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.

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

Simple and delicious sorrel soup (Engsyre suppe)

Early in the spring and summer sorrel is at it's best. It's an ancient vegetable and we don't use much now, but it's delicious!

Fiona McKinna

May 15, 20243 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

Ramsløk majones (wild garlic mayonaise)

Ramsløk or wild garlic is in season in April and it's a ingredient in Norway. My simple recipe make the most of this delicious ingredient

Fiona McKinna

Apr 24, 20242 min read

Lapskaus, Norwegian beef and vegetable stew

Lapskaus is a firm favourite in Norway and a well loved comfort food. It's a dish that is simple but delicious and so easy to make

Fiona McKinna

Apr 12, 20243 min read

The Norwegian Hotdog

Hotdogs are unexpectedly popular in Norway and are topped with an exciting array of unusual toppings. Which one would you choose?

Fiona McKinna

Apr 10, 20244 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

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

Småsuppe, a rustic soup from southern Norway

Småsuppe is a rustic and hearty soup from southern Norway. It's incredibly easy to make and is perfect for those cold evenings.

Fiona McKinna

Feb 28, 20243 min read

Sildesalat (Beetroot and Herring Salad)

Two classic Nordic ingredients combine in this simple salad to create a Norwegian favourite, sildesalat

Fiona McKinna

Feb 16, 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

Tomatsuppe med egg og makaroni (tomato soup with macaroni and egg)

This simple and delicious toma soup has an unusual addition that Norwegians find familiar and I know you will love.

Fiona McKinna

Jan 19, 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

Living a Nordic Life's Top 5 Recipes of 2023

Simple, traditional recipes have once again been the most popular on the Living a Nordic Life blog for 2023. Which were your favourites?

Fiona McKinna

Dec 30, 20231 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

Furulysalat (Norwegian Winter Salad)

This unusual Norwegian salad is really popular in the winter ad gives us a wonderful hit of freshness and vitamins

Fiona McKinna

Nov 29, 20232 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

Potetsuppe fra Telemark (Telemark Potato Soup)

Soup is the food of autumn and what could be more delicious that a hearty of bowl of silky, creamy potato and leek soup from Telemark

Fiona McKinna

Oct 4, 20232 min read

Living a Nordic Life

Drønning Maud fromasj (Queen Maud's dessert)

What is Norwegian brunost or brown cheese?

Simple and delicious sorrel soup (Engsyre suppe)

Piksrudkaker, butter cookies from Hedmark

Ramsløk majones (wild garlic mayonaise)

Lapskaus, Norwegian beef and vegetable stew

The Norwegian Hotdog

Kladdkaka med apelsin (Swedish sticky chocolate cake with orange)

Solskinnsboller (Sunshine buns) for Soloppgang on Svalvard

Småsuppe, a rustic soup from southern Norway

Sildesalat (Beetroot and Herring Salad)

Honningkake fra Siljan (Siljan honey cake)

Tomatsuppe med egg og makaroni (tomato soup with macaroni and egg)

Karamellpudding (Norwegian creme caramel)

Living a Nordic Life's Top 5 Recipes of 2023

Havrekjeks, Norwegian Oat Cookies

Pepperkaker, Nordic gingerbread cookies

Furulysalat (Norwegian Winter Salad)

Serinakaker, Norwegian Butter Cookies

Potetsuppe fra Telemark (Telemark Potato Soup)

Subscribe Form

Get cosy Nordic inspiration