Origin: Sweden & Finland (Lapland)  |  Prep: 2 minutes  |  Brew: 5 minutes

About This Brew

Kaffeost ('coffee cheese') is a beloved tradition of northern Sweden and Finland, with deep roots among the Sámi and reindeer-herding communities of Lapland. Cubes of leipäjuusto, a mild Finnish 'squeaky' bread cheese, are placed in the bottom of a cup and hot coffee is poured over them.

The cheese behaves like a sponge: it warms, softens and soaks up the coffee while keeping its distinctive squeak, to be fished out and eaten with a spoon at the end of the cup. The pairing is gently savoury and comforting, with mild, milky cheese tempering strong black coffee. It was historically a practical way to enjoy both staples in one warming serving against the Arctic cold.

Ingredients

• 1 cup strong brewed black coffee
• 1-2 spoonfuls cubed leipäjuusto (bread cheese), or a firm mild cheese as substitute
• Sugar (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Coffee brewer
• Cup
• Spoon

Instructions

1. Cut the bread cheese into small cubes.
2. Place 1-2 spoonfuls of cheese into the bottom of a cup.
3. Pour hot, freshly brewed black coffee over the cheese.
4. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes so the cheese warms and softens.
5. Sip the coffee, then eat the coffee-soaked cheese with a spoon.

Tags: Europe · Hot · Easy