A Majestic Journey Over Trollstigen

Trollstigen, or trollstigvegen, is a scenic mountain road in Norway that's part of Norwegian County Road 63. It's considered one of Norway's most famous and well-visited attractions, and is known for its dramatic views and adventurous experiences. The road begins just outside Åndalsnes in northwest Norway and winds up the mountains, across a fjord, and down to Geiranger, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The route is 35 miles long, but the section of hairpin bends known as Trollstigen is only a few miles long.

The road offers views of steep mountainsides, waterfalls, fjords, valleys, and untouched nature. It also passes by old farms and small rivers, and includes 11 turns that go over the Stigefossen waterfall. The name Trollstigen plays on the area's reputation in Norwegian folklore, where trolls are said to be supernatural creatures that can help or hinder humans.

If this sounds intriguing please join us on our adventure to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark coming July of 2025. Click here to learn more!

Culinary Latitudes visits Scandinavia

Cuisine for all tastes!

Memorable dining begins with open-seating, as it allows you to dine when you are ready and with whomever you choose. Regardless of which of our restaurants you select, there are no dining surcharges. Enjoy Toscana’s authentic Italian dishes, Polo Grill’s steakhouse fare, Continental cuisine in the Grand Dining Room, and made-to-order American favorites in the Terrace Café. You may also indulge in delicate pastries and freshly made sandwiches along with illy® specialty coffees at Baristas.

Please call 303-919-8627 or email rhonda@culinarylatitudes.com to book your Scandinavia ocean cruise today. We have limited availability within our group rates.

Travel with taste,

Rhonda

DISCOVER THE FRAGRANT FLAVORS OF PROVENCE

AMAWaterways Creme Brulee with Lavender; inspired by the lavender fields in France!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do-and when in France, savor créme brúlée, one of the quintessential French desserts. With a smooth, rich, creamy custard underneath a brittle, carmelized topping, this delectable treat has been enjoyed by the French since 1691.

Créme brúlée is traditionally flavored with vanilla but to give the classic dessert a bit of Provençal oomph, add culinary lavender which is just as delightfully sweet to taste and it is to breathe in. Lavender is a strong scent so a little goes a long way.

Flavor Pairings with Lavender

Sweet and fragrant, lavender has been cultivated for centuries for its beauty, essential oils, therapeutic gifts and of course culinary uses. A romantic flower, lavender's lovely perfume complements a variety of both sweet and savory tastes. Pair with strawberries, blueberries, pears, lemon, orange, honey, sage, rosemary, oregano, thyme, black pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest and chocolate for delicious flavor combinations.

Use lavender from your garden or purchase in the store, just make sure you are choosing culinary lavender as not all forms of the flower are edible.

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk
6 egg yolks
1 ½ cups sugar
1 tsp. lavender
2 cups crème fraîche
⅔ cup raw sugar

Preparation Method

Boil the milk. Remove from heat and add lavender. Chill for 12 hours. In a small mixing bowl, add egg yolks and whip them while incorporating the sugar until the mixture is nearly white. Strain the chilled milk and place in a saucepan under low heat. Add the crème fraîche slowly while whisking. Let sit for 45 minutes. Rinse the ramequins with cold water and don’t wipe dry. Pour the cream into the ramequins and put them into a water bath with water to mid-height. Place in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. To serve sprinkle raw sugar on top of the crèmes and caramelize using a kitchen torch (or broil for 5 minutes).

Recipe provided by: AMAWaterways

For an experience of a life-time where you can taste these flavors first hand please contact Culinary Latitudes Travel at 303-919-8627!