1. Something’s Rotten in
the State of Denmark
(But it’s not the delicious recipe found at
the end of this slide show!)
By: Corinne Stanforth and Katie Taylor

2. Geography
Denmark, formally called Kingdom of
Denmark, is a part of Europe. It
borders
Germany and neighbors with
Norway,
Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Although
you can’t tell on this map, Denmark
consists of a peninsula, Jutland, and
407
islands made up of flat, sandy,
arable, land and a temperate climate.
Denmark became a kingdom in the
8th century (or 700s) in a fight to gain
control of the Baltic Sea.

3. Mad (Food)
In the past, Danish food was mostly associated
with bacon and potatoes. Traditional meals the
Danes enjoyed consisted of vandgrød (porridge),
open sandwiches, roast pork with parsley sauce,
gule ærter (pea soup), klipfisk (dried cod), and
more. But more recently, the traditional cuisine
has changed to emphasize lamb, fish and
mussels, apples, and root vegetables.
Find out how to make æbleskivers on our tutorial
slide!

4. Traditions and
Celebrations
Mostly for children, there is a festival
called Fastelavn in March or February.
They dress up and walk around with a tin
for collecting money. The main event is
the smashing of the barrel which
contains tons of sweet candies.
Whichever child succeeds in smashing
open the barrel is named Fastelavn King
or Queen. Everyone receives candies.
Traditionally, a cat was placed in the
barrel. Once the barrel was smashed
open, the cat was chased out of the town
and apparently took evil spirits with it.
Now, it is common to see a cat painted
on the barrel. This usually occurs on
Quinquagesima Sunday, or the Sunday
before Ash Wednesday. They also call
this carnival Shrovetide.
On May 5th Denmark became
free from Germany. When
liberation was announced on
May 4, 1945 on an 8:30 p.m.
broadcast, Danes lit candles
and stuck them in their
windows. This is a custom
many Danes continue now.

5. Traditions and
Celebrations
On June 15, Valdemar’s Day is celebrated.
Apparently, on this day, the Danish flag
(Dannebrog) fell from the sky in Estonia by
Lyndanise where King Valdemar II the Victorious
was at battle in 1213. This day is a national flag
day. Danish flags are sold and until 1948, the day
was considered a school holiday and festivals
took place around the country.

6. How to Make Æbleskivers!
First, buy an æbleskiver pan! Click here for some good options.
Beat 2 egg whites until they
form stiff peaks. Set aside.
Save the yolks; you will
need them later.
Then mix your dry
ingredients in a big bowl:
2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking
powder
1 tablespoon of white sugar
½ teaspoon of baking soda
½ teaspoon of salt
Add 2 egg yolks to the dry
ingredients. (Left over from
step 1). Do not mix yet.

7. How to Make Æbleskivers!
Add 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) of melted butter and 2 cups of buttermilk.
Beat until even mixture. Fold in whipped egg whites last.

8. How to Make Æbleskivers!
Prepare any fillers you would like to add to the æbleskivers. We
suggest apple slices and cinnamon filling, blueberries, any nuts
and dried fruits, jellybeans, and of course the original is
wonderful as well!
Recipe for cinnamon filling:
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoons of all purpose flour
¾ tablespoons ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon of salt
¼ stick (2 tablespoons) butter (cut into cubes at room

9. How to Make Æbleskivers!
Melt small cube of butter
in each pan cup on
medium heat.
Add about a tablespoon
of batter to each pan
cup.
Add your choice of
filling then add
another dollop of
batter to cover. If you
don’t want fillers, add
a larger scoop of
batter at the start.

10. How to Make Æbleskivers!
When bubbles start to
form on the outside, you
are ready to flip your
æbleskiver! You can use
a spoon, fork, or any
other kitchen utensil.
After the first flip, let
cook for just a little, and
then prepare for
another flip. You will not
want the æbleskivers to
burn! Remove when
you believe they are
ready (lightly browned).
Your wonderful treat
is prepared! Good
work! We
recommend a
dusting of powdered
sugar. You are
ready to eat!