The Tradition of Toast Skagen:

For as long as I can remember, Toast Skagen has been a cherished dish in my family. This delightful Swedish shrimp toast is more than just a culinary creation; it is a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of our celebrations, particularly during New Year’s Eve and holiday gatherings. As I prepare this dish, memories flood my mind—warm laughter, the sound of clinking glasses, and the feeling of connection that transcends continents. It has brought people together across Europe, Asia, and America, bridging cultures and uniting friends and family through its elegance and simplicity. I have brought this tradition with me to various countries and introduced it to friends around the world during potluck gatherings, further enriching the experience with diverse connections.

The Significance of Toast Skagen

Growing up in a multicultural household, food was a cornerstone of our family traditions. My mother, with her Swedish roots, introduced us to Toast Skagen, a dish that encapsulates the flavors of the sea and the spirit of celebration. Every year, she would prepare it as an appetizer for our New Year’s Eve feast, and its arrival marked the beginning of our festive meal. As we gathered around the table, the aroma of toasting bread mingled with the briny scent of shrimp and fresh dill, creating an atmosphere filled with anticipation and joy.

Toast Skagen symbolizes warmth and togetherness. It is a dish that encourages sharing, often served on small plates for guests to enjoy as finger food. The preparation itself becomes a communal experience, with family members gathering in the kitchen, each contributing to the final creation. This ritual not only reinforces our family bonds but also connects us to our heritage. It reminds us of our roots, the stories passed down through generations, and the love that flavors every bite.

The Ingredients and Their Stories

The ingredients of Toast Skagen are simple yet profound, each telling its own story:

1. Shrimp: Ideally, North Atlantic shrimp, these delicate crustaceans reflect the coastal traditions of Sweden, where fishing has been a vital part of life for centuries. They embody the freshness of the sea, bringing a taste of home to every bite.

2. Dill: A small bunch of fresh dill adds an aromatic herbaceous note to the dish. Dill has been a staple in Scandinavian cuisine, symbolizing freshness and vitality, and its bright flavor complements the shrimp beautifully.

3. Red Onion: The finely chopped red onion introduces a gentle bite, adding depth to the dish. Onions have been used in cooking for millennia, representing warmth and hospitality in many cultures.

4. Mayonnaise and Crème Fraîche: These creamy elements lend richness to the dish. Mayonnaise, with its origins traced back to France, represents culinary fusion, while crème fraîche adds a touch of elegance, echoing the sophistication of Swedish cuisine.

5. Bread: Thick slices of white bread serve as the base for the shrimp mixture, toasted to golden perfection. The choice of bread reflects a common theme in many cultures—using what is readily available to create something special.

6. Fish Roe (optional): A teaspoon of bleak fish or whitefish roe adds a luxurious touch, reminiscent of fine dining and celebration. Roe has long been associated with wealth and prosperity, making it a fitting addition to our New Year’s festivities.

The Recipe

Now that the significance and stories behind the ingredients have been shared, here’s how to create this beautiful dish that has melted hearts and delighted taste buds for generations.

Ingredients

• Small bunch of dill

• ¼ medium red onion

• 12 oz. bag frozen cooked peeled, deveined, tail-off small shrimp (preferably North Atlantic), thawed

• 1 lemon

• 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s or Best Foods)

• 2 Tbsp. crème fraîche

• ¼ tsp. kosher salt, plus more

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

• 4 slices white bread (such as Pepperidge Farm)

• 4 tsp. bleak fish or whitefish roe (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Dill and Onion:

• Finely chop tender sprigs from ¼ small bunch of dill to yield ¼ cup, placing it in a large bowl. Set aside some larger sprigs for serving.

• Finely chop ¼ medium red onion (you should have about 3 tablespoons) and add it to the bowl with dill.

2. Prepare the Shrimp:

• Thoroughly pat dry the 12 oz. bag of thawed shrimp with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Coarsely chop half of the shrimp and place all the shrimp in the bowl with the onion and dill.

3. Add Lemon Zest and Juice:

• Using a Microplane, finely grate the zest of 1 lemon into the bowl, then cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice of one half into a small bowl (you should have about 1 tablespoon). Add the lemon juice to the bowl with the shrimp and mix gently with a rubber spatula to combine. Cut the remaining lemon half into 4 wedges and set aside for serving.

4. Combine Ingredients:

• Add 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of crème fraîche, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt to the shrimp mixture. Mix gently to coat, then season with freshly ground black pepper and more salt if needed. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour.

5. Toast the Bread:

• When ready to serve, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. As soon as the butter is sizzling, arrange 4 slices of white bread in the pan and cook, turning a few times to allow both sides to absorb some butter, until golden brown (about 4 minutes).

6. Assemble the Toasts:

• Transfer the toasted bread to plates and top each slice with the chilled shrimp salad. If using, spoon 1 teaspoon of bleak fish or whitefish roe over each toast and top with reserved dill leaves. Serve with reserved lemon wedges for squeezing over the toasts.

The Experience

As I serve Toast Skagen at our gatherings, I watch the faces of my family and friends light up with delight. The first bite is always met with a chorus of “mmm” and smiles, a testament to the love that infuses each ingredient. The creamy shrimp mixture melts in the mouth, the freshness of dill and lemon brightens each flavor, and the buttery toast adds a satisfying crunch.

Beyond the taste, it’s the experience of sharing this dish that brings me the greatest joy. Each gathering becomes a tapestry of laughter, stories, and connections—an homage to the legacy of our family’s culinary tradition. Toast Skagen is not merely a dish; it is a celebration of love, culture, and the bonds that tie us across generations.

Conclusion

As I reflect on the impact of Toast Skagen in my life, I realize that it is more than just food; it is a vessel for memories, an invitation to connect, and a bridge across cultures. This simple yet elegant dish has held a place in my heart, and it continues to be a cornerstone of our celebrations. I invite you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Toast Skagen for yourself, bringing a taste of my family’s tradition to your own table. Through every bite, may you feel the warmth of love and togetherness that it represents.