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.

Classic Swedish Semla, the Fat Tuesday Bun

A sweet cardamo scented bun, filled with almond paste and topped with whipped cream, the semlor is a Swedish classic for Fat Tuesday

Fiona McKinna

Feb 213 min read

Jordskokk Suppe (Jerusalem Artichoke Soup)

Simple, traditional and warming, Norwegian Jerusalem artichoke soup is quick and easy to make

Fiona McKinna

Feb 122 min read

Frikadeller, Traditional Danish Meatballs

Frikadeller are classic Danish meatballs made with pork and beef and are perfect for a simple lunch or dinner

Fiona McKinna

Feb 72 min read

Motti, a traditional dish from Finnskogen

Motti is a very traditional dish from Finnskog in Norway. It is a combination of Finnish and Norwegian food culture from a uni region

Fiona McKinna

Jan 292 min read

Old Fashioned Swedish Yellow Pea Soup (Gul Ärtsoppa)

Yellow pea soup is a simple, traditional and firm favourite in Seden in Norway. It's a warm, comforting soup that is great in winter

Fiona McKinna

Jan 243 min read

Nordic Dill & Mustard Sauce for Fish

As delicious as gravlaks is on it's own, this mustard sauce really elevates it to something special and memorable

Fiona McKinna

Dec 25, 20241 min read

Gløgg, Scandinavian Hot Mulled Wine

A Nordic Christmas is not complete without a delicious warming cup of gløgg or mulled wine. It's so easy to make ourselves.

Fiona McKinna

Dec 13, 20242 min read

Silppu, a very traditional comfort food from Finnskogen

Silppu or silpo is a traditional dish from Finnskogen in Norway. Bacon, potatoes, onion and milk are cooked together for best comfort food.

Fiona McKinna

Nov 27, 20242 min read

Mazariner (Swedish Almond Tarts), an Historic Treat

Swedish fika is not complete without these historic treats, mazariner, individual tarts filled with almond paste and topped with icing

Fiona McKinna

Nov 13, 20242 min read

Byggrynsgrøt (Wholegrain Barley Porridge)

Porridge has always been a favourite dish in the Nordics from the time of the vikings until now.

Fiona McKinna

Oct 18, 20242 min read

Lutefisk, love it or hate it

Lutefisk is a typically Nordic food, but can be a great divider. In Norway you either love it or hate it. But what is it??

Fiona McKinna

Oct 4, 20243 min read

Eblemosz, a Danish recipe from 1616

This delicious and historic recipe is a wonderful celebration of autumn's favourite fruit, the apple

Fiona McKinna

Sep 25, 20242 min read

Trollkrem (troll cream), a Norwegian dessert rich in tradition

Trollkrem is a Norwegian dessert with lots of tradition. It's also delicious and simple and makes the most of a beloved Nordic ingredient

Fiona McKinna

Sep 6, 20242 min read

Fiskegrateng (fish gratin), a nostalgic taste of Norway

Fiskegrateng is a true taste of Norwegian nostalgia. It's remembered fondly by many as a taste of their childhood.

Fiona McKinna

Aug 28, 20242 min read

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

Louhisaaren Juoma (Finnish blackcurrant leaf drink)

This unusual sparkling Finnish drink use blackcurrant leaves for a delicious and refreshing flavour that is a reminder of summer days

Fiona McKinna

Aug 9, 20242 min read

Grilled zucchini in oil

A glut of zucchini? This is the perfect way to make the most of those tender zucchini and enjoy them for months to come

Fiona McKinna

Aug 5, 20242 min read

Italiensk Salat, a taste of Norway

Despite it's name Italiensk salat does not come from Italy. It's a Norwegian classic that most people in Norway eat at least weekly.

Fiona McKinna

Jul 24, 20241 min read

Agurksalat (Norwegian cucumber salad)

Norwegian cucumber salad is a popular side dish in the summer. It's just a handful of ingredients that make the best of this delicious veg

Fiona McKinna

Jul 10, 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

Living a Nordic Life

Classic Swedish Semla, the Fat Tuesday Bun

Jordskokk Suppe (Jerusalem Artichoke Soup)

Frikadeller, Traditional Danish Meatballs

Motti, a traditional dish from Finnskogen

Old Fashioned Swedish Yellow Pea Soup (Gul Ärtsoppa)

Nordic Dill & Mustard Sauce for Fish

Gløgg, Scandinavian Hot Mulled Wine

Silppu, a very traditional comfort food from Finnskogen

Mazariner (Swedish Almond Tarts), an Historic Treat

Byggrynsgrøt (Wholegrain Barley Porridge)

Lutefisk, love it or hate it

Eblemosz, a Danish recipe from 1616

Trollkrem (troll cream), a Norwegian dessert rich in tradition

Fiskegrateng (fish gratin), a nostalgic taste of Norway

Blåbærsuppe (blueberry soup)

Louhisaaren Juoma (Finnish blackcurrant leaf drink)

Grilled zucchini in oil

Italiensk Salat, a taste of Norway

Agurksalat (Norwegian cucumber salad)

Sørlandsbolle (chocolate covered vanilla cream bun)

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