It may well be that your children have left home, and that they are experimenting with new dishes, vegetarian food, paleo, gluten-free, lactose-free or new and exotic raw ingredients. But you know best: When your meatballs are placed on the table, they beat everything else hands down. Or do they?
Actually, only 1-2 per cent of Danes pursue any of the latest hot food trends. By far the majority stick to the basic dietary advice. So, don’t worry. Your cuisine will survive, and with a little creativity you can easily give your favourite dishes a boost that your children and grandchildren will love.
A good tip is to look for new interpretations of ‘old’ dishes, so you both adhere to the traditions we value so much, and at the same time give the dish a little twist to make it more healthy with some exciting flavours. Healthier meals need not be the only reason, but organisations such as the Danish Diabetes Association and the Danish Heart Foundation have published numerous creative and tasty recipes for otherwise classic dishes. Check them out, and perhaps create your own versions.
It’s also a good idea to include new dishes before, during or after your classic main course. Sometimes, only little things are needed, such as a small snack before the main course or the way you serve the food.
It could for example be your famous gravy, which you place on the table in a small, beautiful saucepan instead of the old gravy boat. Or how about plating up in the kitchen? Your guests will love it, because suddenly it’s not just the taste that matters, but also how the food is served together with the aromas and the colours.