If there is one thing Swedish people have a very strong attachment to, it is their relationship to food. When in Sweden, expect to be surprised with a long list of Swedish culinary classics which you will love, hate or have that feeling of so-so.
During my first few months of stay in this lovely country, I was introduced to this enticing pastry they refer to as semla [plural: semlor], a traditional Swedish sweet roll. Although this sweet bun can be eaten anytime of the year, it is mostly popular from Fat Tuesday [Mardi Gras] until Easter.
Semlor are made of cardamom-spiced wheat buns. The top part is cut off. Some scoop out the insides of the bun while others just let it be. The hole or the lower part of the bun is then filled with milk and almond paste mixture and which is then topped with a freshly whipped heavy cream. The cut-off top is placed on top of the cream. To finish a semla, the bun is dusted with confectioner’s [powdered] sugar. The end product looks like a delicious solo cake!
Am I a fan of semlor? To be honest, I am not. I have been living in Sweden for five years now and have only eaten two semlor so far. Somehow, a bun with almond paste plus whipped cream all in one bite does not appeal to my taste buds. But… I do make semlor at home!
Because tradition dictates that having semlor on the table starting Fat Tuesday should not be missed, making them in my kitchen has been a part of my routine.
They look really inviting, don’t they? Before the upcoming Semla Day arrives early next year, I’ll be super thankful if I could have an iSi Cream Profi Whip in my home kitchen. We have it at work for finishing up desserts and even for serving Irish Coffee. This simple kitchen gadget is so easy to use and does a quick job. Because I do bake cakes, cookies and pies too, I therefore conclude that will not only be using it for finishing semlor recipes. Ordering a soda siphon is now easy! In a click of the mouse, it’s done! Online shopping is indeed a genius invention!
How about you? Have you ever heard of semlor? Have you tasted one?
