We were going to go to Africa for D (Djibouti) – but after noticing far too many tiny African nations on our list, we decided to go north to a more familiar place – Denmark!
A small peninsula and island nation that has a long history fro the Vikings to one of the earliest social democracies to neutrality through the World Wars. Often citing as one of the the happiest and friendliest places in the world, Denmark is a really unique and interesting country with rich culture and a unique history.
And here are a few more interesting facts about Denmark:
- Only 78 of the 402 islands are inhabited
- 90 percent of the people living in Denmark are ethic Danes
- Denmark is one of the only countries to have holed currency since the 1900’s
- Swimming is compulsory in all public schools in Denmark
- LEGOS were invented in Denmark and Lego comes out of the Danish words Leg Godt meaning play well
To learn more about Denmark click on our Power Point here: Denmark Info.
FOOD
Denmark is the place where Western European and Nordic countries converge. They love a German style beer but also a Swedish-like meatball; They love their fresh fish but also have a bar/leftover/snack tradition like the Spanish tapas.
And of course in Denmark you also have danish or rather what the Danes call Wienerbrød. Much tastier than our Americanized version!
After declaring that he did not like northern European food after we studied TKTK, Denmark’s interesting array of foods might have change Isaac’s mind!
Breakfast
Raspberry Wienerbrod – This was delicious and flaky – almost like a croissant – with just the right amount of sweet. And it was lots of fun to make and braid as well! We did have a little problem with the inside being undercooked so make sure not to make it to thick and perhaps cook on a lower temp for a longer.
Dinner
Smørrebrød – Apparently the quintessential Danish treat is Smorrebrod – more of a lunchtime/snack treat of various leftover items served on a dense rye bread spattered in butter, so had to try this for ourselves. There are no real recipes, just suggestions of common combinations. So we went with:
- Shrimp, egg and dill
- Potato, mustard/mayo and chives
- Apple and cold smoked salmon
And all were delicious!! I think the salmon was my favorite, Andrew loved the egg one and Isaac the potato! The bread and butter definitely added to the flavor
Frikadellers – Like their Nordic neighbors, the Danes love their meatballs, but to make them their own, they serve them more flattened in a patty form. Another hit with everyone! Isaac even took them in his lunch the next day
Pickled cabbage – a traditional compliment to the Frikadellers!
CULTURE
While we did think about counting building with legos as exploring Danish culture, we 
decided to go a more academic route!
As many know, the famous fairy writer Hans Christian Andersen is from Denmark. He wrote more than 3,000 stories including the famous “Little Mermaid,” “Ugly Duckling” and “Little Match Girl.”
But the Danish have a long history of folktales and folklore! And many of Andersen’s earlier tales – like the “Princess and the Pea” – were retellings of the traditional Danish folktales. The typical Danish folktale uses characters that are similar to the Norse Gods and or a mischievous elf like character, but they usually have a Christian bent to them, and usually convey a lesson!
We listened to two stories “The Wicked Prince” (By Andersen) and “The Fat Cat” (Danish Traditional), and read more about Danish Folklore. Then the boys tried our hand at writing our own Danish Folktales! Here is the start to Isaac’s Enchantress’s Night and here is the start to Andrews “The Word of Life”:
“I run across the battlefield. I look for Devin Lentron that big fat trickster then suddenly I see that there is a gem the ground lomterdelimt the most valuable and rare gem to ever exist. A feeling comes over me to take it but I remember greediness started the whole thing…”
Up in two weeks (we promise, per some New Year’s goals!) is an African country with a new name that now begins with E!
Playroom Passports 