Happy Holidays! With this time of the year we have lots of memories of past holidays and traditions. I will share one with you today. Growing up in New York City there of course was a large diversity of people who immigrated into our country. It was here during my teen years that I became friends with an individual of Norwegian decent. Now Norwegians are not really known for their great culinary vision (I know because I married one), however they do make some great foods. Below is one of my favorite recipes from my friend’s mom, whom I will always remember for feeding us before running off to school on frosty winter mornings. The spice in this recipe is Cardamom!
Now this recipe for waffles has become a family treat. They are a little labor intense, but the reward far outweighs the labor-just right for a special holiday treat!
The name “cardamom” is used for spices within two genera of the ginger family. Cardamom has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance. Black cardamom has a distinctly more astringent aroma, though not bitter, with a coolness similar to mint, though with a different aroma. It is a common ingredient in Indian cooking, and is often used in baking in Nordic countries, such as in the Finnish sweet bread pulla or in the Scandinavian bread Julekake (Christmas Cake). Green cardamom is one of the most expensive spices by weight but little is needed to impart the flavor. Cardamom is best stored in pod form because once the seeds are exposed or ground they quickly lose their flavor.
Norwegian Waffles
• 4 Eggs Separated
• ¾ Cups Sugar
• ¾ Cups Milk
• 1-1/4 Cups Flour
• 2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/8 tsp Salt
• ¼ pound Unsalted Butter – Melted
• ¼ tsp Ground Cardamom
In a mixer blend egg yolks and sugar together. Add flour, alternating with the milk, and then add the melted butter and cardamom. Whip the egg whites until very stiffly beaten, and fold into the batter. Spoon the batter into a waffle iron and cook until golden.
The Norwegians use waffle makers that create five hearts that form the waffle. You can use a waffle iron of your choice. The waffles are light and thin. We use either Strawberry preserves or a cinnamon sugar mix on them and eat. They are great warm but you can eat leftovers cold.
Wishing the very best to you and your family during the holidays,
Glenn and Glenn
