nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 143 No. 04, February 28, 2015. Price per copy $2.50
Not so brief, Page 3
Consider the happiness factor: Swedish ”happiness expert” Erik Fernholm on what we have to do in order to become happy.
Page 21-36
These red- and white-striped peppermint sticks may look like candy canes, but 156 years ago, a single mother in central Sweden started “mass producing” these sweets as “Polkagrisar.” And not much has changed since then ... except the ever-increasing number of fans. / Page 7
Photo: Martin Miller
This Week, Page 4
Castle-Hopping in Sweden
Local Events, Page 6-7
Vasalopp in two parts of Swedish America, with and without snow this year.
Bo Zaunders zaunders@nordstjernan.com
Pacific States, Page 8
Anne Thulin’s Double Dribble, 2010 (detail), at Wanås Foundation, recently exhibiting at House of Sweden, DC. The Castle (in background) and sculpture garden have become a popular destination.
Seven kinds of cookies
Way back when, it became a tradition for Swedish women to serve seven different kinds of cookies at social gatherings. It may have had something to with the introduction of wheat in the early 1800s, which allowed hostesses to expand their baking repertoire ... and notice what others were offering. More recipes were developed, and more cookies were baked - and served. Today, hostesses might no longer be considered stingy if she bakes fewer than seven varieties, nor pompous if she bakes more than seven, but at least there are a few keeping the tradition alive, if only on special occasions. More on the story and recipes. / Page 11
Photo: Anders Norrsell
The predicted heavy breathing did not awaken my wife Roxie. She slept like a baby, undisturbed by the asthmatic baron who reputedly haunts these premises. Last evening, as we checked into the attic room of Bäckaskog Castle in southern Sweden, our hostess, Inger Lundin, offered a warning: “This is the room where Johan Christoffer Toll hangs out. He died 200 years ago but is still on the prowl, looking for a lady who will accept his hand in marriage. He proposed 12 times to different women but was always rejected.” She added, “Tomorrow you can look at the grove of trees he planted — one for each lady who jilted him.” It was a tempting idea, but we opted for a tour of the castle. Continued on page 14
Hollywood and Vine. Frank Family Vineyard, a new member of SACC San Francisco shares an award winning taste with Sweden.
Dashboard, Page 18-19
Swedish football star makes the headlines again / Feb. 28, a sad day in Swedish history.
Sports, Page 15
Canadian hockey twins make Sweden home.
The Boston Vasalopp men’s winner Andy Milne with the Boston kranskulla. / Page 7