Coffee Breads

In Scandinavia, almost every occasion is celebrated around a “coffee table” containing yeast breads, buttery cookies and delectable cakes. Gatherings recognizing baptisms, confirmations, engagements, anniversaries and birthdays center on this feast of coffee and treats.

Coffee tables can be held any time of the day but usually occur late in the afternoon or early evening and feature at least three courses. The most elaborate have seven or more baked goods ranging from simple fare, like Cardamom Buns, to open-face sandwiches on thin slices of Scandinavian Rye Bread. Cakes, cookies and tarts make up the final course. Each Scandinavian country has a favorite—Lefse, the traditional potato pancake, is a favorite in Norway, Smorrobrod or "open faced" sandwiches in Denmark, Pulla Braid bread in Finland, Cinnamon Buns and Ginger Cookies in Sweden—but the main beverage is always coffee, often “improved” with vodka or aquavit.