Keller Family Blog

Today is the 17th of May, Norway’s Constitution Day. As with the 4th of July, everything served today is about red, white, and blue, which, interestingly, are both Norway’s and America’s flag colors. Strawberry Cream cake is the traditional cake served most often for this celebration. It is one of those super moist, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cakes, not only because it’s filled with whipped cream and strawberries, but also because you poke small holes into the sponge cake and dribble a little bit of juice – pineapple, orange, your choice – into the holes. The cake is best assembled just before you serve it. My first taste of Strawberry Cream Cake was at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church Christmas Bazaar on Hyde Street in San Francisco. I’m sure I must have had a piece sometime in my childhood, but I actually don’t remember. My mother was a terrific baker, but we were only 4 in our immediate family, so she wouldn’t have seen the point in making one just for us. Practical people, these Norwegians! The Seaman’s Church has a fabulous Christmas Bazaar each year during the weekend right before Thanksgiving. If you have a chance to go, please do. It’s so much fun, and the food – open-faced sandwiches, Norwegian Christmas cookies, and Strawberry Cream Cake are incredible. They’re all made right there by the ladies’ group in the church’s kitchen. One thing to know ahead of time is that the parking on Hyde Street and throughout the neighborhood is two-hour parking, and the parking police are VERY VIGILANT that weekend! You are best off if you Lyft back and forth or have someone drop you off and pick you up. That way, you can spend as much time as you wish to, and I promise you, you’ll be there longer than you think. You’ll find the recipe for Norwegian Strawberry Cream Cake on page 57 of our Family Cookbook. Give it a try. I know you’re going to love it!

A 17th of May celebration on Savona Walk just a few years ago. Megan is wearing the Oslo bunad (national costume).💓