What exactly is a smorgasbord

A smorgasbord is a Scandinavian buffet-style dinner. It translates as a sandwich board and was the way that Swedes served guests who had visited from far away. The dishes that were on the buffet could usually be kept fresh for several days. The word, however, has been used to describe just about any type of buffet style dinner. It is commonly used in the Pennsylvania Dutch area of Pennsylvania.

In Sweden, the smorgasbord has been popular since the early 18th century. The foods are not all loaded onto one plate as we do in the United States. Each dish should be eaten on a clean plate. The traditional meal will begin with a plate of cheese and perhaps some smoked meat and crackers. These can be served on a table with alcoholic beverages such as vodka.

A traditional smorgasbord will have a wide variety of fish dishes. These can include salmon, herring, shrimp, and eel. These are usually cold and served in the first course.

Dishes such as smoked, salted or pickled herring as well as smoked salmon or gravlax are common. Matjesill Herring, which is a sugar cured canned variety of herring is a choice that most Swede’s would automatically recognize. These can be served with boiled potatoes. All of the fish dishes will be served with appropriate sauces which can include sour cream and chives among others. Crisp dark bread and cheeses may also be part of this course. Platters f cold sliced meats such as ham, pate, and sausages round out the offering of this course.

The next course can be warm fish and meat dishes. One option is meatballs served with lingonberry jelly. The meats can include such things as ham and roast beef and perhaps a warm salmon dish. There will also be cold salads and hot vegetables. Potato salad and beetroot salad are traditional choices. The traditional sauces for the meat and salmon will also be included. During the holidays, lutefisk is commonly served on the smorgasbord.

Finally, it is time for the final course which is the dessert course. This will also include coffee served with cream and sugar. Dessert may include fresh fruit, chocolates and a variety of cakes.

To recreate a traditional smorgasbord at home, it may be necessary to adjust the recipes a bit. Smoked salmon is a common dish and will be enjoyed by just about everyone but some of the other fish dishes may seem quite foreign which of course they are. Cold cuts like sliced ham, bologna and salami will fit in nicely with some mustard sauce. Potato salad is a good choice as well as a Waldorf salad. This will be an Americanized version that will give you a traditional feel without all the unusual dishes.