The sursild (pickled herring) along with the gravadlax (cured salmon with mustard/dill sauce) were/are my favorites on the julbord! I remember, as a child, going with my father to the (then) predominantly Scandinavian immigrant NYC neighborhood where we once lived, where I was born, Bay Bridge, Brooklyn, to shop at the local butcher, baker, fishmonger, grocery store for the traditional Christmas foods, supplies. The whole herrings were stored in a big, wooden barrel at the back of the store. Back then you had to fillet them yourself. Now you can buy them online, all cleaned and filleted, ready to prepare. Sadly, most Scandinavians have left Bay Ridge so much of the shopping is done online now, not to mention having to make so many of the dishes myself. A lot of work, considering my parents and only sibling are no longer with us, all my remaining family back in Norway and Sweden, the only guests being just Junji and myself. Still, just can't let go of the traditions.
That's too bad, you being allergic to all fish, not just the common allergen, shellfish! Should you ever have need, I have several excellent pickled herring recipes, really very simple with only slight variations: White vinegar, water, sugar, whole black peppercorns, whole allspice and mustard seed boiled then cooled. Throw in the sliced pieces of herring and top with thinly sliced red onion and tons of fresh dill. 2 days in the frig and voila! Now, why am I writing this at 6 a.m.?
Originally Posted by tatsxxx11
The sursild (pickled herring) along with the gravadlax (cured salmon with mustard/dill sauce) were/are my favorites on the julbord! I remember, as a child, going with my father to the (then) predominantly Scandinavian immigrant NYC neighborhood where we once lived, where I was born, Bay Bridge, Brooklyn, to shop at the local butcher, baker, fishmonger, grocery store for the traditional Christmas foods, supplies. The whole herrings were stored in a big, wooden barrel at the back of the store. Back then you had to fillet them yourself. Now you can buy them online, all cleaned and filleted, ready to prepare. Sadly, most Scandinavians have left Bay Ridge so much of the shopping is done online now, not to mention having to make so many of the dishes myself. A lot of work, considering my parents and only sibling are no longer with us, all my remaining family back in Norway and Sweden, the only guests being just Junji and myself. Still, just can't let go of the traditions.
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