Recipes and Recommendations for Imbibing Beauty through Books and Beverages
By Annie Nardone
Pages, Pints, and Pours steps back into 14th-century Norway with an epic historical novel written by the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Sip a traditional Norwegian libation while immerse in a time of feudalism and early Christianity.
THE PAGES: KRISTIN LAVRANSDATTER BY SIGRID UNDSET
“Lavrans moved to Gudbrandsdal largely so that his wife might be closer to her kinsmen and friends. They had one child still living when they arrived there, a little maiden named Kristin.”
—Sigrid Undset, Kristin Lavransdatter
I read many books in the time of lockdown, with one standout treasure recommended to me by my friend, Leslie. “Have you heard of Kristin Lavransdatter?” she asked. I hadn’t. Leslie continued, “Well, you need to read it. And we need to tell other people to read it because it is extraordinary in a way I can’t describe.” Leslie was right.
Sigrid Undset’s Kristin Lavransdatter, a trilogy published in one volume, narrates the story of Kristin Lavransdatter. Her life, from headstrong youth in Norway to wisdom and her ultimate redemption, mirrors the human condition. You may see commonality in your own life with this 14th century heroine.
The writing is atmospheric; the setting blends primordial forest and village. I’ve never experienced historical fiction that can be best described by this quote from C.S. Lewis from Surprised by Joy: “Pure ‘Northernness’ engulfed me: a vision of huge, clear spaces hanging above the Atlantic in the endless twilight of Northern summer, remoteness, severity.”
In my imagination, I walked with Kristin through beauty and starkness, mountains and monasteries, soaking in the ordinary and the holiness of medieval Norway.
The life story of Norwegian author Sigrid Undset is equally fascinating. She was born in 1882 and began writing in her teens. with her heart set on medieval stories. The Kristin trilogy was published in 1920-1922, soon after achieving worldwide acclaim. Undset was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1928, the first woman to be so honored.
I strongly recommend the translation by Tiina Nunnally. Published by Penguin Classics, the volume includes an introduction about the author and translator, maps, and helpful explanatory notes. At nearly 1,200 pages, Kristin Lavransdatter is the perfect read for your long winter nights.
PINTS AND POURS
Norwegians began distilling akevitt (aquavit) from potatoes in the 1500s. Added herbs give a caraway and cardamom finish. Norway’s favorite, Linie Aquavit, is aged in rolling oak casks while aboard a four and a half month sea voyage. (How very Nordic). In keeping with Kristin’s story, I recommend traditional refreshments-warm Gløgg and iced coffee.
Gløgg
1 bottle red semi-sweet wine
1 tsp. cardamom
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 2-inch chopped ginger root
10 ounces sugar
½ bottle Linie Aquavit (or any aquavit)
½ cup raisins
½ cup sliced almonds
Pour wine into heavy saucepan and warm on medium heat. Add spices and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves, then let cool. Pour aquavit into wine, stir, and reheat. (do not boil) Add in the raisins and almonds. Ladle the grøgg mixture into clear glass mugs. Serve with a spoon to scoop up the raisins and almonds.
Northern Storm
Coffee is the favorite beverage of Norway!
1 cup cold, strong coffee
½ cup milk or milk substitute
1 tbsp. honey
Dash of ground cardamom
Fill a tall glass with ice and cold coffee. Whisk together the milk, honey, and cardamom. Slowly drizzle the milk mixture over the iced coffee, forming swirls. Serve unstirred.
Annie Nardone is a lifelong bibliophile with a special devotion to the Inklings and medieval authors. She is a Fellow with the C.S. Lewis Institute and holds an M.A. in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Christian University. Annie is a writer for Cultivating Oaks Press and An Unexpected Journal. Her writing can also be found at Square Halo Press, Rabbit Room Press, Clarendon Press U.K., Calla Press, and Poetica. Annie is a Master Teacher with HSLDA and Kepler Education and strives to help her students see holiness in everyday life and art. She lives in Florida with her husband and six cats, appreciates the perfect cup of tea, an expansive library, and the beach with family.
