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.

Sopptur and a Nordic Inspired Mushroom Recipe

Sopptur is a word you might hear in Norway in the autumn. It's the word for a mushroom hunt and I have a wonderful recipe to share with you

Fiona McKinna

Oct 26, 20215 min read

Grøt, Nordic Hygge in a Bowl

Scandinavia has a longstanding love of grøt (porridge). Many of the recipes are very old and have sustained nations through tough times.

Fiona McKinna

Oct 23, 20213 min read

Dinesmesse & a Recipe for Karrisild (Curried Herring)

Dinesmesse is not only St Denis' day but also the time when the herring is at it's fattest. I am sharing a delicious and unusual recipe

Fiona McKinna

Oct 9, 20213 min read

Britemesse or Kåldagen & a Traditional Recipe

Britemesse is the day on the ancient primstav to commemorate St Birgitte. But it is also a known as Kåldagen (Cabbage Day) for good reason

Fiona McKinna

Oct 7, 20213 min read

Epleterte (Apple Tart) for Epledagen

28 September is Epledagen (Apple Day), a celebration of the Norwegian apple. Apple tart is a simple classic that showcases this humble fruit

Fiona McKinna

Sep 26, 20213 min read

Fårikål, Norway's National Dish

Fårikål is Norway's national dish and is celebrated on the last Thursday in September. It's a fragrant but simple blend of lamb and cabbage

Fiona McKinna

Sep 22, 20213 min read

Smoked Salmon and Dill Roulade

Smoked salmon and dill are a perfect pairing and this light, savoury roulade combines them into an exciting and novel dish.

Fiona McKinna

Sep 12, 20213 min read

Blueberry Muffins with Wood Sorrel Streusel

Blueberry season means lots of berries and lots of ways to enjoy them. This recipe combines blueberries and the freshness of wood sorrel

Fiona McKinna

Aug 27, 20212 min read

Tilslørte Bærpiker, A Twist on a Nordic Classic

Tilslørte bærpiker is a twist on a classic Nordic dessert with cream, berries and sweet crumbs

Fiona McKinna

Aug 9, 20212 min read

Bringebærdessert (Raspberry Dessert) to Celebrate Olsok

29 July is a day when we commemorate the Viking King Olaf the Holy. To celebrate I have a light and delicious raspberry dessert to share

Fiona McKinna

Jul 29, 20213 min read

Andebubrød, a Traditional Vestfold Bread

Many regions in Norway boast their own special recipe for bread and this one is from my local town of Andebu in Vestfold.

Fiona McKinna

Jul 16, 20213 min read

Knekkebrød (Crispbreads) with Herbs

Knekkebrød is a staple of the Scandinavian table and kitchen. It is eaten for breakfast, lunch and for evening "kveldsmat" (supper). If...

Fiona McKinna

Jul 2, 20212 min read

Jordbærterte, Strawberry Tart

Jordbærterte (strawberry tart) is a marriage of a French classic and a favourite Nordic ingredient.

Fiona McKinna

May 28, 20214 min read

Räkmacka, Swedish Prawn Open Sandwich

Räkmacka or the Swedish prawn open sandwich is simplicity itself, but a celebration of Nordic summer ingredients

Fiona McKinna

May 23, 20212 min read

Kvæfjordkake, The World's Best Cake

Kvæfjordkake is often described in Norway as "Verdens Beste" the worlds best cake. This is the original recipe from the 1930s.

Fiona McKinna

May 7, 20214 min read

Creamy Nettle & Ham Soup

Nettles have been used in cooking for hundreds of years. My creamy nettle and ham soup is luxurious and warming with a rich green colour.

Fiona McKinna

May 5, 20212 min read

Gauksmesse and a Meal of Nordic Simplicity

Gauksmesse is a day that is celebrated on 1 May in Norway and is still a public holiday even now. The celebration dates back to pagan times

Fiona McKinna

May 1, 20212 min read

Fyrstekake, A Recipe From The 1850s

Fyrstekake, or prince's cake is a classic almond tart that is seen on most celebration tables in Norway.

Fiona McKinna

Apr 23, 20213 min read

Sommerdag and a Recipe for Fløyelsgrøt

Sommerdag, or Summers Day on 14 April, is considered to be the first day of the start of the Nordic summer half of the year and is a...

Fiona McKinna

Apr 14, 20213 min read

Danske Pølsehorn, the Danish Sausage Roll

Danke pølsehorn, or Danish sausage rolls are a perfect quick (healthier) snack and are a great food for picnics and trips

Fiona McKinna

Apr 9, 20212 min read

Living a Nordic Life

Sopptur and a Nordic Inspired Mushroom Recipe

Grøt, Nordic Hygge in a Bowl

Dinesmesse & a Recipe for Karrisild (Curried Herring)

Britemesse or Kåldagen & a Traditional Recipe

Epleterte (Apple Tart) for Epledagen

Fårikål, Norway's National Dish

Smoked Salmon and Dill Roulade

Blueberry Muffins with Wood Sorrel Streusel

Tilslørte Bærpiker, A Twist on a Nordic Classic

Bringebærdessert (Raspberry Dessert) to Celebrate Olsok

Andebubrød, a Traditional Vestfold Bread

Knekkebrød (Crispbreads) with Herbs

Jordbærterte, Strawberry Tart

Räkmacka, Swedish Prawn Open Sandwich

Kvæfjordkake, The World's Best Cake

Creamy Nettle & Ham Soup

Gauksmesse and a Meal of Nordic Simplicity

Fyrstekake, A Recipe From The 1850s

Sommerdag and a Recipe for Fløyelsgrøt

Danske Pølsehorn, the Danish Sausage Roll

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