New Scandinavian Cooking

New Scandinavian Cooking is an engaging culinary travel show presented by Janson Media in 2003. With an underlying narrative that navigates the spectacular landscapes of the Scandinavian region, this television series conjures up the unique flavors and cooking techniques of Northern Europe. Going beyond just a conventional cooking show, it combines mouth-watering recipes, beautiful scenery, and informative cultural exploration, which is artfully intertwined to bring the essence of Scandinavia to your screens.

Hosted by inspiring chefs hailed from the native regions themselves, New Scandinavian Cooking showcases the manifold and multifaceted approach to food and cooking that Scandinavia boasts. Over several seasons, each host brings their own personal touch to the series, with each episode delving into different areas of the cuisine. This includes renditions of various traditional dishes and adaptations using all local ingredients sourced in the region.

The primary host is Andreas Viestad, an engaging and enthusiastic culinary expert with an incredible depth of knowledge about Scandinavian cuisine. Known for his commitment to utilizing the ingredients provided by nature, he takes the viewers on a gastronomical journey across Norway's breathtaking landscapes. His cooking sessions are often filmed in outdoor locations, from the spectacular mountain tops to the serene seaside, creating a refreshing and unusual television experience where viewers get to explore how raw ingredients available in particular Scandinavian terrains contribute to the distinctive flavors of the dishes being prepared.

Equally entertaining is the flamboyant chef Tina Nordström from Sweden whose spirited interactions with local artisans and farmers put the spotlight on the philosophy of eating and living well that forms the bedrock of Scandinavian dining etiquette. She brings to the fore the Swedish tradition of 'Fika' – the ritual of enjoying a coffee break with something sweet – and showcases the art of baking bread in ancient wood-burning ovens, redefining the modern dining experience with a dash of ancient wisdom. Her shows have popularized Nordic cuisine, making it accessible to global audiences.

We also meet Sara La Fountain, a Finnish American chef, who adds her exotic touch to Scandinavian dishes, offering an interesting fusion of flavors. Then there is Claus Meyer, Denmark's culinary entrepreneur and food activist, known worldwide for co-founding the two-Michelin star restaurant Noma. His episodes stress the importance of organic and sustainable farming and the waning trend of foraging in New Nordic cuisine.

One of the key features that sets New Scandinavian Cooking apart is its focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, highlighting its resonance with the global trend towards sustainable and ethical eating. The series also emphasizes the freshness and quality of the ingredients as the cornerstone of good cooking. The hosts’ adventurous foraging trips to find the best locally-sourced ingredients combined with their expert culinary skills adequately reflect the taste of the land, sea, and the changing seasons.

New Scandinavian Cooking is not just about demonstrating recipes but also about inviting viewers to understand the ethos behind the dishes. From hunting down a king crab in the Arctic Sea waters for creating a hearty stew to making a simple, yet delicious trout dish by a serene lake, viewers get to understand how the geographical features and climatic conditions play key roles in shaping the Scandinavian recipes.

The series provides an intimate look at Nordic cuisine, culture, and history, thereby being educative in its approach. Each episode ends up being a delightful adventure, filled with interesting trivia, engrossing folklore, and inspiring tales about the rich Nordic culinary tradition.

With beautifully captured panoramic vistas that complement the quintessential dishes being prepared, New Scandinavian Cooking is visually stunning. For the food connoisseur who enjoys exploring different cuisines, or the individual who enjoys travel and culture, this show provides a delightful culinary excursion through the Scandinavian region. It's more than just a cooking series; it's a journey into embracing and understanding the Scandinavian culture through its rich culinary heritage.