WATER OF LIFE

It is a Scandinavian custom to drink aquavit during the midsummer festivities. Here is a recipe from Linie Aquavit. It is a Norwegian aquavit which has crossed the equator (linie) twice... [Editor's comment: As a person interested in logistics and purchasing, I wonder about the transport costs included in this product...]

Salmon pouches stuffed with cream cheese

(4 servings as starters)

4 slices of smoked salmon
125 grams of cream cheese
1 bunch of chives
Leaves of curled endive and lettuce
Salt, pepper
Dash of lemon
1 tsp. LINIE Aquavit


Rinse chives and cut into fine rolls. Mix cheese with chives. Season to taste with salt, pepper, lemon and LINIE. Flatten salmon slices, and put a small ball of cheese mixture in the center. Form little pouches of salmon and tie with a blade of chives. Arrange on a lettuce leaf and garnish with curled endive. (Linie.de, May 2007.)

[Editor's note: Maybe I should try to make my own bottle of "water of life" with my favorite spice...]