Janssons Temptation

Janssons Temptation or in Swedish  - Janssons Frestelse

This is a great dish that we make for the Swedish Christmas Table. You can make this anytime of the year but in Sweden it is most common at Christmas time. It is very easy to make and tastes just fantastic.

Janssons Frestelse or Janssons Temptation

Here are the ingredients:

• 10 small fillets of Anchovies (50 gram can is about right)
• 8 medium size Potatoes
• 1 large yellow Onion
• 150-200 ml of whipping cream
• 2-3 tbs of butter
• bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 500°F or 260°C. Peal potatoes and put them in a bowl of water so they don't discolour.  Once all the potatoes are pealed cut into small "french fries". Not too large, just a bit smaller in size then what you get at  McDonald's. Return the pieces of potato to the water as you are cutting again so the potatoes do not discolour.

Slice the onion, about the same in size as the potatoes and put to side. In a 10 inch (diameter) casserole dish put a 1 inch layer of cut potatoes, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then add the onions in an even layer. You may have to move the dish gently with both hands in a circular movement so potatoes and onion fall into place.

Now spread the Anchovy fillets evenly. Anchovies are pretty strong in taste, so you will not need a whole layer, only  4 - 6 small fillets are enough.

Add the remaining potatoes and spread evenly, again move the dish gently so everything falls into place. For extra flavours, pour the oil from the Anchovies over the dish.

Pour the whipping cream over the dish evenly, spread a layer of bread crumbs on top, and add a few dabs of butter on top, 2-3 tbs.

Insert in to hot oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. Check by inserting a spoon and see if potatoes are cooked. Jansson's Temptation should be served sizzling hot with the rest of the Christmas dishes.

This dish can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge or frozen, just remember to heat it up well prior to serving. You may have to add just a bit more cream when you heat it up again so it will not dry out too much.

Wine Pairing and Recommendations:

Well, with Jansons Frestelse you should really have a beer. I would suggest a Canadian beer from Sleeman, like the India Pale Ale. Tasting Notes: India Pale Ale’s distinctive amber colour is a perfect partner to its bold, spicy hop nose and slightly fruity aroma. This ale is characterized by a malty sweetness at the beginning that finishes up with an authentic IPA hoppy bitterness that’s not too overpowering at the end.

You can also try a India Pale Ale from Phillips Brewing Company here in Victoria. Tasting Notes: This beer is full flavoured, full bodied beer and is generously hopped with Northwest hops to give it a mild bitterness and full hop aroma. Go easy, it's 6.5% alcohol. Phillips Brewing Company make some really outstanding beer.

Kiss the cook,

Anders