Its Fika time!
Have you heard the Swedish term “fika“? It is a very Swedish thing and basically it means to meet up for a coffee and piece of cake or pastry. In Sweden you can find lots of baked goods in cafés and cake shops together with brimming atmosphere, character and quality!
Fika Fare
Cinnamon buns, cakes, cookies and even open-faced sandwiches are acceptable when you are having fika. It comes as no surprise that Swedes are among the top consumers of coffee (not far behind from finns) and sweets in the world.
5 Golden rules of Fika
- When? Fika tends to happen twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, but that said… there is no restrictions, there is always time for a Fika!
- What to order? Fika should include coffee or tea, and a sweet of some sort: Chokladbollar, Småkakor, Kladdkaka, Rulltårta or Mazarines. Or something else sweet, or even a open sandwich!
- Where? Basicly anywhere in Sweden. All cafeterias serves fika 🙂
- Why? Well, to have a small gathering with friends between work etc.. Well, you dont really need a reason for a fika, just go for it!
- Abroad? Yes please, you can enjoy fika everywhere! When you have started to have regular fikasessions, its for a lifetime!
Bake your own Fika!
Mum’s apple cake
Apple trees are common in Swedish gardens, orchards and parks. And quite a few of the fruits end up inside apple cakes. It should be enjoyed as it is or with custard.
8–10 pieces
125 g butter, room temperature
125 g white sugar
2 eggs
150 g plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 ml salt
2 tbs milk
3–4 apples
2 tbs white sugar plus 2 tbs ground cinnamon
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Grease a round baking pan and coat it with breadcrumbs.
2. Whisk butter and sugar until fluffy, using an electric whisk.
3. Add the eggs one at a time and whisk together with the butter mixture.
4. Fold in flour, baking powder and salt, and stir.
5. Finally, add the milk and stir into a smooth paste. Pour into the pan.
6. Peel, core and slice the apples into sections. Turn them in sugar and cinnamon and place them in the pan with the mixture.
7. Bake for about 30 minutes. Test with a skewer or toothpick to see whether the consistency is right. If it is dry when you pull it out, the cake is ready.
Enjoy!
Fika rap
Fika is so popular in Sweden, that there is even a dedicated song for it “Swedish Fika”. Listen it below!
Ps. did you already had Chanz to check our 10 facts of Halloween?