Swedish Candy Store BonBon Expands to the Upper East Side

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September 11, 2023

New York, NY – September 11, 2023 – Fans of Swedish confections in the Big Apple have a reason to celebrate as the beloved candy store, BonBon, has flung open the doors to its third location. This time, they’re gracing the affluent Manhattan neighborhood of the Upper East Side with their Swedish presence.

Featured image: Courtesy of BonBon

BonBon first etched its mark on the New York candy scene in 2018 when Selim Adira, Leonard Schultz, and Robert Persson unveiled its inaugural store in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

With their previous successes in Brooklyn and the Lower East Side, BonBon was perfectly poised to open yet another location to further delight an even larger group of New Yorkers with its Scandinavian sweets.

The adorable shop shines bright on Lexington Avenue, its on-brand pink color adorning the storefront. The interior is unlike any other candy store you’ve probably ever seen with the trio of Swedish Willy Wonkas holding steadfast to the tradition of making Swedish candy shopping an experience.

We are yet to confirm whether popular concepts such as Lenny’s Hot Dogs or the Swedish soft-serve ice cream have found their way to the Upper East location, but for the sake of all of us enduring this never-ending New York heatwave, we’re really hoping for that soft serve.

Images: Courtesy of BonBon

BonBon’s expansion to the Upper East Side marks yet another thrilling chapter in the candy store’s journey. With their commitment to quality, community engagement, and the delightful flavors of Sweden, it’s abundantly clear that BonBon’s sweet success story in New York City is far from over.

For more information about BonBon’s newest location and their delectable Swedish treats, visit BonBon’s website or pay a visit to their store at 1220 Lexington Ave.

Recipe: How to make Västerbotten pie & where to find Swedish cheese in the U.S.

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Swedes in the States

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September 2, 2023

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Crayfish season might very well be centered around crayfish and snaps, but there is another Swedish favorite that regularly makes its way to the dinner table during the fall months. Västerbottenpaj!

Västerbotten cheese is a popular Swedish cheese created in Burträsk, Sweden, with the original recipe dating as far back as the 1870s. The recipe was created by accident by the dairymaid, Ulrika Eleonora Lindström. The cheese is aged for around 14 months which gives it a strong taste of, well, cheese. The västerbotten pie is a big favorite among the Swedes, and after trying this recipe, you won’t ask why.

Västerbotten cheese is currently unavailable in the United States but a similar cheese can be found at the Swedish candy store BonBonNYC or at Scanspecialities.

The original recipe can be found in Swedish on Ica’s website.

The pie dough

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup graham flour
125 g butter
1 egg

Directions

Set the oven to 200 degrees C / 390 degrees F

Mix the all-purpose flour, graham flour, and butter together.

Add egg to the flour mix and massage into a dough with your hands

Place the dough in a pie form, about 25 cm in diameter, pressing the dough down in an even layer to cover the bottom and the sides of the form. Place in the fridge for about 30 min while you work on the pie filling.

When the pie is done resting in the fridge, take it out and poke holes in the dough with a fork.

Place the pie dough in the oven and bake in the middle of the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Filling

Ingredients

3 eggs
1 cup whipping cream (fat around 27%)
1/2 cup milk
300 g Scandic Priest XO cheese
salt
pepper

Directions

Whip egg, cream, and milk together

Shred the cheese and add to the egg mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Pour the mixture into the pie crust and bake for 30-40 minutes or till the mixture is solid and has a golden brown color to it.

Enjoy as-is or with sour cream and chives.

Swedish Wineries Every Wine Lover Should Visit

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Swedes in the States

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June 18, 2023

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Sweden, with its cold climate and unique terroir, may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of wine.

However, in recent years, the Scandinavian region has started to make a name for itself in the wine industry. Scandinavian wines are gaining international recognition for their quality and distinct characteristics.

Wine-loving tourists can now add Swedish wineries to their must-visit list for an unforgettable experience.

Essential Stops For Wine Lovers In Sweden

When exploring the picturesque Swedish countryside, wine lovers are in for a treat. The diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills to the serene lakes, play a crucial role in the development of distinct flavors in Swedish wines. The slowly warming climate in the Scandinavian region has also contributed to better conditions for wine-making.

Despite that, local winemakers are known for their sustainable practices and innovative techniques.

By visiting these wineries, you will have the opportunity to indulge in tastings, take part in wine-making processes, and even find perfect gifts for fellow wine enthusiasts.

Notable Wineries To Explore

As the Swedish wine scene continues to flourish, several wineries stand out for their exceptional offerings and experiences.

Here are a couple of wineries that should be on every wine-loving tourist’s itinerary.

Hällåkra Vineyard, Skåne

Situated in the Skåne region in southern Sweden, Hällåkra Vineyard is a must-visit. The winery boasts stunning landscapes and a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages.

The vineyard is renowned for producing high-quality red wines.

During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to take a guided tour and enjoy a lavish meal at their restaurant, where dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients.

Långmyre Vingård, Västerås

Nestled in the heart of Sweden, Långmyre Vingård is notable for its focus on sustainability and organic wine production.

The winery offers a diverse range of wines, including some intriguing sparkling varieties. Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, vineyard tours, and culinary experiences that reflect the essence of the region.

Gute Vingård, Gotland

Located on the beautiful island of Gotland, Gute Vingård is renowned for its unique white wines, made using traditional methods.

The maritime climate of Gotland contributes to the distinct taste profile of the wines produced here.

Participate in a guided tour, sample their wines, and explore the serene surroundings that make this winery a true gem.

Savhuset Åre

This winery stands apart from the above-mentioned due to its location in northern Sweden, and because of its unique ways of producing wine. Savhuset’s wines are made from birch sap following centuries-old recipes.

This is one unique winery that honors their northern Swedish heritage, and the significance of birch throughout Swedish history. Well worth a visit if you are planning a trip to northern Sweden.

Souvenirs And Gifts For Wine Lovers

There is no better way to commemorate your Swedish wine tour than by bringing home souvenirs or gifts for fellow wine enthusiasts.

Many Swedish wineries offer unique mementos for wine lovers such as branded wine glasses, corkscrews, and locally-made cheeses that pair exceptionally well with their wines.

Consider purchasing a few bottles of Swedish wine that are not widely available internationally. These will make exclusive gifts for friends and family, allowing them to partake in the taste of Sweden’s fine wines.

Guided Wine Tasting Tours

One of the quintessential experiences for any wine enthusiast visiting Sweden is participating in a guided wine-tasting tour.

Swedish winemakers take pride in educating visitors about the distinct characteristics of their wines.

Through these tours, you’ll get to sample a range of wines and learn about the various grape varieties, fermentation processes, and the impact of Sweden’s climate on wine production.

Engaging with the winemakers and learning the stories behind each bottle enhances the tasting experience.

10 Things To Love About Iceland

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Swedes in the States

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June 17, 2023

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Today, Iceland proudly celebrates its National Day, an occasion that honors the establishment of the Icelandic Republic in 1944. This exotic Nordic country is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes. With its majestic volcanoes, bubbling geysers, rejuvenating hot springs, and mystical lava fields, Iceland beckons to those who seek unparalleled encounters with nature’s wonders.

There are more than just a few reasons to love Iceland but for the sake of your attention span, we’ve compiled a list of ten awe-inspiring facts that make Iceland so lovable.

1. Iceland boasts one of the lowest violent crime rates globally, and its police officers stand out for not carrying guns.

2. It is the 3rd happiest country in the world according to the 2023 World Happiness Report.

3. Around 85 percent of Iceland’s energy comes from renewable resources.

4. Hot springs, volcanoes, and the blue lagoon. Need we say more?

5. In Iceland, it is illegal to own reptiles and the remarkable absence of snakes in the Icelandic fauna adds to the country’s unique natural landscape.

6. Iceland is one of the world’s oldest democracies; established in 930.

7. Iceland was the first country to elect a female president.

8. There are no mosquitos in Iceland.

9. 80% of Icelanders believe elves exist. Buildings have been redesigned or abandoned to respect and preserve the supposed dwelling places of these mystical beings within rocks.

10. Iceland plants more trees per capita than any other nation in the world.

This article was originally published on April 23, 2018 and has since been updated.

Recipe: Gluten & lactose- free sticky chocolate cake (kladdkaka)

By

Elin Strömberg

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June 13, 2023

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Gluten-free + lactose-free + no refined sugar! ⠀

Ingredients

1/2 cup almond flour
3 tbsp coconut flour
3 tbsp cacao powder
Pinch salt

3/4 cup coconut sugar
3 tbsp ghee, melted
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Set the oven to 325 F ⠀⠀
Mix together the almond flour, coconut flour, cacao powder and salt in a bowl
In a separate bowl mix together the coconut sugar, melted ghee, eggs, and vanilla extract
Carefully combine the two mixes
Bake for 15 minutes in a greased and lined 9” form

This article was originally published on Sep 7, 2020.

10 things you should know about Zlatan Ibrahimović

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Swedes in the States

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June 12, 2023

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Zlatan Ibrahimović, the charismatic Swedish soccer icon, recently declared his retirement from professional play, leaving behind a permanent legacy in the world of soccer. With over 500 career goals and countless championship wins, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest soccer players in history.

But how much do we really know about this feisty, confident Swede with magical feet? In honor of a career well done, here are 10 facts that you might not have known about Sweden’s biggest sports icon, Zlatan Ibrahimović:

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A post shared by Zlatan Ibrahimović (@iamzlatanibrahimovic)

Zlatan grew up in one of the roughest neighborhoods in Sweden, Rosengård.

This small part of Malmö, Sweden, is known to have some of the highest crime rates in the country. However, far from being deterred by his surroundings, Ibrahimović repeatedly emphasizes that his upbringing in Rosengård fueled his drive to succeed.

Zlatan was born to a Bosnian father and a Croatian mother

Zlatan has a multicultural background and has many times spoken about how it intensified his love for soccer. In an interview with PSG, he expressed, “My father is Muslim, my mother is Catholic, but none of that has anything to do with football. I received a special education. I’m me, and football is a religion in its own right, and everyone is welcome.”

He is fluent in five languages

It’s not only due to his multicultural background but also thanks to his soccer career that Zlatan is fluent in Swedish, Bosnian, English, Spanish, and Italian.

Zlatan is smart with his money

Swedes are all about supporting their homegrown brands, and just because Zlatan probably has more money than a smaller country, he is still smart with it. In a famous interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Zlatan humorously recounts the time a real estate agent in Los Angeles had claimed that rich people don’t shop at IKEA, to which Zlatan had replied, “No, but intelligent people do.”

He is the most followed Swede on Instagram and Twitter

At the time of writing, Zlatan has over 60 million followers on Instagram and 9 million followers on Twitter. This makes Zlatan Ibrahimović, one of, if not the most, influential Swedes in the world. Through his influence, he has long been determined to make a difference. He supports various organizations and causes, proving that he’s not just a superstar on the field but also a superhero off it.

Zlatan is a big fan of Martial Arts

Zlatan loves all things Martial Arts. Before fully dedicating himself to soccer, he excelled in Taekwondo and received his first black belt at 17. In 2010, during his time with AC Milan, he received the honorary black belt as a token of appreciation for his dedication to the sport. Zlatan often credits the discipline and mental strength gained from martial arts training for his achievements on the football field, enhancing qualities like focus, agility, and discipline.

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A post shared by Zlatan Ibrahimović (@iamzlatanibrahimovic)

It wasn’t love at first sight when he met his wife, Helena Seger

At least not on her part. Zlatan first met his wife in 2002, when he had double-parked his Ferrari in front of her car. Fuming with annoyance, she storms up to Zlatan and demands that he move his vehicle. Helena’s feisty attitude caught Zlatan’s attention, and he was instantly intrigued. In his own words from his biography, Zlatan confesses, “She wasn’t just pretty. She had this attitude, like, don’t mess with me, and she was older, which was exciting. I had to find out who she was!” While it might not have been love at first sight for Helena, Zlatan’s heart was smitten from that very moment.

Ibrahimović holds the record for being the highest goal scorer in the history of the Swedish National Team

Surpassing the previous record of 49 goals held by Sven Rydell, Ibrahimović went on to score a remarkable total of 62 goals for Sweden, solidifying his status as a national soccer icon. On top of that, Ibrahimović’s transfer fees have commanded some of the highest figures in football history.

Football.ua, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to his football career, Ibrahimović has ventured into various business endeavors

In 2016 he started the underwear brand A-Z. Unfortunately, the brand failed to become profitable and was shut down a little more than two years later. The soccer legend can also pride himself as an author, having written three books: I Am Zlatan, Adrenalina and I Am Football. He also released the arcade game, Zlatan Legends.

He released his own version of the Swedish National Anthem in collaboration with Volvo.

Further cementing his status as a cultural icon in Sweden, and showcasing his love for his country through his artistic expression.

10 facts about Gustav Vasa – Sweden’s first king

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Swedes in the States

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June 5, 2023

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Gustav Vasa is known as the first king of modern Sweden, often referred to as the ‘landsfader’ or father of the nation. He is widely recognized as one of the most prominent Swedish kings, having risen from Swedish nobility to become one of the most influential monarchs in Europe during his time. Gustav Vasa established the Vasa family line, which would go on to rule Sweden for several decades following his demise.

Notable monarchs who trace their lineage back to him include Gustav II Adolf and his daughter, Queen Kristina, who was the last of the Vasa family to rule Sweden.

Gustav Vasa is related to Sweden’s current monarch, Carl XVI Gustaf.

Although the Vasa bloodline ended their reign over Sweden when Queen Kristina abdicated in 1654, Sweden’s current king is related to Gustav Vasa through his paternal great-grandmother, Victoria of Baden.

READ: Kristina Vasa: The Life and Death of Sweden’s Rebel Queen

H.M. Konungen/HM The King
Foto-Thron Ullberg Royal Court of Sweden

His father was brutally executed by the Danish King, Christian II, during the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520.

Gustav Vasa came from nobility and his father held the position as mayor of Stockholm by the time of his death in 1520 when he was brutally murdered, together with other Swedish nobility, by King Christian II of Denmark during the infamous Stockhol m Bloodbath. Christian II would also confiscate the Vasa family’s lands and estates.

He is considered the founding father of modern-day Sweden

Gustav Vasa played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for Sweden as we know it today. He introduced vital laws, withdrew the country from the Kalmar Union, bolstered its military strength, and established a government that fostered a stronger connection with the people, setting Sweden on the track to becoming the next European superpower Sweden’s future success and influence on the international stage.

Gustav Vasa enters Stockholm 1523. Painting by Carl Larsson.

Gustav Vasa had eleven children

Gustav Vasa and his first wife, Catherine of Saxe-Lauenburg, had one child together, Eric XIV of Sweden, before her tragic passing two years later. With his second wife, Margareta Leijonhufvud, Gustav Vasa had 10 children, two of which did not survive infancy. Notably, his sons Erik, Johan, and Karl would all eventually become kings of Sweden, despite a history marred by violent conflicts between them.

He broke off with the Catholic church and created the National Church of Sweden.

Gustav Vasa’s decision to break with the Catholic Church and establish the National Church of Sweden had far-reaching consequences. This move not only diminished the influence of the Catholic Church but also laid the foundation for the Protestant Reformation in Sweden. A few years after Gustav Vasa started moving away from the Catholic Church, Henry VIII would make similar reforms in the U.K.

He ruled for thirty-seven years

Gustav Vasa ruled for thirty-seven years and has only been bypassed by Sweden’s current monarch Carl Gustav XVI, who has reigned for almost 50 years.

Gustav Vasa abolished the elective monarchy in Sweden and introduced a hereditary monarchy

Before Gustav Vasa, the king of Sweden would be chosen or would win the crown by simply overthrowing the current monarch. This was usually preset for bloody fights and instability, so Gustav Vasa decided to make the Swedish monarchy hereditary, meaning that the crown would be inherited.

He founded one of the now oldest orchestras in the world

The Royal Court Orchestra, known in Swedish as Kungliga Hovkapellet holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving orchestra in the world. Established by Gustav Vasa in 1526, who had a great passion for the arts. Since 1773, The Royal Court Orchestra has been a part of the Royal Swedish Opera.

He died at Tre Kronor where he is buried with his three wives

Gustav Vasa was married three times during his lifetime but in death, none of them were forgotten as they are all buried together with him at Uppsala Cathedral where he was once crowned. Over his grave is a monument made out of marble with him lying on a bed with his first and second wife lying beside him. Katarina av Sachsen‐Lauenburg, Margareta Leijonhufvud and Katarina Stenbock. Since his last wife was still alive at the time of his death, the marble depiction of him over his tomb only includes him and his first two wives.

Vasaloppet, the largest ski event in the world is held in his honor

Vasaloppet, the world’s most renowned ski marathon, is believed to trace the path that Gustav Vasa once skied while evading Danish troops and building resistance against King Kristian II.

Each year, thousands of participants embark on the 90 km-long journey as a tribute to Sweden’s first king.

Axel and Egil Axgil: The Danish LGBTQ+ Pioneers

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Swedes in the States

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June 2, 2023

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Love knows no boundaries, and throughout history, brave individuals have fought for the recognition and acceptance of their relationships. One such remarkable couple was Axel and Egil Axgil, Danish activists who played a significant role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and made history as the world’s first legally recognized civil partnership following Denmark’s legislation on same-sex marriages. Their journey of love, activism, and resilience laid the foundation for LGBTQ+ rights, leaving an enduring mark on the fight for equality.

Axel Axgil, born Axel Lundahl-Madsen, and Egil Axgil, born Eigil Eskildsen, met in the early 1950s when homosexuality was still considered a criminal offense in Denmark. At the time, homosexual individuals faced discrimination, societal prejudice, and legal consequences. Because of this, Axel and Eigil founded Forbundet af 1948 (The Association of 1948), which later evolved into the LGBT Association of Denmark to improve the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, promoting equality and combating discrimination. A few years later, the association expanded into Norway and Sweden.

Axel and Egil’s love for each other, coupled with their relentless activism, led them to embark on a groundbreaking journey. They applied for legal recognition of their relationship, challenging the prevailing social and legal norms. After several attempts, they finally succeeded on October 1, 1989, when Denmark became the first country in the world to recognize same-sex unions legally.

So proud to be the 1st country to allow registered partnerships between people of the same sex in 1989! Axel and Eigil Axgil were the first gay couple to enter into a registered partnership anywhere in the world 🏳️‍🌈👨‍❤️‍👨 pic.twitter.com/KggRUWWhh9

— Denmark in USA 🇩🇰 (@DenmarkinUSA) June 8, 2018

The Danish government introduced registered partnerships as an alternative to marriage, allowing same-sex couples to register their relationships legally. Axel and Egil were the first couple to take advantage of this historic development. Their partnership received immense media attention, which further fueled the global conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.

Axel and Egil’s achievement resonated far beyond the borders of Denmark. Their story inspired activists and couples worldwide, giving hope and strength to those fighting for equality. Their pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for subsequent legislative changes in other countries, ultimately leading to marriage equality in Denmark and several other nations.

The Swedes That Joined The U.S. Military Against Hitler

By

Lars Gyllenhaal

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May 29, 2023

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“Practically no one in Sweden had the idea of volunteering for the Western Allied democracies against Hitler”, an influential columnist wrote in Sweden´s largest newspaper, Aftonbladet, in 2000. This claim was reinforced by books and TV documentaries. Unfortunately, considering the time it usually takes to change peoples perception of history, it might take years until the fact that many more Swedish citizens donned American uniforms, rather than German ones, becomes well known.

In August 1939, almost 80 years ago, Hitler and Stalin agreed to divide Poland between them. It was that fateful month that a young Swede, Dan Norrgård, joined the crew of a large passenger liner with routes between Sweden and the United States. Norrgård had recently left his village outside Timrå in northern Sweden. “I never imagined I could end up in a war,” Norrgård said while reflecting upon his life, and arrival to the U.S, to a journalist in 1946. However, fighting a war in an American uniform was precisely what Norrgård, and many other Swedish sailors, chose to do.

Anders Kullander from Gothenburg (Göteborg) left Sweden in 1940 and returned to Europe via Omaha Beach in 1944, as a US Army officer. Here he is, far left, during talks with French resistance members. Photo: Anders Kullande

In September 1939, the Germans, followed by the Soviets, invaded Poland, and as a result, a new world war broke out leading to thousands of Swedish sailors, joining the convoys that were supplying arms and ammunition to assist the Allied forces. What has been far less known, until just recently, is that many of them also chose to become U.S. soldiers.

Although no longer a Swedish citizen, flight ace William Yngve Anderson insisted on naming all his three Mustang´s “Swede´s Steed”. Here he is with his mechanics, standing by his second steed, shortly after having shot down his first German plane. Photo: W.Y. Anderson

One of the more than 4,000 men born in Sweden who served in the US Army during World War Two: Private Henry Backman, from Rosvik in Swedish Lapland. Here photographed in France, November 1944. Photo: Gunvor Bondesson

As a member of a machine gun platoon, Dan Norrgård was one of the first Allied soldiers to cross the river Rhine, after a bloody fight for Remagen Bridge (official name: Ludendorff Bridge). While individual fates like Norrgård’s are dramatic, the larger picture that emerges is perhaps more important for Swedes in general. It turns out that the number of Swedes that joined various German military units during WWII, about 200 persons, fades compared to the more than 1,500 Swedish citizens who joined the U.S. forces but also, not to be forgotten, the 200 Swedes who actively fought for Norway, the UK, and France.

One may also want to consider the 3000 Swedish-born men and women, who joined the U.S. army but had given up their Swedish citizenship to gain an American one.

This article was originally published on November 11, 2018.

How Friday got its name from the Norse goddess Freya

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Swedes in the States

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May 26, 2023

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Finally Friday, the day we’ve all been waiting for!

The end of the workweek and the start of the weekend, a day named after the Norse goddess of love, fertility, and beauty. She also happens to be the goddess of war and a fierce warrior. So, let’s raise a horn of mead to Freya and welcome the weekend with a ‘skål’.

The word Friday is believed to have originated from the Old English word “Frīgedæg” which means “day of Frigg.” However, Frigg is the name of another Norse goddess, Odin’s wife to be more specific. There have been some debate on whether Friday is actually named after Frigg instead of Freya, but most speak to the day being connected to the goddess of love and beauty.

The connection between Freya and Friday is also reflected in the Germanic languages. In German, the day is called “Freitag” which means “Freya’s day.” In Old Norse, the day is known as “Freyjudagr” which bachelorarbeit schreiben lassen translates to “day of Freyja.” The close association between the goddess and the day of the week is also reflected in other languages such as French, where Friday is called “vendredi”, deriving from the Latin “Veneris dies” meaning “day of Venus”, the Roman equivalent of Freya.

The association of Friday with love and fertility is also reflected in various customs and traditions. Friday is considered an auspicious day for weddings and is also a popular day for romantic dates. In many cultures, Friday is also considered a lucky day for starting new projects or making important decisions.

In conclusion, Friday is associated with the goddess of love and beauty in both Roman and Norse mythology, depending on the language. The connection between the goddess and the day of the week is reflected in the Old English, German, Old Norse and French language, and hints at the importance that Freya had in the Norse culture.