A Swedish afternoon delight
Have you ever been invited for a cozy cup of coffee in the afternoon? If you were in Sweden, you would have been asked to enjoy “fika,” a delightful tradition that’s woven into the very fabric of Swedish culture!
What is Fika?
Fika is more than just a word; it’s a warm embodiment of friendship and hospitality. In Swedish, it serves as both a noun and a verb, capturing the essence of coming together. This beloved ritual typically features coffee paired with scrumptious sweets and takes place daily in homes and workplaces across Sweden. When you hear someone say they’re going to “ta en fika” or just “fika,” you’ll know that it’s a universal phrase that brings a smile to every Swedish face!
So, what makes fika so extraordinary? Well, it’s not merely about sipping coffee and indulging in pastries; it’s a meaningful chance to pause from our busy lives, share stories, and reconnect with loved ones or friends—all while savoring delightful treats! Fika can happen at any time of day, but the star of the show is undoubtedly the delicious cinnamon bun, affectionately known as ‘kanelbullar.’ It’s such a cherished ritual that many consider it a relaxed alternative to a formal dinner date! While some enjoy the tranquility of a quiet coffee break alone, the essence of fika truly shines through when shared with others.
Swedish Texans
Now, let’s not forget about the Swedish Texans! Swedish immigrants began their journey to Texas in 1848, spearheaded by the inspiring Swante M. Swenson, who successfully established a plantation in Fort Bend County. Not only did he befriend Sam Houston, but he also encouraged many Swedes to settle in Texas, leading them to a large ranch east of Austin. He helped advance their passage fees in exchange for their labor—a true testament to community spirit.
Today, Texas showcases several areas honoring its vibrant Swedish heritage, including Govalle, Hutto, and Swensondale—notable figures like Erik Jonsson, co-founder of Texas Instruments, hail from this rich community. A landmark moment came in 1988 with the “New Sweden ’88” celebration, commemorating 150 years of Swedish immigration, with none other than King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia in attendance! By the 2000 census, approximately 160,000 Texans proudly identified as having Swedish ancestry.
Among the delightful places is the Swedish Hill Historic District, or “Swede Hill,” located in downtown Austin, developed in the 1870s by Swedish families. Austin’s Zilker Park features the Swedes of Texas marker and a charming preserved Swedish Log Cabin.
Julie Salsman – a Swedish Texan
One lovely connection to this tradition in Texas is through Julie Salsman, who shared a heartwarming childhood memory: “When visiting my Swedish relatives, we would take an afternoon coffee break and enjoy something sweet, like cookies or coffee cake, along with a cup of coffee. They didn’t call it ‘Fika,’ but that’s exactly what we were doing. During our time in Sweden, we discovered just how significant fika is to their culture and lifestyle.”
Julie, who loves cooking with her husband, Charles, has shared an unforgettable Swedish treat—Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies—that might just inspire you to gather your friends and “fika” yourself!
So, whether you’re in Sweden or Texas, embracing this delightful tradition is all about savoring life’s little moments, delicious treats, and the joy of togetherness!
Soft and Chewy Molasses Spice Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar, about 2 1/2 ounces
- 1/3 cup sugar for dipping
- 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp finely ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp table salt
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter softened but still cool
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk, large
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup molasses (about 5 oz) light or dark
Instructions
- Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees—line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Place ⅓ cup of sugar for dipping in a small bowl.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined; set aside.
- In a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter with brown and granulated sugars at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium-low and add yolk and vanilla; increase speed to medium and beat until incorporated, about 20 seconds. Reduce speed to medium-low and add molasses; beat until fully incorporated, about 20 seconds, scraping bottom and sides of bowl once with rubber spatula. Reduce speed to the lowest setting: add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated, about 30 seconds, scraping down the bowl once. Give the dough a final stir with a rubber spatula to ensure that no pockets of flour remain at the bottom. The dough will be soft.
- Using a tablespoon measure, scoop a heaping tablespoon of dough and roll between palms into a ball; drop the ball into a bowl with sugar to coat; set on a prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Repeat with the remaining dough. “Bake 1 sheet at a time until cookies are browned, still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft (cookies will look raw between cracks and seem underdone), about 10 ½ to 11 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Do not overbake.
- Cool cookies on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, then use a wide metal spatula to transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool cookies to room temperature and serve