True North
Scandi-inspired flavor builders
True North
Scandi-inspired flavor builders
By Rob Corliss
February 6, 2024
By Rob Corliss
February 6, 2024
Scandinavian flavors evoke authenticity, established by pure seasonal ingredients with a minimalist yet assertive flavor approach. This resonates with modern consumer palates, appreciative of refined quality with an approachable comfort. Another driving factor is how exposure to the Scandinavian lifestyle can generate ancillary culinary interest. The more people experience and fall in love with Scandi culture, the greater the opportunity to find an embrace of the intertwining of its food and beverage.Consider these modern translations for menu inspiration:
Breakfast/Brunch Classics:
- French Toast: Braided Swedish cardamom French toast, drizzled with sorghum syrup and vanilla glaze; topped with lingonberry jam and fresh blueberries
- Hash: Yukon gold potato chunks, onions, peppers, toasted caraway and smoked fish
- Omelette: Aquavit, creamed spinach, smoked salmon and Jarlsberg cheese omelette; topped with crispy frizzled onions
A Tale of Two Berries:
Lingonberry
- Lingonberry jam-grain mustard glaze for pork chops or breakfast ham steaks
- Lingonberry jam crema paired with crispy sweet potato cakes
- Lingonberry jam, vanilla yogurt, bircher muesli (oats, milk, grated apple, golden raisins, walnuts, cinnamon) chilled parfait
Elderberry
- Elderberry juice-almond “milk”-chocolate smoothie
- Elderberry-vanilla syrup drizzled over pancakes or desserts
- Elderberry-ginger iced tea
Scandinavian flavors evoke authenticity, established by pure seasonal ingredients with a minimalist yet assertive flavor approach. This resonates with modern consumer palates, appreciative of refined quality with an approachable comfort. Another driving factor is how exposure to the Scandinavian lifestyle can generate ancillary culinary interest. The more people experience and fall in love with Scandi culture, the greater the opportunity to find an embrace of the intertwining of its food and beverage.Consider these modern translations for menu inspiration:
Breakfast/Brunch Classics:
- French Toast: Braided Swedish cardamom French toast, drizzled with sorghum syrup and vanilla glaze; topped with lingonberry jam and fresh blueberries
- Hash: Yukon gold potato chunks, onions, peppers, toasted caraway and smoked fish
- Omelette: Aquavit, creamed spinach, smoked salmon and Jarlsberg cheese omelette; topped with crispy frizzled onions
A Tale of Two Berries:
Lingonberry
- Lingonberry jam-grain mustard glaze for pork chops or breakfast ham steaks
- Lingonberry jam crema paired with crispy sweet potato cakes
- Lingonberry jam, vanilla yogurt, bircher muesli (oats, milk, grated apple, golden raisins, walnuts, cinnamon) chilled parfait
Elderberry
- Elderberry juice-almond “milk”-chocolate smoothie
- Elderberry-vanilla syrup drizzled over pancakes or desserts
- Elderberry-ginger iced tea
About the Author
Rob Corliss is a three-time James Beard House guest chef with more than 30 years of experience that includes running world-class hotels, launching new concepts, working in top marketing agencies and owning the culinary consultancy ATE (All Things Epicurean) since 2009. Based in Nixa, Mo., ATE has an energizing passion focused on flavor innovation and is dedicated to connecting people to their food, environment and wellness. Rob is also a regular contributor to Flavor & The Menu.
