Some kids inherit blue eyes or a family crest. Me? I inherited a deep, slightly obsessive love for lefse at every holiday plus the heavenly smell and taste of cardamom. And Mom?Barbara Jean Larvick Radke is still the curator, CEO, and lover of all things Norwegian with her own Scandinavian flare. Growing up, her house didn’t just celebrate traditions—but was basically a Nordic time capsule wrapped in the smell of cinnamon and butter. Like our extended family before us, my brother & I (Kristin & Eirik - good 'ol Norwegian names) just couldn't get enough of those delights!
Baking's a Sport (and Mom is still a Champion)
If the Olympics had a “Butter-Based Baked Goods” category, Mom still brings home the gold for Team Norway. Especially in December, it's full-on baking mode. With the house smelling like a Scandinavian bakery, the kitchen turns into a powdered sugar flurry: sandbakkelse, krumkake, rosettes—if it involved dough, sugar, or a highly specific iron, it was happening. But even now, enjoying these treats & traditions are not just for holidays.
Plus, the kitchen production wasn't complete without a stylish apron! Another shared love with my Grandma Alpha, Barbara has always donned herself in an apron that's not just utilitarian, but has a spark of color or fun. As her younger sister, my Auntie Kay says, "We call that Nordic Style with a Kick!"
Here’s To The Traditions...
...that smell like cardamom, remind us of simpler times, and feel like home, friends & family. And here's to the Moms who pass them down with flour-dusted hands and big, big Scandinavian hearts.
So now that I’m older, I realize Mom wasn’t just passing down quirky customs—she was giving us something solid. A way to feel close to our Scandi-roots, even if we were thousands of miles from the nearest fjord. It's truly an honor to have this Scandihoo Shop to help keep that Nordic Love alive!
What About You?
Did your mom pass down any quirky, cozy, or slightly flour-covered traditions? Were you the naughty one who snuck too many 'samples' or goofed around while trying not to burn yourself on the krumkake iron? Scandinavian or not, we'd love to hear them! Drop a comment below, share your favorite inherited recipe or story - maybe even a pic of you or mom or nanna wearing your fav well-loved apron.
And if you're feeling inspired, light a candle tonight, butter some toast with way too much cinnamon sugar, and call it a celebration. Because honestly, why not?
Tusen Takk,
Kristin-hoo at Scandihoo
