Over the years, we occasionally were invited to our friends' home on December 23, "
Little Christmas Eve." These friends were of Danish heritage, so being invited for Little Christmas Eve meant one thing: we were going to have
aebleskiver. Much to our delight, we were served these round pancake balls hot from the specially-designed skillet, and offered a variety of tasty toppings and breakfast meats to round things out. We loved it.
Son was about 10 when he curiously asked THE question: "Do you have to be Danish to make aebleskiver?" {We are not.} The answer was "no," of course, and shortly thereafter, we owned an aebleskiver pan of our very own.
Off and on in years since we've enjoyed this delightful tradition in our own home, usually on Christmas morning, or just because we had a hankering for this unique deliciousness. (Since we aren't Danish, we've continued to bend the rules.) Still, it was a special pleasure to be invited over this last weekend to have aebleskiver with our friends again, because this time, it was the daughter, now all grown up, who was hosting us, standing at the stove cooking pan after pan until we all had had our fill. And then as tradition has it, the last hot batch was for the cook herself, as she sat down to join us at the table.
There's something super special to me about tradition being handed down to the younger generation, and even more so when it is thoroughly embraced. Make opportunity to share something you love with one of your younger family members. Lift up the tradition for the unique part it holds in your family. It really is extraordinary.
Tuesday at the Table is falling on a holiday this month, so I know most of you are preoccupied. But undoubtedly some cooking, or at least some time around the table, has been included in your day of celebration. I hope you will share some of that in the days ahead.
Link up here through Friday, December 28, for a chance at this month's prize - a $40 gift certificate to
Pink Chalk Fabrics. Meanwhile, thanks for joining me at The Table. Wishing you all many blessings, and a very merry Christmas!
Hi Debbie! I haven't tasted those sweets but just while ago my Danish friend told to me about this tradition! They do look delicious! x Teje
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you. I found your blOg about a month ago and I just love you!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Debbie. Thank you for all that you share. I wish you and your family a wonderful Chrismas! I am certain it will be one filled with deliciousness and beautifully made things! (Those aebleskiver look delish!)
ReplyDeleteHow interesting -- I've never heard of them. They look yummy. A good friend in high school baked all kinds of Scandinavian cookies and pastries for Christmas. I have some wonderful memories of tea and cookies around her mom's table!
ReplyDeleteGezellige kerstdagen!
ReplyDeleteIn the Netherlands we have a special pan like that too, to make poffertjes. They are like tiny pancakes and very traditional for here. Great learning about the Danish ones you make! You have a clever son.
They are delicious. We make them either plain or with little apple pieces or prunes in the centre. We then serve them with jam and powdered sugar. Uhmm :) If it wasn't because I had way to much turkey and Christmas pudding today I would be tempted to maker batch.. Lots of fun seeing you make them :)
ReplyDeleteWhat interesting looking wee creations!
ReplyDeleteMy family used to head to Solvang, California every year when I was a teenager, and I learned to love these incredible treats. They have the best Danish I've ever tasted there, as well. Merry Christmas, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteMy dad's grandparents came from Denmark, and he has told me about aebelskiver many times through the years. His mother and aunts made them every Christmas.
ReplyDeleteLooks Great!!! Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteKids Games
Merry Christmas, Debbie! I completely agree with you about cooking traditions being handed down. Julia and I made home made ravioli for Christmas dinner, using my parents' recipe. It was our first attempt and they were as delicious and light as I remember. I'll share more on my blog for the link up.
ReplyDeleteThese look really interesting - thanks for sharing. Also a huge thanks for setting up and hosting Tuesday at the Table all year, it's been so much fun!
ReplyDeleteaebleskiver are delicious -- we live not far from Solvang, CA. This Danish community has several wonderful restaurants that serve this delight with their homemade berry jam, YUM!
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