Northern lights in Estonia 2022

While many of us have been busy buying fireworks for our New Year's Eve celebrations, here's a reminder of the world's oldest light show. The aurora borealis is a natural phenomenon usually seen between September and April in the northern hemisphere. It's a sight I would love to see for myself one day!

Christmas Greetings from Tallinn!

Häid jõule! Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. 2022 was a challenging and turbulent year for many, may 2023 bring much needed peace, prosperity and relief. Häid jõule ja head uut aastat!

Our thoughts are with Ukraine this Christmas

This year Christmas cannot be fully enjoyed whilst war is raging in Ukraine. Thoughts of those who have perished in unimaginable circumstances are often in the back of our minds leaving us with a heavy heart. Ukrainians have suffered and endured so much since Russia's brutal invasion began but their courage and determination is inspirational. 

Almost eight million people have fled Ukraine since the war began in February. It's Europe’s largest refugee wave since World War II. Estonia and its Baltic neighbours know full well of the atrocities committed by Soviet Russia during WWII and were amongst the first to come to Ukraine's assistance. I'm so very proud of Estonia's steadfast support for Ukraine, it is unwavering  and will continue until the barbaric aggressor has left Ukraine's land.

The war in Ukraine really is a war of good verses evil. The evil is hellbent on destroying and using propaganda to spread lies and deceit, whilst the good with their kind generous hearts, try to help Ukraine anyway they can. Truckloads of aid has been sent to Ukraine from all over the world and from all walks of life. This is humanity at its best.

Festive flavours of Estonia

Christmas is only a few days away now and no doubt we are all busy getting ready for the big day. Estonians like to have a variety of flavours on their Christmas table with lots of fresh ingredients. The most popular dish eaten by Estonians at Christmas time is the traditional verivorst (blood sausage), it's usually served with hapukapsas (sauerkraut) and baked potatoes.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year not only because of the celebration that takes place on December 24, but the lead up to the special day is so full of merriment and good cheer that we often don't want it to end. Many of the foods we eat at Christmas time are not usually consumed all year round therefore they are unique to the ocassion and it's so easy to indulge.

I love Estonian food at Christmas time and whenever I smell the different aromas, it always brings back memories of happy times.

My five favourite Estonian flavours at Christmas time are:

1. Roast pork 

2. Sauerkraut with baked potatoes

3. Freshly baked piparkoogid

4. Warm glögi

5. Kaneelikuklid (cinnamon rolls) 

Black bread, potato salad, dill and sour cream are usually found on every Estonians table at Christmas time. No meal is complete without them!

Estonian Soft Gingerbread Cake Recipe - Pehme Piparkook

A popular cake made at Christmas time in Estonia is pehme piparkook / soft gingerbread cake. What makes this cake so tasty is that its full of spicy flavours and is topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting.  This Christmas I will be making the recipe for the first time and can't wait to try it!

Ingredients:

400g plain flour

150g castor sugar

150g molasses or honey

1 tbsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp ginger

1 tbsp baking soda

2 eggs

500ml (2 cups) buttermilk (or alternatively sour cream)

100ml oil

Pinch of salt

Cream cheese frosting:

200g plain cream cheese

50g unsalted butter, softened

150g icing sugar

Method:

Preheat the oven and grease a cake tin measuring approximately 25cm x 30cm. 

In a large bowl combine the dry ingredients then add the beaten eggs and other wet ingredients. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are blended evenly. Take the batter and pour into the prepared cake tin and bake for 30-35 minutes at 180°C.

For the frosting, gently combine the butter, cream cheese and icing sugar in a bowl. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. Decorate with red berries or perhaps your favourite nuts.

Estonian Kirju Koer Recipe

An easy to make sweet treat you might consider adding to your Christmas table this year.