Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Kräftskiva - Crayfish Party

After missing midsommar and the raucous celebrations that accompany the late June solstice, I couldn't wait to experience another popular Swedish summertime tradition last weekend - kräftskiva.

While many Swedes incorrectly refer to it as a “lobster party,” kräftskiva actually translates to “crayfish party.” And while crayfish may be part of the same shellfish family and resemble mini lobsters, slurping meat out of a salty crayfish is a much different experience than using a fork to dip a tender lobster tail into drawn butter.

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Kräftskiva is a very popular Scandinavian tradition that originated in Sweden. Late every summer, at the beginning of crayfish season, families and friends gather to eat tons of crayfish and drink alcohol. A lot of alcohol. I wasn't the only one who woke the next morning with a pounding headache.

Party accessories are common, and Amanda decorated the tables with crayfish plates and napkins and spread crayfish confetti everywhere. At some parties, I'm told guests even wear crayfish hats.

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More than a dozen members of Amanda’s extended family joined us as we sang special crayfish drinking songs.

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For dessert, I made chocolateballs for only the second time ever. They quickly became my favorite no-bake sweet during my visit last winter and after another warm reception, I'm thinking about making them professionally soon.

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