Our Romanian-Finnish project, The Experience of the Four Seasons – Food Derby, goes on and we went on a working visit at our Finnish partners these days. It’s almost redundant to say how wonderful the atmosphere was, as Finland is preparing for the winter holidays, but we want to tell you and to show you how it went. The hosts took us to Puijon Torni for a brunch where we discussed more about the project, the upcoming activities and the results expected. Also, here we had an exchange of ideas regarding how Romanians and Finnish people see and preserve Christmas traditions. We talked about our local cuisine while tasting their specific recipes, made only with fresh ingredients from the farmers nearby, and admiring the panoramic view of the small city Kupio.
Later we went to an old farm, Koivumaen Kartano, which hosts a small family business in the shape of a traditional restaurants that serves local and inherited dishes. Of course, we tasted the food and it was amazing! It’s remarkable that this house which dates from the 18th century also hosts an equitation school and nautical sports.
Another successful project comes from a young local entrepreneur which owns an awarded brewery partly financed through European Funds. On the same subject, we visited a charming pub, a family business, where we tasted local products and a wonderful cake.
We even had the chance to cook, the hosts prepared for us a workshop where we made traditional pies with a soviet influence, named Karelian Pies. We think that we managed to keep up with the chef and we will definitely try this recipe at home.
Once another walk in the city, we visited the local market where farmers bring their products made of reindeer, pork and fish meat, but also sweets and warm drinks that are homemade. The same local taste we could also find at the Christmas Fair, as we were there at its opening. Here we met Santa Claus and his partner and because we were good all year, he promised to grant all our professional and personal wishes this Christmas. Of course, we couldn’t grasp all the local scenery without entering a small cottage in the rural areas, near the forest. There we enjoyed a sauna and afterwards we socialized while tasting smoked salmon, warm drinks and a dessert made with melted cheese and forest fruit jam. This location was built by the community members of the LAG Kalakkuko and it is open for a special evening by the fire while it is open for cooking, sports and for the sauna experience.
The visit in the Finnish territory will remain a special experience for us! And we must thank the hosts, our partners in the Food Derby project for showing us how the Finnish people prepare for the winter holidays! We really had a wonderful time.
