26 juli 2016

Swedish polkagrisar

On our way from Göteborg to Arboga we passed the village of Gränna on the eastern shores of lake Vättern, and stopped to have a look at the famous "Polkagrisar": Swedish candy sticks ('zuurstokken' in Dutch) that are so special that they attract a million visitors each year. Look how people stand in line in this shop!
The candy sticks were invented in 1859 by Amalia Eriksson, a poor 35-year-old widow. Amalia needed to support herself and her family when her husband died, and opened a bakery to make pastries and peppermint rocks. She kept the recipe of the polkagrisar secret and it was only revealed upon her death in 1923.

The traditional polkagris candy cane is white and red, and peppermint flavoured. Nowadays they come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. The candy is made of sugar dough which is boiled, kneaded on a marble baking table, pulled, and twisted by hand to the right size. If you like 'sweet' this is your thing! :)

7 opmerkingen:

Don't be shy and leave a comment. I'd love to read what you think!