[Jim]

There's an Icelandic meet up happening where I live in November. I've been invited to attend and I'd love to try and cook up some Icelandic snacks/treats to share. Does anyone have any ideas of what I could cook? What would people appreciate?

I live in Canada right now, so wouldn't be sure what ingredients are available. Thank you all!

[elín]

Hi Jim:

Here is the English language website (and blog) for Icelandic cuisine: http://icecook.blogspot.com/ - maybe something will catch your eye.

Also, there is a very good cookbook by Nanna Rögnvaldardóttir called Icelandic Food & Cookery, should you want a great book for your own collection.

Some of the things I've seen at gatherings like this are kleinur, jólakaka, vínarterta, pönnukökur filled with whipped cream and jam for sweets and rækjusalat, rúllupylsa and herring salad for savories. Also an assortment of little open faced sandwiches on different types of bread. Some of these items are more Western-Icelandic than Icelandic, I think, (esp. vínarterta). It would be fun to know what you end up bringing!

[Jim]

That's a great reply Elin. So helpful. Thank you.

I have a couple more weeks before the gathering. Gives me time to hunt down the ingredients.

I also translated a few of the items.

Kleinur = Twisted doughnuts
Jólakaka = Icelandic Christmas Loaf
Vínarterta = Icelandic Vienna cake
Pönnukökur = Pancakes
Rúllupylsa = Roller sausage

I'll keep you updated with new developments