The Agreement
I saw them within the first weeks of moving here – summer 2012, barely unpacked. A doe with her fawns at dawn, moving along the strip of forest that separates our property from the neighbors. Then again in autumn, eating the fallen apples and plums alongside the hedgehogs and foxes. Roe deer – a doe,…
Repatriated Meatballs
Swedish meatballs evolved from ethnic to regular food, becoming a staple in American homes. The author recreates them in Finland, blending traditional ingredients with local flavors, highlighting their rich culinary history and personal connection.
Pannukakku with an Accent
My husband taught me to call it pannukakku. This was back in California, fifteen-odd years ago, when he was still “the boy” and I was still learning which of his food preferences were actually Finnish and which were just him. (The man will put ketchup on things that should not have ketchup. That’s not cultural.…
Key Lime Pie* (*May Contain Trace Amounts of Actual Lime)
A creative twist on key lime pie blends limited lime juice with lemon, citric acid, and lime syrup, resulting in a festive dessert that surprisingly complements traditional Finnish Christmas fare, earning positive reception from diners.
I Miss Trash
The author reflects on their longing for nostalgic American comfort food while living in Finland. Despite recognizing the superior quality of Finnish ingredients, they find that the unique flavors and textures of childhood treats can’t be replicated.
Coco’s Sweater: Mock Turtleneck Sweater for Cats
We lost Coco in late November. She was seventeen — a sassy Siamese calico mix we’d adopted off the streets of LA when she was just a kitten. She crossed an ocean with us and spent most of her life here in Finland. She outlived the apartment in California, the second apartment when we first…
Hunted, Foraged, Traded, Inherited
I was doing a freezer audit the other week. (There’s a longer story there involving some truly ancient beef liver and a reckoning with inherited food packrat tendencies, but that’s a confession for another day.) The point is: I found treasures. Vacuum-sealed venison osso buco from November 2024, bought through our local food circle from…
The Great Hawaiian Bread Disaster (A Comedy of Errors in Four Loaves)
The author’s attempts to make Hawaiian bread illustrate the importance of proper liquid measurement. After three failed attempts, they discovered a crucial error in liquid quantity, leading to a successful, fluffy loaf using Finnish ingredients.
Window Stars and the Philosophy of Necessary Light
In early November, the author reflects on how Nordic darkness affects their relationship with light, transforming it into an intentional design element. Embracing local traditions, they begin decorating with window stars, which serve as gentle navigational aids in the dark. This adaptation symbolizes finding beauty amidst prolonged darkness.
Little Blue and White House 