Danish Pebernødder

Pebernødder - Danish Peppernut cookies are one of Denmark's oldest and most beloved Christmas cookies.

Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri

Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri, this dish is bold, elegant and absolutely delicious.

Apple Rose Puff Pastry

Apple Rose Puff Pastries are sweet, tart, and warmly spiced just like the holidays.

Ginger & Pear Bourbon Splash Cocktail

This holiday cocktail with sweet ripe pear, warm bourbon and honeyed ginger has all the warm and cozy vibes.

Shoyu Pork Belly Bites

These Shoyu Pork Belly Bites are the ultimate show-stopping appetizer - smoky, savory, spicy, and layered with texture and...
Christmas, Dessert, Holiday, Recipes
Danish Pebernødder
Main Course, Recipes
Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri
Dessert, Recipes
Apple Rose Puff Pastry
Drinks, Recipes
Ginger & Pear Bourbon Splash Cocktail
Appetizers, Recipes
Shoyu Pork Belly Bites

Travel with Sara!

Take a journey, and experience the world, it's food, culture and people, this is the most fulfilling education.

welcome-center-image
About me

Howdy! Hej! Bon Jour!
I am Bjorn Bites & Booze, aka wild west viking at heart!

My name is Sara Line! I invite you to read all about my passions in life, including travel, real estate, food, drinks, and my deep-rooted Danish traditions. Join me in my journey!

Read more
Ouzel Falls
Nature Bathing

Hiking in Colorado

Experience Colorado through my eyes!
My favorite hikes!
My favorite places to visit!
Restaurants, Cafes, Museums and more!

Read more
Danish Christmas Peppernuts | Danish Christmas Pebernødder | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Christmas, Dessert, Holiday, Recipes

Danish Pebernødder

Danish Christmas Cookies Pebernødder | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Danish Christmas Pebernødder | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Danish Pebernødder (Pepper Nut Cookies)

These Christmas cookies are one of Denmark's oldest and most beloved Christmas cookies, with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. Originally baked as tiny, lightly spiced treats meant to aid digestion during the heavy holiday feasts, they quickly became a nostalgic December staple.
Today, you'll find them everywhere in Denmark during Christmas time – from the bustling Christmas markets to every hygghelig home throughout the season. And fair warning. . . one you start snacking, it's nearly impossible to stop, especially because they are so deceptively small. These crisp little bites carry all the classic holiday spices, including that signature hint of white pepper that gives them their name and unmistakable charm.
Course Sweets
Cuisine Danish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole vanilla bean, scraping out the seeds
  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp butter, room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cups cane sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups flour
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp ground white pepper
  • ½ tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tsp baking powder

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°. Prepare a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  • Remove seeds from the vanilla bean.
  • Whip butter together with sugar, and the vanilla until it is nice and light.
  • Add the cream.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, all the spices, and the baking powder.
  • Add the flour mixture to the buttered mixture a little at a time, either with your hands, or at a low speed with the mixer, until the mixture is well combined.
  • Roll out the dough a little at a time, into little finger-size sausages, and cut them into 1/2" pieces.
  • Form the pieces into little balls, and place them evenly onto the cookie sheet, making sure they are not touching.
  • Bake until golden brown (about 10 minutes). You can move them to a wire cooling rack after a couple of minutes. Let them cool completely before you put them into a cookie tin. Enjoy!
Keyword Christmas Cookies, Christmas Treats, Danish Christmas, Danish Christmas Cookies, Danish Cookies, Danish Peppernuts, Pebernnødder
Continue reading
Related posts
Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri
December 7, 2025
Apple Rose Puff Pastry
December 7, 2025
Ginger & Pear Bourbon Splash Cocktail
November 30, 2025
Grilled Picanha on the Big Green Egg with Pomegranate Chimichurri | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Main Course, Recipes

Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri

Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri on the Big Green Egg | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Grilled Picanha on the Big Green Egg with Pomegranate Chimichurri | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri

A luxurious twist on a Brzilian classic – buttery, flame-kissed picanha paired with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri dotted with juicy pomegranate jewels. This dish balances rich beef flavor with acidity, freshness, and a touch of sweetness. I grilled this over red hot Jealous Devil Charcoal on the Big Green Egg rotisserie, letting that thick fat cap render into pure buttery bliss while building a deep, smoky crust.
This dish is bold, elegant, and absolutely perfect for any festive table. Pair it with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and a grilled citrus squeeze for the ultimate holiday bite.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Brazilian

Ingredients
  

  • 2-2.5 lb Picanha (top sirloin cap)
  • 2 tbsp coarse sea salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika

Pomegranate Chimichurri

  • ¾ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ shallot, finely minced
  • cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses
  • ¼ cup pomegranate arils (plus extra for garnish)
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 2 tsp ground pink peppercorn
  • Flaky salt + pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prep the Picanha

  • (can be done the night before)
  • Trim only excess silver skin – keep the fat cap intact
  • Score the fat in a crosshatch pattern (just through the fat, not the meat)
  • Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Grill the Picanha – Two-Zone Fire Set-up (hot side + indirect side)

  • Place the picanha fat-side down over indirect heat first to render and crisp the fat for 15-20 minutes, lid closed, turning occassionally
  • Once the fat is golden and rendered, move to direct heat and sear both sides. 2-3 minutes per side or until a deep mahogany crust forms. Remove when internal temp hits – 125°F for medium-rare, 130° for medium
  • Rest 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Grill Picanha – Rotisserie Style

  • Set up Rotisserie on Big Green Egg according to instructions.
  • Heat Big Green Egg to 450F.
  • Slice Picanha with grain into three equal strips. Bend in half-moons, and skewer through rotisserie spit.
  • Place skewer onto Rotisserie, and begin the cooking process.
  • Let piranha cook, monitor, until the piranha reaches your desired temperature. Remove when internal temp hits – (125°F for medium-rare, 130° for medium)
  • Rest 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Pomegranate Chimichurri

  • Combine parsley, mint, oregano, garlic, and shallot in a bowl.
  • Add olive oil, vinegar, pomegranate molasses, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
  • Stir to mix, and let chill 10-15 minutes to let flavors bloom.
  • Fold in pomegranate arils right before serving to prevent bleeding of the color.
Keyword Big Green Egg, chimichurri, Grilled Picanha, Picanha, Pomegranate
Continue reading
Related posts
Danish Pebernødder
December 7, 2025
Apple Rose Puff Pastry
December 7, 2025
Ginger & Pear Bourbon Splash Cocktail
November 30, 2025
Apple Rose Puff Pastry | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Dessert, Recipes

Apple Rose Puff Pastry

Apple Rose Puff Pastry | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Apple Rose Puff Pastry | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Apple Rose Puff Pastry

Buttery, flaky puff pastry wrapped around tender apple slices, lightly filled and brushed with blueberry jam, then dusted with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar before baking for extra warmth and caramelized holiday magic, then finished with a snowfall of cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. Sweet, tart, and warmly spiced, liked the holidays, baked into a perfect rose.
Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something stunning and delicious. Serve with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for extra deliciousness.
Course Dessert
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Apple (use Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji or Gala for best results)
  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed
  • 3 tbsp blueberry preserves (can also used apricot, strawberry, blackberry or raspberry preserves)
  • ¾ cup water
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 3 tsp powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Remove (1) puff pastry sheet out of package and thaw according to package.
  • Wash apple, and cut apple in half from top to bottom.
  • Remove the core ends, and scoop out center.
  • Keep the peel on, and using a mandolin, slice the apples into very thin slices.
  • Fill a bowl with water, and squeeze the lemon juice into the water.
  • Place the sliced apples into the water, while you prepare the puff pastry.
  • Place thawed pastry sheet on a floured surface. Using a rolling pin, flatten out the pastry sheet just a little to smooth out the perforated seams. Using a pizza cutter, cut each pastry into 6 equal slices.
  • Using a pastry brush, brush a thin layer of the blueberry preserve onto each slice of the puff pastry.
  • Drain the apples into a colander.
  • Start from one end of the pastry strips, placing the apples on the strip about halfway (so that you can fold the strip over the apple), overlaying the apples over each other, until all of the strips have been filled.
  • Roll the strips into a rose, and place into a lightly greased muffin tin. Lightly sprinkle with the remaining sugared/spiced mixture.
  • Place a pan of water in the bottom rack of the oven, to prevent the bottom of the pastries from burning.
  • Bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool about 5 minutes, then remove from muffin tin.
  • Serve immediately, with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Keyword Apple Desserts, Apple Rose, Dessert recipes, Desserts, Fall Desserts
Continue reading
Related posts
Danish Pebernødder
December 7, 2025
Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri
December 7, 2025
Ginger & Pear Bourbon Splash Cocktail
November 30, 2025
Ginger and Pear Bourbon Splash Cocktail | Bjorn Bites and Booze
Drinks, Recipes

Ginger & Pear Bourbon Splash Cocktail

Ginger and Pear Bourbon Splash | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Ginger & Pear Bourbon Splash

Sweet ripe pear, warm bourbon, a kiss of honeyed ginger, and bright lemon – all topped with a spicy ginger ale fizz. This cocktail brings cozy fall vibes with just the right amount of sparkle.
Garnished with fresh pear rounds (or slices) and candied ginger, it's the perfect sip for your fall table.
Course Drinks
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients
  

Cocktail Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 2 oz Pear Nectar or Juice
  • 1 oz Ginger Liqueur (I used Domaine de Canton)
  • ½ Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 oz Ginger Honey Simple Syrup *
  • Ginger Ale to taste
  • Fresh Pear Slices, Candied Ginger, Fresh Thyme for Garnish

Ginger Honey Simple Syrup

  • ¼ cup Honey
  • ¼ cup Water
  • 1 1" piece of ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

Instructions
 

Make Ginger Honey Simple Syrup

  • In a small saucepot, add water, honey and ginger.
  • Bring to a slow simmer over medium heat, stirring occassionally until honey has dissolved. Allow to simmer about 5-7 minutes
  • Remove from heat, and steep about 30 minutes.
  • Strain into jar, removing ginger pieces, cover and refrigerate until ready to use. (Can be refrigerated up to one week).

Assemble Cocktail

  • Combine bourbon, pear juice, ginger liqueur, lemon, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  • Shake vigorously untiled chilled, about 30 seconds.
  • Pour into glass with icee, and top with ginger ale.Garnish with pear rounds/slices, and a piece of candied ginger on a cocktail pick. Skål! and Cheers!
Keyword Bourbon Cocktails, Cocktail recipes, Fall Cocktails, Ginger, Ginger Cocktails, Holiday Cocktails, Pear Cocktails, Thanksgiving Cocktails
Continue reading
Related posts
Danish Pebernødder
December 7, 2025
Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri
December 7, 2025
Apple Rose Puff Pastry
December 7, 2025
Shoyu pork belly bite | Bjorn Bites Booze
Appetizers, Recipes

Shoyu Pork Belly Bites

Shoyu pork belly bite | Bjorn Bites & Booze

Shoyu Pork Belly Bites

A bold, flavor packet appetizer that hits every note. Start by seasoning thick-cut pork belly with a fragrant blend of five spice power, ginger, garlic, white peppers, and salt, then slow-grilled it to tender, smoky perfection on the Big Green Egg. As the pork neared its peak, glaze it with a sweet-and-spicy mix of hoisin, gochujang, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes to create a deep, caramelized finish.
For the perfect bite-sized vessel, place it on a baked wonton brused with sesame oil, dusted with five spice, and sprinkled with black sesame seeds,. Add a spoonful of cilantro lime rice, followed by a drizzle of our house-made gochujang-ginger aioli, tender slices of pork belly, and a bright pickled red cabbage slaw to cut through the richness.
One more flourish of aioli, a scatter of green onions, and a final sprinkle of sesame seeds, each bite an unforgettable balance of savory, smoky, tangy, and spicy!
This bite is perfect for impressing your guests, or stealing the show at your next backyard gathering.
Course Appetizer

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs 1" thick (1/4" fat cap) pork belly, score fat cap

Hoisin Glaze

  • 4 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

Spice for Pork Belly

  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp white pepper

Cilantro-Lime Rice

  • 1 cup cooked jasmine rice, cooled
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime zested and juiced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • salt to taste

Pickled Cabbage Slaw

  • 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage (use mandolin)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • pinch of salt

Gochujang-Ginger Aioli

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp gochujang
  • 2 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 2 tsp lime juice

Garnish

  • 1-2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
  • black sesame seeds

Instructions
 

Grill Pork Belly

  • Heat Big Green Egg to 350℉. Grill pork belly, and turn occasionally so all sides get nice grill marks, until internal temp gets to 170℉.
  • Glaze last 15 minutes. Let rest at least 15 minutes prior to cutting into thin slices.

Spice Mix

  • Add all spices together in a bowl, mix until well combined.

Hoisin Glaze

  • Add all ingredients into a bowl, and stir until well combined.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

  • Cook rice according to instructions. Let cool completely.
  • Once rice has cooled, and right before serving, add cilantro, lime zest, lime juice, sesame oil and salt together in a bowl, and gently fold into rice until all combined.

Pickled Cabbage Slaw

  • Finely shred red cabbage into a bowl, add rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and salt, and gently fold until all well combined.

Gochujang-Ginger Aioli

  • Finely grate ginger into a bowl, add mayo, gochujang, and lime juice. Stir until well combined. Pour into a squeeze bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.
Keyword Big Green Egg, Pork, pork belly, Shoyu Pork Belly
Continue reading
Related posts
Danish Pebernødder
December 7, 2025
Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri
December 7, 2025
Apple Rose Puff Pastry
December 7, 2025
The Spa Spritz | Summer Cocktail Recipe
Drinks, Recipes

The Spa Spritz Cocktail

The Spa Spritz Cocktail | Summer Cocktail Recipe
The Spa Spritz Cocktail

The Spa Spritz

This cocktail is your new summer obsession! Light, crisp, and oh-so refreshing! Cooling notes of cucumber, citrus and mint, it's just like a spa day in a glass! Grab a bottle of Lillet Blanc, your favorite Prosecco, and a splash of club soda. Lemons, limes and a handful of mint, and that's it! Easy, peasy, breezy and perfect for summer sipping!
Course Drinks
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Lemon, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 2 cucumber slices
  • 2 sprigs of mint
  • 2 oz Lillet blanc
  • 3 oz Prosecco
  • club soda
  • ice

Instructions
 

  • Add 3-4 ice cubes to 10-oz glass
  • Add your citrus, cucumber slices and mint leaves around ice and glass
  • Add Lillet, then Prosecco
  • Top off with club soda
  • Garnish with sprig of mint
Keyword Cocktail recipes, Spa Spritz
Continue reading
Related posts
Danish Pebernødder
December 7, 2025
Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri
December 7, 2025
Apple Rose Puff Pastry
December 7, 2025
Fastelavnsboller - Danish Carnival Buns
Danish Traditions, Dessert, Recipes

Fastelavnsboller (Danish Carnival Buns)

Fastelavnsboller

Fastelavnsboller

Fastelavnsboller season is in full swing in Denmark! These fluffy, cardamom-spiced buns filled with luscious pasty cream are a must-have treat leading up to Fastelavn, one of the most beloved childhood holidays.
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 16 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine Danish

Ingredients
  

Dough

  • cup whole milk
  • 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cardamom
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

Vanilla Cream (kagecreme)

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeded
  • 2 ½ tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 ¾ cups whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Raspberry Whipped Cream

  • cup frozen raspberries
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powered sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean, seeded

Optional add-ons

  • raspberry jam
  • freeze dried raspberry powder
  • fresh raspberries

Instructions
 

  • Danish Pastry Cream (kagecreme)
  • (make kagecreme first as it needs to cool)
  • Add egg yolks, sugar, salt, vanilla extract, vanilla beans (seeded) and cornstarch to a medium size bowl. Easiest is to use an electric whisk (although you can use a regular whisk as well, it will just take longer), whick until smooth, pale in color and a little frothy,
  • Heat milk in a medium size saucepan on medium low heat. Stir occasionally so that milk doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Once milk starts to simmer, you will see small bubbles forming around the edge, remove it from the heat.
  • While whisking, slowly pour half of the milk into the egg mixture.
  • While on medium heat, pour egg/milk mixture into the pan with the rest of the milk, and continue whisking until mixture starts to thicken and almost to a boiling point. When it has fully thickened, take off the heat, add butter to the mixture, and continue whisking until it has fully melted.
  • Transfer to a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic touches the cream to avoid a skin forming. Refrigerate and cool for at least 2 hours.

Make Dough

  • Heat the milk on low until it is warm to the touch – not too warm as it will kill the yeast.
  • Meanwhile place the yeast and sugar in bowl, stir to mix.
  • Once the milk is warm (to the touch), add it to the yeast/sugar mixture, and stir until just combined. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes until yeast mixture starts to bubble
  • Add egg, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla extract, vanilla bean, cardamom, and salt to a large bowl, and mix well.
  • Add milk/yeast mixture to the to the egg mixture, and stir to combine.
  • Slowly add flour, stir to combine with a wooden spoon, then add softened butter. Once dough starts to come together, you can start kneading with your hands.
  • Cover with a warm damp dishtowel, and let it rise for at least 1 hour, or doubled in size.
  • Once dough has risen, dump it out on a clean surface, and divide into 12 equal pieces (use a scale for best results), and shape into buns, using a little flour if it's a little too sticky.
  • Let buns rest for 30-40 minutes covered with a warm, damp dishtowel.
  • After the buns have risen, you are now going to fill them with kagecreme. Flatten the buns into a disc. Add about a teaspoon of the kagecreme in the middle of the disc, make sure to not overfill, as it will explode when baking. Then form the disc back into a bun, making sure to pinch the sides together so the cream doesn't leak out of the bun.
  • Place the buns on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover the buns with a warm, damp dishtowel and let them rise another 30-45 minutes, or at least doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Place a water filled deep (1-2") pan in the oven to act like a steam oven.
  • Once buns have risen, eggwash the buns, and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Let the buns cool completed on a wire rack.

Make Raspberry Whipped Cream

  • Place frozen raspberries and sugar in a small pot on medium heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occassionally.
  • Remove raspberry mixture from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, place mixture in a blender, blend until smooth. Put mixture aside.
  • Place the cream in a medium bowl, add the vanilla bean and powdered sugar. Whip with an electric whisk, and whip until you have a soft peaks.
  • Carefully fold the raspberry mixture into the whipped cream until just combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Put the Fastelavnsboller together

  • Cut the buns in half, evenly.
  • Spread about 1 tsp raspberry jam on the bottom half of each bun
  • Place 5-6 raspberries on the bottom of each bun with space in between each berry
  • Pipe Raspberry cream in between each berry, and pipe some more in the center.
  • Place top bun on top of bottom bun. Add some more whipped cream on the top of the top bun. Sift raspberry powder on top and all over top bun.
  • Serve, and enjoy!
Keyword Danish holiday, Danish Pastries, Danish traditions, Fastelavn, Fastelavnsboller
Continue reading
Related posts
Danish Pebernødder
December 7, 2025
Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri
December 7, 2025
Apple Rose Puff Pastry
December 7, 2025
Fastelavn Traditions in Denmark
Danish Traditions

Fastelavn Traditions in Denmark

As Lent approaches, Denmark prepares to celebrate Fastelavn, a vibrant and festive holiday deeply rooted in both medieval and modern traditions. While widely observed across Scandinavian countries, Danish customs hold a special place in my heart. Having attended Rygaards International School just outside Copenhagen, I had the privilege of experiencing these traditions firsthand. The school, divided into a Danish and an International side, embraced all Danish customs, allowing me to build fond memories of this unique holiday.

What is Fastelavn?

Fastelavn, meaning “the evening before Lent,” originates from Catholic traditions of feasting and merriment before the fasting period. Historically, Shrovetide was a time when adults dressed up and celebrated for days, indulging in food and drink before the solemnity of Lent. Over time, the holiday evolved into a lively children’s festival, much like a Nordic version of Carnival, filled with games, sweets, and costumes.

For children, Fastelavn is an exciting occasion to dress up in colorful costumes, participate in school parades, sing the traditional song Fastelavn er mit navn (“Fastelavn is my name”), and enjoy sweet treats.

Knocking the Cat Out of the Barrel

One of the most iconic Fastelavn traditions is slå katten af tønden (“knock the cat out of the barrel”). Similar to a piñata, children take turns striking a decorated wooden barrel filled with candy. In medieval times, the barrel contained a live black cat, symbolizing evil spirits. The cat was eventually released, symbolizing the expulsion of misfortune from the community. Today, this practice is purely symbolic, and the child who breaks the last piece of the barrel is crowned “Cat King” or “Cat Queen.”

Fastelavnsboller – A Sweet Tradition

No Fastelavn celebration is complete without indulging in fastelavnsboller—delicious pastries filled with cream or jam. Historically, these buns were enjoyed before the fasting period when wheat bread was forbidden. Today, Danish bakeries compete to create the most elaborate and decadent versions of this beloved treat. Inspired by this tradition, I experimented with my own recipe this year, crafting a fluffy, cardamom-spiced bun filled with vanilla pastry cream, raspberry whipped cream, raspberry preserves, and fresh raspberries. Baking at high altitude presented its challenges, but it was a fun and rewarding experience. (Check out my recipe link if you’d like to try it yourself!)

Rattling – The Danish Trick-or-Treating

A lesser-known Fastelavn tradition in Denmark is rasle—akin to Halloween trick-or-treating. Children once roamed their neighborhoods singing for treats or small donations. Though less common today, you might still encounter young singers at your door hoping for a reward in the spirit of this tradition.

Fastelavnsris – Festive Birch Twigs

Another cherished tradition is the decoration of fastelavnsris—bundles of birch twigs adorned with colorful feathers, paper ornaments, and sometimes sweets. Historically, these twigs were used in a fertility ritual where young women were lightly flogged, believing it would aid in conception. In modern times, children playfully tap their parents with the twigs on Fastelavn Sunday morning, earning a delicious fastelavnsbolle as a reward.

Fastelavn is a Celebration of Joy and Community

While Fastelavn originally marked the beginning of Lent, it has transformed into a joyous festival that celebrates creativity, tradition, and community. Whether through playful games, delicious treats, or festive decorations, this beloved Danish holiday continues to bring families and communities together in a spirit of fun and festivity.

Continue reading
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut
Main Course, Recipes

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut & Beer Glaze

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut & Beer Glaze

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Apple Sauerkraut & Beer Glaze

Fire up the Big Green Egg and get ready for a taste of Bavaria with this German-style pork tenderloin, kissed by flame and infused with bold flavors. Grilled over red-hot Jealous Devil Charcoal, this tender cut soaks in smoky perfection, enhanced by a beer-mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the heat.
Paired with tangy apple sauerkraut and served alongside creamy mashed potatoes, this dish takes classic German flavors and gives them a BBQ twist that will have you raising your stein in celebration.
Prep Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

Pork Tenderloin & Marinade

  • 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 lb each)
  • 3 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp caraway seeds, ground

Beer Glaze

  • 1 cup German-style lager
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • salt & pepper to taste

Apple Sauerkraut

  • 1 cup sauerkraut (drained)
  • 1 green apple, remove skin, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp caraway seeds, drained

Instructions
 

Marinate Pork

  • In a bowl, whisk mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, ground caraway seeds, salt and pepper. Coat the pork tenderloins and marinate for 1-2 hours in the fridge.

Prepare Apple Sauerkraut

  • In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples and brown sugar, cook for 3-5 minutes. Stir in drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds. Cook for 5 minutes and set aside.

Make Beer Glaze

  • In a small saucepot, combine beer, honey, mustard, paprika, salt and pepper. Simmer until reduced by half (about 8 minutes).

Grill Pork

  • Prepare grill to 375℉
  • Remove pork from marinade. Grill for 5-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145℉. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • During last 2-3 minutes of grilling, brush the pork with beer glaze.
  • Slice pork tenderloin, serve with apple sauerkraut, drizzling with extra glaze. Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, pickled shallots, and diced red beets.
Keyword Apple Sauerkraut, Big Green Egg, Grilled Pork, Jealous Devil Charcoal, Pork, Pork Tenderloin
Continue reading
Related posts
Danish Pebernødder
December 7, 2025
Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri
December 7, 2025
Apple Rose Puff Pastry
December 7, 2025
Sour Cream Coffee Pound Cake | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Breakfast, Recipes

Sour Cream Coffee Pound Cake

Sour Cream Coffee Pound Cake | Bjorn Bites & Booze
Sour Cream Coffee Pound Cake

Sour Cream Pound Cake

This Sour Cream Coffee Cake has been a trusted favorite of mine for years. Perfectly suited for morning coffee, a leisurely breakfast, or afternoon tea, this delightful treat strikes an impeccable balance of flavors. The brown sugar streusel adds a gentle sweetness, complemented by a warm hint of cinnamon spice, while the sour cream lends a subtle, tangy depth. Finished with a drizzle of simple icing, it’s nothing short of irresistible. Indulge, share it with a friend and enjoy every bite!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast, Snack
Servings 12

Ingredients
  

Streusel

  • ½ cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • (can add 1/4 cup chopped nuts if desired)

Pound Cake

  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup butter (room temperature)
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Cooking spray

Icing

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉
  • Prepare baking pan by lightly spraying with Cooking spray, or lightly buttered ( can use square pan, or Bundt Pan)
  • Combine all ingredients for streusel in small bowl, stir to combine and set aside
  • Combine flour, baking power, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl, and mix with a whisk Set aside
  • Place sugar and butter in large bowl, beat with mixer for about 5 minutes.
  • Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each one.
  • Beat in sour cream and vanilla.
  • Gradually add flour mixture to sugar/sour cream mixture, and beat well.
  • Spread half of the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel over batter
  • Add remaining batter to pan, and top with remaining streusel
  • Bake 45 minutes or until wooden pick comes out clean
  • Cool cake completely on wire rack

Prepare Icing

  • Place powdered sugar into a bowl, and add milk, stirring to mix into smooth glaze.
  • Glaze cake once cooled.
  • Serve & enjoy!
Keyword Pound Cake, Sour Cream Pound Cake
Continue reading
Related posts
Danish Pebernødder
December 7, 2025
Grilled Picanha with Pomegranate Chimichurri
December 7, 2025
Apple Rose Puff Pastry
December 7, 2025

Popular posts

What is Bjorn Bites and Booze all about?

Let me introduce myself! My name is Sara Line Bjorn Frisk. Bjorn Bites & Booze I think of myself as a wild west viking combining my love of the...

Sara Frisk, Your Colorado Real Estate Gal

Whether you’re selling or buying a home in Colorado, your home is my priority. I offer all of my clients prompt, reliable, and professional real estate services to meet...