Foodie Friday First: Aebleskivers

I ate my first…

Aebleskivers: Danish pancake balls

A few hours away from Los Angeles lies Solvang, a Danish-American community. Its name translates to sunny meadow. Immigrants from Denmark established themselves here, partially because of the local folk school, where cultural traditions and other skills were taught.

Aebleskivers are traditional pastries made around Christmas. They are cooked in a special pan with hemispherical indentations. Once they bubble up, the pancakes are turned over using a knitting needle (or fork). Then they’re able to be cooked into a spherical shape.

The pancakes aren’t sweet at all, so a dusting of powdered sugar goes on top. They’re also accompanied by a fruit jam (usually raspberry) to give it more sweetness. Aebleskivers are not the most dessert-like treat, but they offer a great taste of culture.

What cultural delights have you tried?