheese or some jam

Fiona McKinna

Dec 27, 20232 min read

Pepperkaker, Nordic gingerbread cookies

Pepperkaker are a classic Nordic gingerbread made at Christmas. They are sweet and spiced and fill the kitchen with Christmas scents

Fiona McKinna

Dec 13, 20233 min read

Serinakaker, Norwegian Butter Cookies

If you like Danish butter cookies, you are going to love these buttery, crumbly Norwegian cookies, serinakaker

Fiona McKinna

Nov 17, 20232 min read

Mustikkapiirakka (Finnish Blueberry Tart)

Blueberries are one of the most beloved foods in the autumn in the Nordics and this Finnish blueberry tart is rich, creamy and delicious

Fiona McKinna

Sep 29, 20233 min read

Apricot Frangipane Tart, A Simple Luxury for the Weekend

Apricot frangipane tart is a delicious sweet tart with a crisp pastry case, almondy filling and soft, glazed apricots. Simple luxury!

Fiona McKinna

Apr 15, 20233 min read

Kvikklunsjkake med Appelsin (Kvikklunsj Cake with Orange)

Kvikklunsj bars, chocolate and orange! The perfect Norwegian combo, that shouts the outdoors, hikes, Easter and some classic Nordic treats

Fiona McKinna

Apr 6, 20233 min read

Key Equipment in the Nordic Kitchen

If you are preparing yourself for some rewarding Nordic baking you will love my list of key items for the Nordic cook and kitchen

Fiona McKinna

Nov 15, 20225 min read

5 Ingredient Pumpkin Lemon Curd

Once Halloween is over, you don't need to throw your pumpkin out. This 5 ingredient recipe will make a star out of your pumpkin again.

Fiona McKinna

Nov 1, 20223 min read

Living a Nordic Life

Blåbærsuppe (blueberry soup)

Sørlandsbolle (chocolate covered vanilla cream bun)

Nordic Raspberry Summer Cake (Bringebær Kvæfjordkake)

Drønning Maud fromasj (Queen Maud's dessert)

What is Norwegian brunost or brown cheese?

Piksrudkaker, butter cookies from Hedmark

Kladdkaka med apelsin (Swedish sticky chocolate cake with orange)

Denmarks sweet indulgence, Sarah Bernhardt cakes

Solskinnsboller (Sunshine buns) for Soloppgang on Svalvard

No-Bake Bringebær & Sjokolade Ostekake (No-Bake Raspberry & Chocolate Cheesecake)

Honningkake fra Siljan (Siljan honey cake)

Karamellpudding (Norwegian creme caramel)

Havrekjeks, Norwegian Oat Cookies

Pepperkaker, Nordic gingerbread cookies

Serinakaker, Norwegian Butter Cookies

Mustikkapiirakka (Finnish Blueberry Tart)

Apricot Frangipane Tart, A Simple Luxury for the Weekend

Kvikklunsjkake med Appelsin (Kvikklunsj Cake with Orange)

Key Equipment in the Nordic Kitchen

5 Ingredient Pumpkin Lemon Curd

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