Bløtkake – Norwegian cream layer cake
Every year on May 17 the streets of Norway are filled with locals, tourists, school children and anyone else celebrating Syttende Mai, Norway’s National Day. It’s a public holiday and many kit themselves out in traditional Norwegian costume (bunader) and head to the various street parades. It’s also the day of the year when families and friends get together and eat bløtkake! This is Norway’s celebration cake – it’s on dinner tables for birthdays, Christmas and any other day of the year that has special meaning, including Syttende Mai. So get into the Norwegian spirit on May 17 and bake a bløtkake – the kids certainly won’t mind! You’ll need the night previous to when it will be served as the cake layers are frozen overnight.
- TAGS:
- Norway
Cool things to do in open-minded Oslo
Nature, culture, Vikings and a nudist beach…
On the 17th of May each year Norwegians across the world celebrate Syttende Mai – Norway’s National Day. “It’s a very big deal up here, bigger than Christmas, New Year and your birthday,” says travel journalist Anne-Sophie Redisch, who hails from the country’s capital city, Oslo. “Everyone dresses up – most wear a bunad (national costume), and there are parades through every city, town and tiny outpost.” Here, Anne-Sophie reveals the best of what Oslo has to offer its visitors… Read more
6 fun family activities in the South of France
Treehouses, a car-free island and wildlife aplenty…
One of the most alluring areas in Europe, the South of France tumbles along the Mediterranean’s shores, sublimely stretching its way from Marseille to the Italian frontier. The ‘French Riviera’ may bring to mind celeb-studded luxury yachts and high rollers. Yet in reality, the region emanates a laid-back, fun-in-the-sun vibe – although it’s worth bearing in mind that stays are far softer on the wallet outside of July and August. British travel journalist and author Kathryn Tomasetti shares her top six all-time favourite things to do in the South of France with children – whether you’re travelling with tots, teens or kids of any age in between. Read more
- TAGS:
- France
Quirky bedding from another galaxy
Out of this world bedding from the Netherlands…
This astronaut bedding is possibly the grooviest and most unique we’ve ever seen. It’s made by a Dutch design duo who originally created a cardboard-box-print duvet cover with the aim of donating a large part of the proceeds to The Dutch Foundation for Homesless Youngsters. They did this and many magazines, newspapers and blogs wrote about it. Then other foundations in the UK and Germany joined in and people all over the world started emailing the designers wanting to buy their quirky bedding.
Fast forward 18 months and we have designs like the fabulous Astronaut, above, Trampoline and Princess. It’s enough to have you wanting one of their original designs in double, queen and king sizes. Well, guess what, they do! Be the first in the galaxy to own one. You’ll find them here.
- TAGS:
- Netherlands, Snurk
Mini savoury egg custards from Lisbon
All Abroad Baby asked Michelin Starred Portuguese chef José Avillez, who owns Lisbon restaurants Belcanto and Cantinho do Avillez, to share a recipe from his homeland that kids will enjoy. He came up with two scrumptious savoury versions of the traditional Portuguese custard tart (pastel de nata).
These bite-size tarts from this westernmost European country are fantastic for a little one’s birthday party – they’re easy to make, nutritious and the recipe makes 36 of each version (if you don’t need this many just halve each of the ingredients). Mini savoury egg custards are also a great snack that includes some greens, so make a full batch of each, pop them in the freezer and whip them out when the kids are hungry or when visitors pop by. All Abroad Baby readers have the chance to win a copy of José Avillez’s cookbook, Petiscar com Estilo (see below recipe for details). Read more
- TAGS:
- Portugal
