Sweet Christmas treats Scandinavian style & Christmas cards

December 22nd   
 
Marzipan fruits
Every year we make our own marzipan and if we can
we try and time it so mamma can join in with us.  After all she handed me this tradition as did her mother to her.  I am hoping my children carry this on too.  Fingers crossed.  For how to make your own marzipan, see my post from last year Marzipan 2014

Once the marzipan is made we add food colouring, now over the years we have had varied success in this.  Many many years ago there was never a problem but in rennet years super market colourings in my opinion have become totally useless.  I resolved after the colour fiasco of last year to 'crack' it and by jove I think we have.  This time we have used the Wilton brand and I can highly recommend it.
Wilton food colouring


We usually divide the plain non coloured marzipan into fifths and leave one in it's original state and colour the other four, red, orange, yellow and green.  We then shape and mould into various fruit shapes and depending on the mood of the family the realistic or contemporary look materialises.  All this always take place with Christmas music in the back ground.
 


Mixing the food colouring into the marzipan



Concentrating on shaping the fruits
 
Marzipan fruits make a great addition to the
Christmas sweet variety and great gifts too
 

This year my son went a little
'off piste' but was very proud of his marzipan dice
 
 
Just some *blushes* of my Christmas tins
filled with goodies to eat and share over Christmas


Marzipan is so Christmas in Norway, that shops will be selling it in all
shapes and sizes but the most popular shape being that of the Christmas pig. 
Each year my children find one of these in their Christmas stocking along with
the traditional orange and nuts and other bits and pieces.


Nor forgetting to mention the Christmas card swap hosted by Amy. I was paired up with the talented Cath, also a UK habitant from the blog Clicky Needles.  Having just completed some Christmas paper cutting, very Scandinavian don't you know Paper craft, I decided to use one of my own pieces as my card swap.  Hope Cath liked it!

Card for Cath

And Cath obviously had the same idea as she made me this lovely Christmas tree and what I love the most and am quite envious of, is she is so neat, look at the back of the stitching too...
 
Card from Cath

Such neat work, this is the back!

In Norway it is not common to send many Christmas cards and therefore they are not usually displayed as is seen here in the UK.  One tends to read them as they arrive and then put them away to look at more at leisure after the festivities.  So here in our home, that is what we do, all cards are looked at and then placed near the front door in the 'Jul post' (Christmas post) holder until after Christmas.




I do love this card holder and enjoy empting it
and looking at the card properly after Christmas

 
  Wising you calmness in these last days before Christmas 



27 comments:

  1. What a lovely card Cath made for you, and home made marzipan and passing down traditions ...I think that is so special. This swap has spread so much happiness and also introduced me to such lovely blogs....have a wonderful Christmas..Maria xx

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    1. Totally agree that the swap has spread happiness and I discovered your blog Maria. Happy Christmas to you too x

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  2. Lovely to see you all hard at it making the marzipan fruit, great fun. Both Christmas cards look brilliant. :-)

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  3. Such a beautiful and interesting post! We (in Finland) do display the Christmas cards received but your Christmas post holder is really pretty and a lovely idea.
    Merry Christmas and a happy new year! xx

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    1. Ooh Sara that IS interesting. Funny how countries do things so differently. Hope you and yours have a great Christmas

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  4. Two fabulous cards. I think the card swap is such a wonderful idea. Love those cute marzipan creations too.

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  5. Both beautiful cards. I love the idea of not displaying them and looking at them at leisure at a later date. The marzipan making is a lovely tradition long may it last.

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  6. This is all fascinating to me. I enjoyed reading about the making of marzipan (I have never tasted it). It was wonderful to see the family gathered around and working together.

    The display of Christmas cards is also interesting. I suppose that display methods are wide and varied everywhere.

    Merry Christmas!

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    1. Ooh Ver, you've not tried marzipan. You are so on for a treat. I hope you get to either make some or try some soon. It's so Christmas x

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  7. What a lovely family tradition ... how nice to see you all making the marzipan shapes together.
    Lovely cards in your swap!

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    1. Vintage Jane, fabulous name. I live out old traditions and the accepting of new ones too. It's an evolving life we lead.

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  8. I loved seeing the photo of your family together making marzipan. Such a lovely tradition. The card you made and the one you received are lovely. I'm sure you will enjoy its memory for a long time. Have a blessed Christmas Selma. I'm blessed to know you. Hugs, Pat

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    1. And I you Pat. Thank you for your comments and support this past year. It is truly appreciated xxxx

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  9. Delicious! I adore marzipan and marzipan fruits which we used to make as children. A lovely family thing to do together! Your cards, sent and received, are beautiful! A great pair of crafters! Thank you for taking part. Happy Christmas! xx

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    1. You made a good match Amy, well done and thank you. Loved your cake decorating today too x

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  10. Very sweet cards. I enjoy learning about the traditions from other countries so thank you for sharing.

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  11. It's interesting to read of your customs in Norway. Marzipan is not something we eat in Canada and I'd be hard pressed to find any in a grocery store so I liked reading of the ingredients and your recipe.
    We usually display our Christmas cards but our home is small without the room so I keep mine in a basket and like you, take them out later to enjoy when I have the time.
    The cards for Amy's exchange have been wonderful to see, homemade ones are my favourite.
    Merry Christmas.

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    1. I agree about homemade ones Judith too. Glad you liked to read about marzipan and am surprised you wouldn't be able to get some in the ships. How different from Norway Happy New year to you X

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  12. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. x

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  13. wow, i guess you are ready for Valentine's Day. love the hearts falling around. i love your birdie card. so cute. i love hand made ones. i just hopped over to see your Christmas card swap from "Amy's at Love Made My Home". hope you are well. that you had a nice Christmas. here's hoping the New Year will be a great one for all. take care. all the best to ya. ( :

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    1. Thanks for leaving a comment. I suppose I am ready for Vakentines in a way! Hadn't thought of it like that. Happy New year to you too x

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