Serves 4 to 6 For the Garnish (Optional) 3/4 cup dark raisins 1 cup brandy or aquavit, or boiling water for a non-alcoholic version 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted For the Wine 1 cup white sugar 2 cups water 1 bottle light, dry red wine (pinot noir, merlot, Beaujolais, malbec), or 3 1/2 cups of…

I’m an avid baker, and the holidays are a time when I get to shine the spotlight on recipes that celebrate my Norwegian ancestry. Norwegians love their sweets, especially during the holidays, when they celebrate with syv slags kaker, or “seven types of cookies,” a Christmas tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages. I…

Makes about 7 dozen cookies 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 2/3 cup granulated white sugar 2 large egg yolks 2 teaspoons milk, whole or 2 percent 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, optional (may also use other extracts or citrus zest to flavor) Food coloring, optional 2…

Makes about 7 dozen medium-sized cookies 2/3 cup unsalted butter 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup golden syrup (see Notes) 1/4 cup heavy cream 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon finely ground black pepper 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as…

Submitted by Charlotte Christiansen McDonald, Salt Lake City, Utah As the fourth child of first-generation, American-born Norwegians, my siblings and I do a lot of celebrating with traditional Norwegian foods from both southern and northern Norway, especially during Christmas: lutefisk and boiled potatoes, salmon, rice cream, and a variety of cookies. The most beloved food, often made…