On the festive table, you can find Mämmi which is served as a dessert during Easter in Finland. It is made from water, rye flour, powdered malt, dark molasses, salt and orange zest. It is served with some cream or milk and many people like to sprinkle some caster sugar on top.
The taste and sticky consistency remind me a bit of something between Medjool dates and dark rye bread.
There is an interesting tradition on Palm Sunday called Virpominen. Finnish children visit their neighbours, friends and family to wish well to these households. The little ones (often dress as witches) with colourful feather-decorated salix branches in their hands knock on your door and if you accept, they say the following blessing rhyme:
- "Virvon varvon tuoreeks, terveeks, tulevaks vuodeks, vitsa sulle, palkka mulle!"
This translates to: "I'm wishing you a fresh, healthy coming year, a branch for you, a prize for me!"
The kids leave a decorated branch as a gift and you give them some sweets in return.
Ingredients
- Mämmi
- Milk or cream
- Caster sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Scoop some mämmi into a small dessert bowl.
- Add some milk or cream.
- Sprinkle a little caster sugar on top.
- Enjoy!
Mämmi Finnish Easter Dessert - Photo by © Reka Csulak
