Solvang,  a Danish village on the Central Coast, California in Santa Barbara County, loves to eat. Among its dine-fests is the Taste of Solvang in the Spring  and Yulefest at Christmas.

The Danish treat, Aebleskivers, round donuts cooked in hot oil till the crust is slightly crisp are drizzled with raspberry flavor and sprinkled with powdered sugar, making them look like little snowballs. The city is one of the few places you may be able to find a hot iron utensil that can be used for cooking aebleskivers.

You can buy hot, fresh AEbleskivers in Solvang, California which is in Santa Barbara County. They are a delicacy, supposedly invented by some Dane way back in history. They are a waffle or a pancake formed like a tennis ball. The name makes people think that there are apples inside which is correct- if you put apples inside. Everybody has their own favorite recipe and way of serving them, depending from where in Denmark the recipe came. You can find them served several different ways in Solvang, most often with powdered sugar and raspberry jam on top.

At Danish Days in Solvang which has been referred to as AEbleskiver Days, it has become a tradition for locals to set up their giant size pans in the streets and serve AEbleskivers to those who come to celebrate. Held in September, the annual event becomes increasingly popular as word spreads.

Sweet tasting, hot pastries that remind the taste bud of fresh, hot donuts with a crunchier shell, are  made in many shops in Solvang. Some describe the Aebleskiver as a cross between a puffy pastry, hush puppy, and funnel cake.

The pastries in Solvang bakeries and aebleskivers sold at restaurants provide a cultural glimpse into the best of Danish dining.  If you think the treats are really great, be sure to purchase your very own aebleskiver griddle so you can make them yourself when you return home! Delicious.

Advertisement