View from the sixth floor of the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art on Sunday. (by Paul Brady)
Oh, Ithaca.
What is a Viking Donut, you say?!
A little history on the Waffle Frolic’s infamous shareable treat…
Known in Denmark and other parts of the world as the Christmas treat “Æbleskiver,” we might be among first to call these turnover-like, puff-shaped pancakes “viking donuts.” And for good reason: they are a hearty but sweet treat that even vikings found difficult to not to attack with vigor.
Viking Donuts are made by pouring our original batter into a special cast-iron pan made with many indentations. Unlike our Danish friends, we don’t serve ours with glögg, a Scandinavian mulled wine.
But you, friends, can get these goodies with a vast array of fillings, such as nutella, fruit compote, apple butter, pumpkin butter, or jam. Or even gobble them original-style with a side of syrup, whip cream, or, perhaps, ice cream. Our recommendation is to try them lemon curd-filled à la mode!
And guess what?! Similar to waffle frolics (more on this type of shindig later), many groups of Scandinavian people (and their friends) get together for “Æbleskiver Days.” The best neighborhood bakers take to the streets with giant pans to serve treats to the masses at these festivals of fun and revelry. Maybe we’ll have a Æbleskiver Day soon…
Peace,
Your favorite neighborhood baristas and wafflers
good food + good coffee+ good vibes
I had some of these last night and I must say it’s one of the greatest foods to ever hit Ithaca. If your current zip code happens to be 14850, go. Now.
