A Scandinavian feast of blow-dried roast duck with a boozy cherry sauce, a winter salad with clementines and candied walnuts, and a luxurious, layered potato hotpot
In Scandinavia, a season of cosy celebrations mark the dark period of midwinter. From lighting candles on the first Sunday of advent to baking spiced biscuits and cakes to share with loved ones, people across the region come together several times during December, and the julebord (or Christmas smörgåsbord) held on the evening of 24 December is a simple feast of hot and cold dishes, usually prepared in advance so both the host and guests can relax together. This year, the nature of these celebrations will be disrupted, so I’ve adapted a few of my favourite seasonal recipes so they can easily scale down for a hyggelig celebration between two or three people. God jul, as we say in Norwegian – and let’s hope for brighter festivities in 2021.