Summer is here!
- By kattunge

The sun is out in full force and the air is ripe with excitement once again, can you feel it? In many places all over the world the school year is coming to an end, or for some -is over already. For some, warmer nights and more free time to spend with friends is essential for summer break. Summer tends to also bring cooling rains to numerous lands and what often comes along for the ride? Why lightning and thunder of course.

Who better to associate with a thunderstorm than the Asgardian god of thunder himself, Thor? You will find that this issue's recipe is a very traditional Norwegian dish. Using lots of reker, a small, but very plump Norwegian shrimp, along with light, fresh ingredients like lemon, lettuce, and avocado, what better way is there to celebrate the coming of summer?

In Norway, the concept of open-faced sandwiches is found everywhere you go, it's simply a part of their daily lives. This recipe, found originally on the website for Hellman's mayonnaise, brings together the Norwegian reker and their cherished open-faced sandwiches.

Rekesmørbrød

Ingredients....

...for Avocado Cream
1 avocado
15 ml lemon juice
15 ml mayonnaise
30 ml salt
1 ml black pepper

...for Rekesmørbrød
1 piece bread
500 g reker (shrimp)
mayonnaise or avocado cream
lettuce leaf
1 slice of lemon
fresh, chopped dill
salt and pepper to taste

To prepare the avocado cream:
1. Divide the avocado in two and take out the stone.
2. Divide each half into four pieces and gently pull off the outer peel.
3. Put the avocado pieces in a bowl and season them well with the lemon juice and mayonnaise, smashing it all into a cream. The acid in the lemon and mayonnaise keeps the avocado cream green, so I'd bet the Hulk would love this too!
4. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

To prepare the Rekesmørbrød:
1. Place one piece of bread on a plate. Butter lightly, if desired.
2. Add the lettuce leaf and avocado cream (or plain mayonnaise).
3. Sprinkle with the reker (shrimp), coarsely chopped dill, and some grated black pepper.
4. Serve with a slice of lemon on the side.
5. Eat it right away!

Tune in next time for another dish with international flair!