On most days, Scandinavian breakfasts (frokost in Norwegian) tend to be comprised of healthy foods which are filling and yet quick and easy to prepare. The following tried-and-true breakfast ideas are a) fast to prepare either from scratch or, in the great Scandinavian tradition of frugality, from the previous evening's leftovers, or b) delicious "make ahead" baked goods that can be frozen and later defrosted overnight in preparation for the next morning's pick-up breakfast.
September Porridge
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
This warming Finnish oatmeal porridge takes its name and its flavor from Autumn's fresh harvest of lingonberries (I've substituted cranberries)and apples.
Norwegian School Bread
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
One of the great secrets of Scandinavian grandmothers is that baked goods can be made well ahead of time, frozen, defrosted ... and still be so delicious that no one (except for another Scandinavian grandmother) knows the difference. Try making these Norwegian School Bread buns without the filling, defrost as needed, then fill with vanilla cream or canned pie preserves for a sweet beginning to a busy school day.
Finnish Oven-Baked Pancake
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
Too rushed to stand over a griddle in the morning? Finland's favorite oven-baked pancake is ready to eat in 15 minutes - just take five minutes the night before to mix and refrigerate the batter.
Scandinavian Sweet Soup
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
Made from whatever dried fruit one has available, this Scandinavian "Sweet" Soup is such a child-pleaser that I've been requested to send leftovers in thermoses for school lunches.
Rice Porridge Pancakes
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
Rice porridge is typically served for dinner rather than for breakfast in Scandinavia, so it only makes sense to make a bit extra to use in the morning for these winning rice porridge pancakes.
Open-Faced Breakfast Sandwiches
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
Spread rye crispbread with butter, add a lettuce leaf, arrange hard-boiled egg slices and Kalles caviar spread on top, and you're good to go!
Gjetost on Toast
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
Norway's delicious answer to peanut butter, caramel-flavored gjetost cheese with jam on toast is a favorite breakfast and snack among the younger set. For other uses for this one-of-a-kind cheese, check out the suggestions offered by gjetost-lovers at my User Answer discussion.
Baked Jarlsberg Omelette
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
Frustrated by trying to flip a family-sized omelette in the morning? This baked omelette, filled with Norwegian Jarlsberg cheese and leftover ham or fried bacon, just about cooks itself. It's a perfect answer to those mornings when you're craving eggs but don't want to go to a lot of effort.
Cinnamon Rolls
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
Scandinavian cinnamon rolls, or kanelbullar, freeze beautifully. Just prepare them ahead of time on a lazy weekend, defrost when needed, reheat, and serve. Your kids will thank you.
Swedish Potato Pancakes with Bacon
photo ©Kari Diehl, licensed to About.com
Swedish potato pancakes, or raggmunk, are most often served with thick slices of fried pork or bacon and lingonberries, providing an easy and protein-packed option for the most important meal of the day. Be sure to use slightly aged, mealy potatoes (like Russets) for this recipe; new potatoes are too full of water for the pancakes to hold together well.
