The boyf and I are on vacation in Solvang, CA — which is the “Denmark Capital” of the United States.

It’s full of beautiful Danish architecture, foods and culture. It’s a perfect place to escape to! Given that Denmark was ranked as the second most peaceful country in the world (first was Sweden), it’s no wonder its little mirror-image here in Solvang evokes the tranquility and calming aura that I’ve been seeking in my life.

What makes Solvang so great can be summed up in one word: Æbleskiver. Æbleskiver is like a doughy pancake mated with a funnel cake and had a little baby ball…covered with jam and powdered sugar…*licks lips*

Actually, Æbleskiver mix and a baking pan would be a great gift for the cook (or foodie or blogger) in your life, if you’re still at a loss for creative ideas for holiday gifts. I just searched and saw you can get a Æbleskiver cooking pan from Amazon.com here and the recipe from this book here!! (or check out the recipe from Rachel Ray here)

Aside from the Æbleskiver, the food here has been “eh” so far. I’ll be honest — every where I turn it’s a healthy-eater’s nightmare — trans-fat infused baked goods abound. I obviously have unresolved food “issues,” but I actually get upset when I visit places and find it a herculean task to find something I can eat. I think I’ll resolve this issue by heading to the home-made fudge shop right next to our hotel…they had a peanut butter chocolate slab that was singing my name in a beautiful Danish accent…

So far, the boyf’s eaten this Danish open-sandwich plate:

He said he’s made better sandwiches at home. I believe him — it didn’t look too appetizing.
I had this vegetarian sandwich:

Not very European, but the options here are meat entrees with a side of meat covered in cabbage, so…(like I said, I think I’ll go with the trans-fat-laden fudge…;)

We’re trying to get some well-deserved r&r in and, seeing as we’ve got a beautiful garden outside our door, it’s not hard to do. We may fit in some horseback riding and a visit to a lavender farm today *fingers crossed*

Did you see the article today in The New York Times about ethical eating here? It’s a very interesting argument about eating and ethics — two topics that have become increasingly intertwined these days. Basically, the author asks if even as vegetarians and vegans we may truly be considered ethical eaters given that plants are sentient and intelligent creatures. An interesting thought — but also one that I think trivializes the positive impact of vegetarianism and veganism on the environment. I think if we see ethics as a process and not as a righteous tool we can make better personal and meaningful choices. I’d love if you’d share your thoughts on the article.

What’s your favorite vacation spot?

<3,

The Cranky One