Simon's Tavern

http://www.drunkenhistory.com/bar-travelogues/70-simons-travelogue

Swedish Angel Cake

2 sticks of butter softened
3 cups of cake flour, sifted
3 cups of sugar
2 tablespoons of almond extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
7 eggs, room temperature
1 cup heavy cream


-Beat butter, sugar, almond extract and salt on medium high for about 6 minutes until light and fluffy
-Add eggs one at a time and beat until smooth
-Add flour and cream alternatively, beginning with and ending with flour.
-Beat on high for 5 minutes until pale and fluffy
-Pour into well greased and floured pan (bunt) tap on counter a few times to settle
-Place in cold oven and turn to 350 degrees and back for 1 hour 45 minutes


Frosting Glaze
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon almond extract


Over medium heat in small pan stir in sugar and water and butter until sugar is dissolved.
Take off heat and add almond.
While cake is still hot brush or pour over can (depanned)

Swedish American Children's Choir

Swedish American Childrens Choir Lucia.

Ikea

Personally, I don't consider ikea as being authentically Swedish. However, there was one good find there this holiday season; Swedish farmers cheese! Hurry...not many left. IKEA in Schaumburg. 

December 11 2015 there is a Julbord- Christmas event there as well. 

Chicagoland Swedish Event Calendar

http://www.nnleague.org/scandinavian_events_calendar_august_2015.pdf

Swedish Genealogy at Arlington Heights Memorial Library

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library offers Swedish Genealogy research help at no cost.

http://www.ahml.info/genealogy_appointments

St. Lucia Chicago 2015

St. Lucia holds a very special place in my family's heart; with an Italian father and Swedish mother--this day is very special to me. St. Lucia was born in Syracuse Sicily (Italy) and was a devote Christian who devoted her life to the poor. At that time, the rulers of Italy did not look favorably on Christians. When it came time for Lucia to marry, she instead gave her entire dowry to the poor. The rulers declared her a witch and attempted to burn her at the stake but the fire did not light. Ultimately, she had her eyes plucked out and was stabbed.
Many, many years ago, a terrible famine struck in Sweden. On December 13, a well lit ship sailed into Lake Vannern with a young woman dressed in white, with a red sash at her waist and a crown of candles on her head. The people believed her to be St. Lucia, coming to save them from starvation.

St. Lucia's Day celebrated every year in Sweden, in homes, communities, churches and businesses. Most communities have a contest for the young women to compete to become St. Lucia.

I (Christina) had the honor to be chosen in 1997 as Chicago's Queen of Light, St. Lucia!

read more of the story of St. Lucia: https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/lucia/

Here is a listing of St. Lucia events in and around the Chicagoland area for the 2015 season.

St. Lucia Celebration and Contest at the Daley Center
12/11/15 at 11:30
http://www.swedishamericanmuseum.org/museuminfo/news/event/st-lucia-day-celebration-at-daley-plaza-3/

Andersonville St. Lucia Festival of Lights
12/13/15 at 4:45pm
http://www.andersonville.org/events-2/st-lucia-festival-of-lights/

St. Lucia Service at Ebenezer Lutheran Church
12/13/15 at 7pm
http://ebenezerchurch.org/liturgy-and-music/santa-lucia/

Swedish Decor at Homegoods

Much to my surprise, I found Swedish Christmas décor at our local homegoods (Morton Grove and Northbrook) locations. There was a YulBok and some Tomte, that I purchased. I was especially thrilled with the Asa's Tomtebod's that were available.
The Scandinavian and Nordic influences this holiday season in the décor is

incredible!

2015 Cottages in The Woods

2015 Our event 11/14- Saturday and 11/15 Sunday!
( Geneva, IL ) " Cottages in the Woods at Good Templar Park, 528 Eastside Drive.The 7th wonderful year of our Scandinavian Christmas Crafts, Food and Folklore event. Sat/Sun November 14th & 15th. Swedish Lucia will be joining us to share her legend and traditions. Come see talented crafters carving Dala Horses, Rosemalers Tole Painted beautiful items, Handmade Scandinavian Linens, Pottery, Wood Lace Carving, Knits, and ...many more lovely crafts to see in 12 charming cottages. Crafters share their skills and sell their beautiful creations. Shop early for Christmas! Delight in Swedish treats like Cardamom Coffee Cake, Swedish Almond Cake, Swedish Tarts and Pepperkakor at Swedie Pies Bakery! And Enjoy some Swedish Meatballs, Yellow Split Pea Soup with Ham, Swedish Hot Dogs, or a cup of Jul Brew at the Lingonberry Cafe. Tour the 12 charming cottages and see visit Tomte ( Swedish Santa ) listening to your Christmas wishes, and delight in visiting Disney Frozen's Elsa and Anna at Wandering Oakens Trading Post. Enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of a Scandinavian Christmas for 2 wonderful days- Saturday November 14th- 10am to 4pm and Sunday November 15th- 11am til 4pm. Don't miss it and call a friend to join you! Makes a great girlfriend gathering! Please SHARE on your Facebook Pages today and help spread the word. Invite someone and treat them to lunch- makes a wonderful Christmas gift- a gift of time and adventure- priceless! $5 a person-Kids 12 and under FREE. See you
soon! Click on this blue highlighted Facebook page Cottages in the Woods for more photos and info on our event.

https://www.facebook.com/Cottagesinthewoods/

Dala Horse leggings.

Just ordered these sweet Dala horse gems for my toddlers! God jul!