A small log cabin, on a tiny island in the centre of one of Finland’s largest and deepest fresh water lakes is the setting for one of the most enjoyable cooking memories I have.
In Finland, it is traditional for families to own a small “Mökki”, this is where summers are spent whilst surrounded with the uncompromising Finnish wilderness. Where heating, dinner and even the obligatory sauna is all powered by the thing that is clearly in abundance… wood.
I was lucky enough to be staying with friends who grew up in this stunning country and who knew the amazing things it could offer you…. if you knew where to look.
My eyes were opened to the fact that I was surrounded by ingredients that back home, cost a fortune. First came a short but strict lesson in where to look for chanterelles and avoid snakes (who knew Finland has so many snakes), followed by foraging for juniper and wild blue berries.
And then it got even better, my hosts produced a side of fresh Finnish Salmon that the neighbour (next island along) had caught the day before and dropped off.
Mid-afternoon turned into a culinary adventure, starting with a side of salmon gently cooked on a raw pine board, held in place with sprigs of juniper. While the salmon slowly roasted, the chanterelles were lavished with plenty of garlic, butter, and a touch of smoke. Smack a slab of bread over the open flame and a great little starter is made.
A salad of young pine sprigs and some bitter leaves went do well with the salmon.
Some homemade yoghurt topped with a smoky blueberry compote and a drizzle of wild honey rounded off the impromptu midday feast. Everyone ate standing around the fire, soaking up the view and enjoying great company—the way a good meal should be. Everything was cooked over an open flame, surrounded by nature, with a couple of bottles of beer to wash it all down.
This experience reminded me that the best things don’t have to be complicated and reinforced what food is truly about—bringing people together, no matter where you are in the world.