Culinary Corner: Viking’s Sandkaker

We aren’t going to say the C word, but all we will say is that, when it does roll around, these will be a delicious tree decorating treat. The Hagen family behind Viking Cruises bring this traditional family recipe for sandkaker – meaning ‘sand cookies’ – to your kitchens from their own ovens in Norway.

You might struggle to get sandkaker tins in the UK, but worry not – small tartlet trays will do the job just fine. And while they’re tasty plain, we like to top ours with a little cream and berries.

INGREDIENTS

• 250g butter
• 190g sugar
• 1 large egg
• 100g blanched, ground almonds**
• 375g flour

Directions

Cream together butter and sugar; beat in egg. Add almonds and flour; mix well. Let rest overnight. Press into sandkaker or small tart molds. Place on a baking sheet; bake at 175°C for about 12-15 minutes, or until slightly brown at the edges. Cool for about 7-10 minutes before removing from tart pans; cool on a wire rack.