Once again it is that time of year when hearts, flowers, poetry, cozy romantic atmospheres, and all things red and pink are sought by individuals and couples alike in an effort to express and impress. Have you ever wondered if there was a better—or at least different—way to go about this whole “celebration of love” idea? I admit the thought crossed my mind a time … Continue reading Five Fresh Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
All over the United States, we celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, food, parades, and flags, all supplemented by local trends and traditions. In New York, fireworks will explode over the East River. In Washington, we’ll get a free concert on a Capitol Fourth. In Santa Fe, where I’m from, we’ll take over the town Plaza to eat pancakes. But what about Americans living overseas? For … Continue reading July 4th Around the World
WORLD Why do we kiss under mistletoe and toast with eggnog? Who decided we should eat jelly doughnuts for Hanukkah? And where do poinsettias come from? (NPR) What activities or characteristics help define a culture? Use our fun gallery to find out. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Jelly doughnuts are a Hanukkah treat. What … Continue reading Why We Kiss Under Mistletoe And Toast With Eggnog
ARTS Meet Krampus: a half-goat, half-demon, horrific beast who literally beats people into being nice and not naughty. (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to get a glimpse of Krampus in action. Discussion Ideas According to Nat Geo News, Krampus is a demonic figure who carries “a bundle of birch sticks meant to swat naughty children. He then hauls the bad kids down to the … Continue reading You Better Watch Out
In our “Holiday Geocrafts and Treats” post, we suggested trying some traditional ethnic dishes. Of course, the possibilities are endless–nearly every culture on Earth from Mexico to Monaco has its own suite of seasonal recipes. So, to narrow the list, we stuck with our Geography in the News theme of Christmas in Denmark, and added a Chanukah recipe for good measure (of course, Jews are an important minority in Denmark as throughout much of Europe–ever read the excellent children’s book “Number the Stars?”)
So, without further ado, here are our favorite recipes for Danish rice pudding, Æbleskivers, and Jewish potato latkes.
Danish Rice Pudding
Rice pudding is consumed throughout the holiday season in Denmark. On Christmas Eve, it follows the traditional meal of goose–the lucky guest to find the almond hidden in the pudding gets a prize. Another serving is offered at night to appease the prankster elf Nisse, who might otherwise make mischief. On Christmas morning, rice pudding is even eaten for breakfast!
Continue reading “Danish holiday treats: Pudding, pancakes, and potato latkes”
