Danish Cuisine

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Cuisines of Denmark


The cuisine of Denmark is rather homogenous. The cooking style of the Danes was affected in time by many nations, but this fact has not determined great differences from one region of the country to another. A northern region of Germany was a long time ago under the domination of the Danes. Many people that have Danish origins still live in that region and this explains the strong influence of Germany. Another fact that determined the Danish cuisine to act as a whole is the importance that is given to the traditional foods. People like more to consume the national dishes, rather than importing ingredients to prepare new foods.

However, recently a difference between the traditional and the modern cuisine of Denmark can be noticed.

Preparation Methods for Danish Cooking
The preparation techniques that predominate are smoking and pickling. The foods that are prepared in this manner preserve better in time and as the fresh fruits and vegetables lack from most of the dishes, these preparation methods are preferred by people from Denmark. Of course, the other cooking techniques, such as boiling, baking, frying, roasting, salting, seasoning and drying, are used, too. Each dish involves the use of one or more of the techniques mentioned above. Furthermore, the ingredients that are added to a dish may undergo several processes.

Special Equipment for Danish Cooking
Most Danish dishes don’t require you to purchase any special tools. However, having a coffee grinder helps with roasting and grinding spices and maximizes their volatile oils, which, in turn, provides your food with more flavor.

The cooking equipment that is used in Denmark is similar to that one that can be found in a typical European kitchen. Usually, the utensils that are used to prepare, store and serve the dishes comprise of kitchen knives, forks, tablespoons, teaspoons, food scoops, turners, juicers, boxes for spices, grinders for spices, graters, food containers, pans, trays, pans, bowls and devices for measuring the weight of the ingredients that are added to a dish, such as food scales. Also, the kitchen thermometers may prove to be useful when cooking at a certain temperature is desired. Overcooking is avoided, this way.

Danish Food Traditions and Festivals
Det kolde bord is the traditional Danish meal that usually is based on cold served dishes. Herring is most likely the ingredient of the first dish that is served at this meal, while the second dish varies, although most of the types are based on meat.

The traditional dinner is named Aftensmad features complex dishes.

Julefrokost is the name given to the Christmas meal. People gather and go to restaurants on this occasion. Music and dancing is an important part of this event and the party songs cannot miss.

Also, Danes organize many festivals to honor their traditional foods and beverages. Some of the most important events are: Shrovetide and the Easter. People prepare special dishes on these occasions.

People in Danish Food

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Other Regional Links

 * More about this country on WikiPedia.com
 * Denmark Travel Guide - Travelguidewiki.com
 * Danish Fashion - Wikichic.com