Finnish Air Pudding
Another Finnish favorite is air pudding (called ilmapuuro in Finnish), a whipped cranberry dessert that has a meringue-like consistency. Some like to lightly sweeten their air pudding and pour milk or cream over it to serve for breakfast. Before refrigerators were available, Finns would take a large bowl of snow in the house, then set a smaller bowl with the hot cranberry porridge in the center. Then they whipped the pudding by hand until cold and frothy, which could take half an hour or more, requiring a strong arm and a hefty dose of determination, better known as sisu. Sisu is a Finnish term that reflects one's strength, grit, and ability to withstand life's challenges. These are useful traits, especially in the frigid Minnesota winters.
Ingredients
- 1 bag 12 ounces fresh cranberries, plus extra for garnishing
- 3 cups water plus extra if necessary
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup uncooked farina such as Cream of Wheat or Malt-O-Meal
- sliced almonds Swedish pearl sugar and fresh mint for garnishing
Instructions
- Place the cranberries in a large pot. Add the water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and cook for 10 minutes or until the cranberries have softened. Remove from heat and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine metal mesh sieve, discarding solids.
- Measure out three cups of liquid (adding a little more water if necessary) and place back in the pot with the sugar. Place back over medium high heat and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture begins to boil, add farina and turn the heat to low. Whisking constantly, cook for five minutes or until the cereal is soft and thickened. Pour into a stand mixer and whip for 10-15 minutes or until light and fluffy. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. Garnish with additional fresh cranberries, sliced almonds, pearl sugar and fresh mint.
