SkagenHus; All Things Scandinavian

Swedish Angel Chimes

2010-11-16T06:48:00.007-06:00

For the past few years the Traditional Angel Chimes, made in Sweden , have been impossible to get. The manufacturer stopped production and the only available chimes were those made in Asia. We're happy to announce that the same chimes made in Sweden are once again available for Christmas 2010. The same molds used to make the chimes in Sweden are now in Tuirkish hands and shipments have again arrived in the USA. After a dispute over pricing, companies in the USA are again stocking the item.

Here at SkagenHus we expect our first shipment before Thanksgiving. No longer made in Sweden but of the same high quality, we are ready to take your orders. Early ordering is suggested as these won't last long. Use Google Checkout below for one click "Buy It Now" ordering.

2010-11-07T13:22:00.006-06:00

Broccoli Cheese Soup is a Lake Geneva favorite. Now you can have that same smooth, great tasting soup at home from SkagenHus in sizes to meet your specific party needs.

Bistro Cheddar Broccoli soup from Vienna Beef combines three different cheeses, whole cream, milk, large rough-cut pieces of fresh broccoli and select spices. A cheese lover’s dream come true.

Why pay retail prices when you can serve the same great soup at home for 50% to 75% less. Packaged in 4, 8, 12,& 16 pound vacuum packed and frozen portions, we have just the right size for your next Church event, party or get together. These are the same great soups you get at most of the popular soup carry out shops and many local restaurants. We even have steamers for rent so cleanup for you is minimal. Call 262-245-1911 today for pricing or email us at skagenhus@gmail.com

Here's a list of our available soups:

Sausage & Beef Soups

Cuban Black Bean with Vienna Sausage
Tender black beans with chunks of Vienna Beef smoked sausage and bits of beef bacon, finished with white wine.

Grandma’s Old Fashion Beef Noodle
We captivate the nostalgia of home-style soup by using fresh cut vegetables, wide noodles and chunks of beef mixed with special seasonings.

Hearty Beef Barley
Thick with flavor from chunks of beef, loads of barley and fresh-cut vegetables, complemented by just the right spices.

Italian Wedding with Meatballs
Made with zesty chicken broth and seasoned with a special combination of oregano and basil. Overflowing with freshly chopped spinach, tasty pasta and miniature meatballs, this classic celebration will live up to the tradition.

Split Pea with Vienna Sausage
A bounty of tender split peas, enlivened by the real hickory flavors of Vienna Beef smoked sausage and bacon.

Traditional Soups

Chicken with Rice
This classic soup is made with long-grain white rice, chunked chicken, carrots, celery and onions.

Creole Chicken Gumbo
Thick with chicken, rice, tomatoes, green peppers, onion, okra and a zesty  dash of Tabasco® Sauce straight from Louisiana.

Farmer’s Market Vegetable
This filling vegetarian and vegan specialty is a medley of garden vegetables including zucchini, carrots, onions, celery, cabbage, corn, garbanzo and kidney beans, and tomatoes. Combined with barley and spices in a vegetable broth.

Mama’s Chicken Noodle
A real grandmother’s recipe made up of freshly made egg noodles, white and dark meat, fresh carrots, and a touch of her secret spices.

Minestrone
Authentic delicioso potpourri of tomatoes, garbanzo beans, carrots, celery, onions and macaroni in a savory Italian-seasoned base.

Stockpot Vegetable
Nine crisp, fresh varieties of diced, sliced, and rough-cut vegetables in a full-flavored beef stock.

Tuscan Vegetable
Thick sun ripened and dried tomatoes, sweet peppers, wild mushrooms, intense flavors and penne rigate pasta; add some garlic and sweet herbs and you are getting there.

Cajun Style Red Beans & Rice with Sausage
This Louisiana specialty offers up the tastes of Bourbon Street with red beans, white rice, spicy beef sausage, petite tomatoes and pork bacon. Flavor explodes with Cajun spices and Tabasco sauce, then thickened with a Cajun Roux.

Asian Style Chicken Noodle
Rice Noodles, fresh vegetables, water chestnuts and diced chicken in a steaming hot chicken broth, spiced with ginger, soy sauce, lemon grass, Chinese five spice and chives.

Cream and Cheese Soups

Asiago Cheese and Tortellini
This cheese soup will satisfy any cheese lover, offering up mild Asiago, Romano, and aged Parmesan cheese. Whole milk and cream combine with cheese-filled tortellini, carrots, celery, onions, parsley and basil, giving character to this rich and hearty soup.

Broccoli and Cheese
This creamy luscious delight combines three different cheeses, whole cream, milk, large rough-cut pieces of fresh broccoli and select spices. A cheese lover’s dream come true.

Chipotle Chicken and Tortilla
This spicy soup is made from chipotle and jalapeño peppers combined diced white and dark meat chicken. Fresh oil-fried tortilla, onions, corn and tomatoes give this a great Southwestern taste.

Clam Chowder, New England
Fresh clams, potatoes, and vegetables combined with real cream, delivers this classic soup at a value price.

Cream of Chicken Florentine
An elegant, creamy blend of chunked chicken, whole cream, fresh mushrooms and spinach. An exquisite combination.

Potato, Bacon and Cheese
We blend boiled potatoes and pure beef bacon with fresh milk, real cheddar and Swiss cheese to create this rich, creamy soup.

Savory Chicken and Dumpling
Chock full of fresh veggies in a creamy European-style chicken sauce made with real cream, German spaetzle noodle dumplings and a generous portion of hand-pulled white and dark chicken meat. This savory soup will satisfy your craving for homemade.

Wild Rice with Chicken
A blend of wild rice, hand-pulled white and dark chicken meat, choice veggies and the perfect blend of spices makes this a unique and hearty delicious soup.

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada
A south of the border blend of Mexican Cotija cheese, shredded white meat chicken, red and green peppers, corn tortillas, lime juice, green chiles, black beans and cilantro, and then thickened with real cream.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken
A rich and creamy soup made with diced white chunks of chicken and diced onions, celery and carrots. We add a hint of lemon and long grain white rice with milk and cream for this full-bodied soup.

Sweet Corn Chowder
Sweet Midwest yellow corn is cooked with fresh herbs and a dollop of butter, then joined with diced potatoes, celery, carrots, cream and garlic to create the taste of summer they will crave in the heart of winter.

Tomato Basil Bisque with Spinach & Orzo (A SkagenHus Favorite)
A perfect marriage of heavy cream and artfully seasoned vine ripened California tomates, fresh basil and spinach. The velvet mouth feel that this combination creates is only enhanced with the addition of Orzo pasta.

Anchor Bar Original Buffalo Chicken Soup
Established in 1964, Anchor Bar is famous for its secret recipe for Buffalo Wings - the inspiration for this delicious new soup flavor. Loaded with grilled chicken in a creamy blue cheese and Anchor Bar’s famous Buffalo Wing Sauce base, this soup is sure to please your hot wing craving.

Williams Bay "Dog Day In The Bay" 2009

2009-06-21T05:33:00.002-06:00

The annual Dog Day In The Bay, sponsored by the Williams Bay Business Association (WBBA) took place on Saturday June 20th, 2009. Hundreds of local dog owners from around the Lake Geneva area took part in the annual event to raise money and awareness for the lakeland Animal Shelter of Walworth County Wisconsin. Proud pet owners dressed their best friends in a wide variety of wacky costumes and paraded along the shoreline of Lake Geneva.

SkagenHus on The Lakefront was on hand as the official Hot Dog vender for the event and passed out treats for as many of the four legged participants as possible. Winners will be listed shortly.

SkagenHus On The Lakefront in Williams Bay on Lake Geneva

2009-06-16T06:13:00.027-06:00

Vienna Beef Chicago Dogs, Danish Hot Dogs and Good Humor Ice Cream have come to Lake Geneva. SkagenHus on The Lakefront is our newest edition to the SkagenHus line and to the Lake Geneva Lakefront. Stop by any day (weather permitting) between 10 ish and 8 ish for a great Hot Dog or a nice Cold Ice Cream treat from Good Humor! SkagenHus will be on the Lakefront all summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day, then weekends thereafter until Halloween.

VALUE MEALS WITH CHIPS & DRINK

#1. Classic Chicago Dog 4.25

The Chicago Seven-Mustard, Pickle Spear, Relish, Onions, Tomato Wedges, Sport Peppers & Celery Salt.

#2. Viking Chicago Dog 4.50

Seven Inches Long & Twice the Girth of Our Classic Dog.

#3. Classic Danish Dog 4.50

German & Yellow Mustard, Ketchup, Remoulade, Onions, Fried Onions & Marinated Cucumber; Just Like the Pølser Carts in Copenhagen!

#4. Viking Danish Dog 4.75

Seven Inches Long & Twice the Girth of Our Classic Dog.

#5. Pulled Pork & Slaw 5.75

Slow Cooked Pulled Pork Shoulder Soaking in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce with Homemade Slaw on a Soft Turano Kaiser Roll.

#6. Lemon Chicken & Slaw 5.95

Juicy and Tender Lemon Chicken on a Rosemary Ciabatta Bun with Lettuce, Tomato and Choice of Special Mayonnaise. Slaw on the Side!

#7. Peanut Butter & Jelly 4.25

Fresh Bakery Bread, Skippy Peanut Butter & Welch’s Grape Jelly; We’ll Even Cut the Crust Off Upon Req!

#8. Family Dogs Picnic 4x4x4 15.95

4 Classic Chicago Dogs, 4 Chip Choices & 4 Drink Choices.

*Add 1 Extra Classic Dog for Each Value Meal Ordered 1.89*

Substitute 1 Lemonade for Each Value Meal Drink Ordered 1.75 or

1 Starbucks Frappuccino for Each Value Meal Drink Ordered 1.75

Substitute Red Swedish Fish, Peanuts, Fresh Whole Dill Pickle, Fresh Slaw or Chips Ahoy Cookies for Chips or Drink in Any Value Meal; No Up-Charges!

WE PROUDLY SERVE AUTHENTIC VIENNA BEEF & Good Humor PRODUCTS

We Twitter Specials So Sign Up Now. Just ask our peeps about the details.

SOLO DOGS & SAMMIES 6/09

Classic Viking Size

Chicago Dog 2.50 2.75

Danish Hot Dog 2.75 3.00

Bikini Dog (no bun) 2.25 2.50

Pulled Pork & Slaw 4.45

Lemon Chicken Sandwich 4.65

Peanut Butter & Jelly 2.50

ICE COLD DRINKS 1.25 – 12 Oz Coke, Diet Coke, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, A&W Root Beer, Sprite, Orange, 20 + Oz Water.

CHIPS .75 – Lays Potato Chips, Fritos, Cheetos or Doritos.

Premium Ice Cold Drinks

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade 3.00

Starbucks Frappuccino 3.00

(Coffee, Vanilla or Caramel)

GOOD HUMOR CART

Popsicle Mega Bomb Pop .99

Ice Cream Sandwich .99

Orange Sherbet Pushup 1.49

Sponge Bob Square Pants 1.49

Good Humor Ice Cream Cookie 1.69

Malt Cup w/Wooden Spoon 1.79

Popsicle Cherry Slush Cup 1.89

Good Humor King Cone 1.99

Snickers Ice Cream Bar 1.99

Klondike Choco Taco 2.10

WünderBar Cheese Cake 2.75

Regular or Cherry

Hey Boaters, Swimmers & Lovers,

We Include a Plastic Refuse Bag for Each Boat Delivery!

You Help Keep The Lake Clean &

We Help Keep Your Boat Clean.

About Us: SkagenHus is a Scandinavian Gift Shop & Danish Tea Room located on Hwy #67 just two tenths of a mile or so North of the Lakefront. SkagenHus gets its name from the Northern most Village in Denmark called Skagen. The area is extremely picturesque and distinguished by its low, yellow houses with red tile roofs nestled into the beach areas. The area is closely associated with the Skagen Painters, a community of artists, who flocked to this picturesque, area in the late 1800s to escape the city and to record artistically a way of life they realized was soon to disappear.

SkagenHus also operates the only local European Bakery and Danish Tea Room complete with authentic Danish Open Faced Sandwiches.

Need stress relief without a prescription? Stop in at Our Studio today for a cup of Swedish Coffee and a Warm Piece of Authentic Danish Kringle. Our Kringle Won the “Best Kringle in The United States” Competition and is sure to become a pleasant addition (addiction) to your

Lake Geneva Summers!

As for the owners….we started as weekenders and summer folks from Northbrook, Illinois. Then we had a total break from reality, moving here full time with the dutiful husband still driving (racingJ) into Illinois for work 3 to 4 days per week. And now it’s a European Themed Gift Shop, Restaurant, Bakery, Hot Dogs and Good Humor Ice Cream Cart…..

Talk about addictions!

We love the Old Fashioned rural charm of Williams Bay. “SkagenHus on the Lakefront” is part of our attempt to preserve the youthful essence and simple pleasures of a care free day at the Lake.

www.skagenhus.com

Featured on “NBC’s Today Show,”

4 Times!

262-245-1911

Special Instructions for busy signals, lines or frustrations about lack of city hyper-speed;

Take a few personal moments to breathe slowly, gain perspective and find some serenity.

It’s well worth the effort Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually and Economically!

Besides, our staff are really good peeps normally trying their hardest to please you.

We Listen & Respond: skagenhus@gmail.com

SKAGENHUS ON THE LAKEFRONT

An Old Fashioned Lake Front Tradition

Menu 2009

Find Us At The Water’s Edge In Front of The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Offices

Easy & Free Boat Parking

Hours of Operation:

Memorial Day thru Labor Day -

10 AM..ish to 8 PM..ish

Weather Permitting. Fall Weekends Thereafter.

Walk in Lunch & Dinner Orders Welcome at Our Studio During Normal Business Hours and Bad Weather.

262-245-1911

Cash is King Lakeside.

Credit Cards for Phone &

Studio Orders Only.

SkagenHus

208 Elkhorn Rd

Williams Bay, WI 53191

www.skagenhus.com

Lunch & Dinner on the Lakefront An Old Fashioned Tradition!

Click Here to Buy Danish Fried Onions

Red Hat Society Dines at The Danish Tea Room

2009-06-03T18:47:00.004-06:00

The local Lake Geneva area chapter of the famous "Red Hat Society" chose to lunch at The Danish Tea Room at SkagenHus today. The menu included our famous Tomato Bisque Soup, Cold Norwegian Fruit Soup, Danish Open Faced Sandwiches garnished with Orange Slices & Grapes followed by warm Danish Kringle for dessert. By the time lunch began, 17 Red Hat members were ready to partake in a unique Scandinavian experience found locally only in Williams Bay.

Judging by the compliments, as well as the laughter, a very good time was had by all. We'd like to thank the Red Hat Ladies for choosing the Danish Tea Room for their event and to let them know we appreciate their business. Come back often ladies, we had a great time too. :) We especially enjoyed hearing about your heritage's and cultural roots. Click here to learn more about this great group of women.

Hot Dog University Comes To Lake Geneva

2009-05-14T11:32:00.012-06:00

Mark Reitman, The Hot Dog Professor, made a special house call today to SkagenHus in Williams Bay and brought with him invaluable hands on experience, technical knowledge and product know how. Professor Reitman operates the original Hot Dog University (est. 2006) which has recently been invited to set up shop at Vienna Beef headquarters in Chicago, home of the World Famous "Chicago Dog". Here's what you need to know about Professor Reitman and why this is absolutely the number one Hot Dog Cart Course on the market today. Warning: If you think Mark is operating Hot Dog University as a way to make more money than actually selling product, you'd be wrong. Mark Retired from the full time rat race a few years back and operates the school as a way to give back and to stay in touch.....he loves what he does and he does it very well indeed.

Marks background is in sales with a graduate degree in psychology. A self described entrepreneur, Mark has successfully worked with the public for decades including his own highly successful cart business at both fixed locations and special events like Summer Fest in Milwaukee. Here at SkagenHus we've operated our Scandinavian Hot Dog business for a year now so it's fairly easy for us to tell the wanna be's from the pro's; Mark is a pro, no doubt about it. The devil is in the details as the expression goes and Mark is detail oriented. His knowledge base includes valuable secrets on getting customers in and out while maintaining product consistency and value. We have no doubt that the savings alone in not buying unnecessary equipment and sticking to the basics is money you'll be ahead from the get go. Be sure to ask Mark about the sure fire way to make and sell Fresh Squeezed Lemonade that can turn a simple product into a fun to watch circus of events that add's value to every cup sold! If you ask, he'll also tell you where to buy local crystal clear ice at a 50% savings every time.

The internet is full of DVD and written courses on hot dog cart operations. The problem there is the lack of detail on real world issues of vending equipment and quality products. When Mark first got here (after coffee and warm kringle of course) we proudly showed off our new mobile Ice Cream cart. There was about a four minute verbal exchange on the pro's and con's of Ice Cream carts and it was clear to us that Mark had done his time in the trenches with less than functional Ice Cream carts. Mark's experienced tips on POS signage on just Ice Cream alone will most likely gross us an extra few thousand dollars this summer! You can try one of those DVD's on the market but let me ask you this...When was the last time you asked a DVD a question and you got an answer? Let alone a five minute answer chocked full of tips and tricks?

The pairing of Vienna Beef, and their quality products, with Hot Dog University is a natural. There are many operators that foolishly try to save 10 cents here and there by buying inferior products. The result is inconsistent product at best and a total failure to win over customers after their first purchase (a necessity in this industry is to attract and then retain a loyal customer base). If you can't retain and maintain a large percentage of customers, your cart operations will fail. Vienna Beef products have one of the largest and most loyal customer bases in the United States. They provide high quality products on a highly consistent basis. Mark not only add's the operational know how but continues and improves the Vienna Beef tradition of going out of their way to help operators start and profit in Hot Dog sales; it's a win - win situation that no other product manufacturer chooses to or can provide.

As you can see we enjoyed Marks visit today and are appreciative not only to Professor Reitman but to Vienna Beef for making this introduction possible. We don't expect too many people get as lucky as we did to get a house call like this....Thank you Mark and Thank you Vienna Beef!

lol....I just noticed I was still so wrapped up in all the tips that I forgot to mention that SkagenHus is set to open our own "Old Fashioned" Hot Dog cart operation on the Lake Geneva Lakefront here in Williams Bay this season. Look for us to start operations at the end of the month. We'll be serving the Original Chicago Dog from Vienna Beef along with traditional Danish Hot Dogs and Good Humor Ice Cream products from Cedar Crest Ice Cream headquartered in Good Old Wisconsin! Summer starts soon so be on the lookout.

To see more on Hot Dog University from ABC News click here

SkagenHus Brings Maxwell Street Polish Sausage to Williams Bay

2009-05-10T10:00:00.008-06:00

SkagenHus, in Williams Bay Wisconsin, has now added the original Maxwell Street Polish Sausage to their Chicago Lunch Menu. A Vienna Beef Polish Sausage, deep fried, with Grilled Onions, Mustard and Sport Peppers is tucked cozy inside a steamed Rosen's Bun. A bit more spicy than a classic hot dog for real a Chicago taste that bites back!

Be sure to check out our Value Meal Deals for great savings and value!

TAKE OUT MENU HERE

Lake Front Hot Dogs on Lake Geneva

2009-03-14T17:39:00.006-06:00

Could it be that the summer of 2009 is finally the time that Chicago Dogs and Danish Hot Dogs make their appearance on the Lake Front on Lake Geneva in Williams Bay WI? Yes it could be!

Plans are being finalized now for our Grand Opening over Memorial Day Weekend. Be on the lookout for our Value Meal Deals for boaters that include a Chicago Dog, Chips, Soda and Good Humor Ice Cream treat for around $5! No more searching for hard to find pier space.....we'll have quick and easy pick-up service with or without a call ahead.

Danish & Swedish Hot Dogs in Lake Geneva Wisconsin

2009-03-01T11:53:00.022-06:00

Denmark's leading sausage brand, Tulip Food Company, markets the Danish hot dog, traditionally featuring a long, thin bright-red sausage, similar to a foot-long hot dog in the USA. The hot dog is steamed and the bread is warmed in either an oven or toaster. Ketchup, mustard and remoulade sauce is followed by a sprinkling of either raw or toasted onion, and a layer of cucumber salad, marinated in a sweet vinegar sauce. The Danish hot dog is sold not only throughout Denmark, but also in the neighboring lands of Germany and southern Sweden, especially in Malmo, by specialized Danish hot dog vendors.

Hot Dogs are very popular in Sweden and are sold from small road side stands in most towns. A standard Hot Dog is a long narrow sausage served on a very small split roll, with the sausage protruding from both sides. Many variations of are sold at these small stands; one of the more popular variations is a Tunnbröd rulleor which is a hot dog wrapped in a tortilla like flatbread and stuffed with many different items. Mashed potatoes is very common and popular. Korv med bröd is what they call a normal hot dog served in a hot dog bun.

Here at SkagenHus in Williams Bay we serve Vienna Beef Hot Dogs in place of the more standard pork Hot Dog found in both Denmark and Sweden. You can get either a Classic size dog (pictured above) or our Famous Viking size dog. The toppings on both our Scandinavian Hot Dogs start with two kinds of mustard (yellow and Dusseldorf), ketchup and remoulade. We then add both raw onions and fried onions. Our Swedish dog is then covered in warm mashed potato's & Aukuaka (marinated cucumbers). Our Danish Hot Dog excludes the mashed potato's.

The picture below and to the right is the famous Viking size Hot Dog at SkagenHus (Chicago style minus the relish, sport peppers and pickle) complete with Belgium Fries (Pomme Frites) and a Swedish Lingonberry Kristall soda. The sauce for the fries is our Garlic Aoili. Click here to see our Menu.

SkagenHus has quickly developed a reputation for serving the Best Hot Dog and fries in Lake Geneva!

Click Here To Buy Danish Fried Onions

Specialty Cakes In Lake Geneva

2009-02-19T08:27:00.010-06:00

Specialty Cakes are a big hit these days with the success of Food Networks "Ace of Cakes." Pictured here is a Classic Swedish Torte also known as a Princess Torte. It is three layers of yellow sponge cake, filled with raspberry preserves, custard and mini chocolate chips and then topped with a dome of whip cream and covered with marzipan. Finally the Princess Cake is dusted with powdered sugar with a single marzipan rose on the top.

SkagenHus in Williams Bay is proud to announce the availability of all types of specialty cakes for your next special event. With our Cooperative arrangement with Kirsten's Danish Bakery in Burr Ridge Illinois and with The Swiss Maid Bakery of Harvard and Woodstock Illinois (remember the Movie Ground Hog Day filmed on the Woodstock Square?), we can get just about anything made out of cake.

Regardless of the size of your event or special needs we can most likely get it done for you. The special slide show below is just a small sample of what's available here in the Lake Geneva area of Wisconsin. Prices range from $25 and up depending on your needs. Of course you can also go to Kirstens' (Tx 630-655-2066) or Swiss Maid (Tx 815-743-7282) directly if you like. Just tell Kirsten or Paul (Swiss Maid) that SkagenHus sent you.

Prix Fixe Menu At The Danish Tea Room

2009-02-14T11:35:00.005-06:00

SkagenHus in the Lake Geneva area is doing what we can for our clients in the Danish Tea Room. Given the current economic struggles, we've introduced our Prix Fixe Menu. All this February we're offering a set price for your choice of a Hot Beverage, a special Danish Open Face Sandwich and a Warm Piece of Danish Kringle or Seven Sisters Cake. This weekends' offering is either Rare Roast Beef or Smoked Ham for just $7.95. Shown here is our rare roast beef sandwich.

We have no doubts our Country will weather these challenging times and we want to do our part in making sure our customers have a fresh, nutritious and economical option when they choose to relax for a light meal outside the home.

Here at SkagenHus we're off to the best start to the New Year we've ever had. Thanks to locals and weekenders alike, our Danish Tea Room and European Bakery have been a welcome and much appreciated success. We understand you're looking for value when spending hard earned (or saved) dollars; we are too. Here at SkagenHus we're committed to offering the very freshest, finest and quality "Authentic Scandinavian" food possible. We believe a quality Prix Fixe Menu allows our patrons to relax in European comfort with authentic food and just maybe shake off a little of the stress of daily life.

The next time you head up to the Lake Geneva area or take an afternoon adventure trip within our Southeastern Wisconsin Wonderland, consider stopping by the Danish Tea Room at SkagenHus to see for yourself just how economical, relaxing and fun a stop at SkagenHus can be.

Frikadeller Open Face Style At SkagenHus's Danish Tea Room

2009-02-08T16:59:00.005-06:00

The Danish Frikadeller Open Face Sandwich at SkagenHus in lake Geneva Wisconsin is not your ordinary fast food or light and nutritious lunch treat. Pictured here is one of our famous Danish Open Face Sandwiches we serve every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in our Danish Tea Room.

We invite you to click on the picture to enlarge it and see for yourself just how tasty and nutritious this authentic Danish Sandwich is. We start with a thin slice of dark pumpernickel, add European butter and then a fresh leaf of bib lettuce. Next we add thick warm slices of Danish Frikadeller and top it with warm red cabbage and Sylteide Asier. A generous bunch of red seedless grapes and a slice of fresh Florida orange round out this light and satisfying meal.

Isn't it about time for you to think outside the box of normal lunch fare and treat yourself to a authentic and economical alternative? How about the next time you're looking for catering in Lake Geneva and want something special and unique? SkagenHus is happy to cater your next professional lunch or dinner meeting with a large variety and selection of open face sandwiches just like this. All our Danish Tea Room sandwiches are priced between $4.45 and $7.95 at SkagenHus with catering prices slightly higher in order to account for serving trays, etc. The Frikadeller sandwich pictured here is just $5.95!

Make it a point to stop in and treat yourself to authentic Scandinavian cuisine and relax from the stress of life. Add a fresh hot cup of Swedish Coffee and a warm piece of award winning kringle and you'll still be well under $10.00 for an exceptional and delicious Scandinavian treat that will leave you wondering why you took so long to think outside the box.

FiskeFrikadeller Open Face Style At SkagenHus's Danish Tea Room

2009-02-07T06:21:00.020-06:00

FiskeFrikadeller (Danish Fish meatballs) is one of our favorite items to pick up from the Fish Market in Denmark where they are made fresh every day. In Denmark they are pan fried and made with a mix of salmon and plaice. They are served warm with coarsely made remoulade and home baked rye bread.

I can happily admit that not all of them tend to make it home before being inhaled dockside as we enjoy the mid-morning beauty of the boats and the ocean.

Here at SkagenHus in the Lake Geneva area of Wisconsin we serve these tasty little devils on dark pumpernickel bread as open face sandwiches. In our Danish Tea Room the FiskeFrikadeller are made with fresh Norwegian Salmon and Filet of Sole. They are pan fried in butter and EVOO to a medium golden brown, sliced in generous portions and placed on bib lettuce over buttered pumpernickel then topped with remoulade, lemon slices, a few sprigs of fresh dill and Syltede Asier. A portion of red cabbage and a helping of seedless grapes are added to transform the dish into a full and refreshing light meal.

Why not stop by the Danish Tea Room at SkagenHus on your next visit to Lake Geneva and try a delicious and genuinely authentic Scandinavian meal alternative. Many of our regulars top off their meal with hot Swedish Coffee and warm Danish Kringle. You'll wonder why you don't eat like this more often; especially when you consider the Danish Fiskfrekadeller Open Face Sandwich, Swedish Coffee and warm Kringle are priced at just $8.70 per person.

Danish Open Face Sandwiches at The Danish Tea Room in Lake Geneva

2009-01-24T12:56:00.004-06:00

SkagenHus now has over 10 varieties of Danish Open Face Sandwiches available on Fridays. Saturdays & Sundays in their Danish Tea Room. Watching non-Scandinavians try these delectable treats has been an exciting and sometimes humorous adventure for us. It's also exciting to see so many adventurous people ask so much about ingredients and proper pronunciations.

Some of our new offerings are warm sandwiches including Swedish Potato Sausage and the Danish Frikadeller both complete with the traditional red cabbage & Syltede Asier. Warm open face sandwiches make a great addition on a cold winter day. All are also served with a fresh fruit garnish (normally Red or Black seedless grapes) so how could one ask for a more nutritionally complete light and fun meal?

Flexibility has been a key ingredient as some of our clients prefer to forgo the bread due to food alergies. In those situations a fresh bed of bib lettuce works nicely with the realization that what started as a traditional sandwich has now become an upscale american salad of sorts. We had to smile a little extra when one day a quick thinking wife provided her bread to her husband so he could have his tradtional sandwich (eaten with his hands of course) and she was still able to enjoy her Scandinavian meal without the need to give up her desire and follow him to one of his traditional fast food joints in order to maintain marital peace. In fact we've found it fairly common to see a non-adventurist eater enjoying his or her soup and Chicago Dog while their partner delights in something new and refreshing.

The other nice change we've noticed in the Danish Tea Room is couples actually talking with each other and enjoying the fine art of conversation. Something about a new eating adventure seems to bring out the emotional closeness as couples relax and talk aimlessly about Scandinavia or travel in general. You just never know what magic will appear when people simply sit and relax over new food experiences or a combination of old and new.

Danes, Kringle and Coffee.

2009-01-12T08:29:00.006-06:00

If you know anything about Scandinavia, or Danes in particular, you know much of their social events take place around a table filled with good food, good coffee, a piece or two of fresh Kringle and good friends and family. The picture here shows a traditional light lunch being enjoyed by the SkagenHus Boss and Kirsten ( the boss' Aunt) at their lovely summer Hus in Ebeltoft, Denmark.

Here at SkagenHus in Williams Bay you can enjoy the same type of relaxed social atmosphere and simply & deliciously prepared quality Scandinavian food. Unlike most American style restaurants where they rush you through your meal, at SkagenHus you're invited to relax, converse and nibble at your leisure. You can begin your meal with a cup of fresh hot coffee, tea or our famous Danish Hot Chocolate: we even have a selection of Kristall soft drinks from Sweden. Perhaps a nice cup of hot soup or a piece of warm kringle will start you off. From there you can feast on an artistically made Danish Open Face Sandwich or maybe you'll prefer to try one of our Scandinavian Hot Dogs? The Boss has even been known to make up a special sampler tray upon request so everyone can try a few bites of each type of sandwich.

What many of our patrons like is that the selections are designed and portioned so you can eat a little from this and a little from that in the size and at a speed that's comfortable for you. If you've never feasted on open face sandwiches a few pointers are in order. The Danes prefer to use a knife and fork to eat their sandwiches. They also tend to start with a fish selection and then move on to a meat selection. Cheese and fruit is normally their last course. Here at the Danish Tea Room we encourage our patrons to do things in a style and fashion they feel comfortable with. Our goal is your relaxation and satisfaction.

Long Stem Wooden Roses at SkagenHus

2009-01-10T17:08:00.004-06:00

Long Stem Wooden Roses are available at SkagenHus in Williams Bay. Why not give a gift that retains a perfect color all winter long? Here's a great idea for an affordable Valentines gift for that special someone. Roses can be given in any number from 1 to 100 and still not break the bank. They make great Valentines gifts that can be placed on desks at work or bring lasting color to any home year round.

Prices start at just $3.95 each with an additional 25% discount when purchased by the dozen. Shipping is no problem. Adding a drop or two of rose oil keeps that fresh smell for days on end. Roses come in a variety of colors and we'll be glad to send you pictures of color options by simply emailing us at skagenhus@gmail.com. We'll even mix and match different color options for you.

This year don't wait till the last minute to find something for that special person. Wooden Roses make a great extra addition to that special gift and are often more reasonably priced than expensive cards that last minutes or perhaps days at the most. A wooden Rose, because it can retain its color for years, is a great way to let someone know they matter year around and not just on Valentines day.

Wooden Roses make a great stress relief option as well. Imagine being able to stop and smell the roses each and every day? With these beauties and a small drop of Rose oil you can do just that. Many of our clients make it a point to start their day off by simply stopping to smell the roses.

SkagenHus accepts Google Checkout, PayPal and direct credit card payments. We ship your roses via 2 to 3 day USPS priority mail to most locations in the USA for under $7.00. Free gift wrap and cards with your wording at no additional cost. See our blog profile for contact information

Lake Geneva Buffalo Wings

2008-12-30T07:32:00.011-06:00

SkagenHus now offers award winning La Nova Buffalo Wings for easy take home and cook or you can eat in at our Williams Bay Danish Tea Room. The flavor known around the world as "Buffalo Style"! These wings are covered in La Nova's famous hot sauce recipe with just the right blend of spices to make them the true “Original Buffalo Wings Flavor". This meaty, moist wing has sold millions! Why not try a take home bag (2.5 Lbs) and thrill your friends for your next party or late night gathering? Just pop them in the oven. No extra sauce to add, no complicated recipes and no fuss. Liz B from Hawthorne Woods opted to take home 3 bags as part of her recent holiday family celebration and reported that her entire family, including her tough to please brothers, loved em!

Here on the right are the BBQ chicken wings. Originated by La Nova Pizzeria in the early 1970’s. These award winning wings have a unique blend of sweet and tangy flavors. They are a mouthwatering treat that is guaranteed to win over veteran wing aficionado's and new wing eaters alike! The BBQ wings are our kids favorites and we keep em on hand for late night snacks after a long day snow boarding or snowmobiling.

Below is a picture of our Italian wings which are a shade milder then the Hot Wings with a generous seasoning mix of Italian herbs and spices. Stop in on your next trip through town and try a few to see if you don't agree that SkagenHus has the best wings in the Lake Geneva area.

Our prices are great too. A 6 piece portion (Classic) is a wonderful add on to your next hot dog order and prices start at just $3.95. If you're in the mood for a Viking size order (12 piece) the price is only $7.45!

SkagenHus also has a plain oven roasted version for those of you with special homemade sauce recipes or who simply prefer a little blue cheese or ranch dressing with their chicken wings. You'll be pleased with the size of our wings and the no fuss preparation. Just place them on an oven roasting pan covered with foil, set the oven temp and in 25 minutes you'll have a mouth watering treat second to none. Below is a picture of our Oven Roasted Wings. All 2.5 Lb bags (any flavor) are just $19.95 and feed 3 to 4 easily.

Serving Pie & Coffee: How To

2008-12-27T20:33:00.016-06:00

After spending a good deal of time in the research of proper pie service I was surprised to find that very few articles exist (on the Internet at least) regarding what I believed was likely to be a very heated topic. I have no doubt that the origins of pie date back hundreds and perhaps thousands of years. Surely, I thought, there must be a seminal article in the official rules and standards of proper pie service? Alas, I have yet to find the essential guidelines and thus I am left to synthesize information gathered from here and there in my attempt at what amounts to a basic review of the literature on the topic.

I recall from previous reading that the odds are fairly good that apple pie dominates the market followed closely by pumpkin and then pecan. I seem to recall cherry and blueberry rather high in the ratings as was lemon Meringue and strawberry rhubarb. Then again the strawberry rhubarb may be more about my personal favorites than actual ratings from people more knowledgeable on the topic?

"Apparently, the results of a nationwide poll by Schwan's Consumer Brands North America (the makers of Mrs. Smith's) surprised even them. When asked what their three favorite pies were, people chose apple pies a whopping 72 percent of the time (47 percent for plain apple pie, and 25 percent for apple-crumb pie). Second place may be even more of a shock.

That's because the silver medal went to pumpkin pie, with 37 percent of the vote. Chocolate-cream pie came in third with 32 percent, and cherry came in last of the top scorers, with a surprisingly middling 27 percent.

The exact results:

1. Apple, 47 percent
2. Pumpkin, 37 percent
3. Chocolate creme, 32 percent
4. Cherry, 27 percent
5. Apple crumb, 25 percent
6. Pecan, 24 percent
7. Lemon Meringue, 24 percent
8. Blueberry, 21 percent
9. Key lime, 18 percent
10. Peach, 16 percent

That's right. No strawberry-rhubarb, no banana cream, no shoo-fly. Key lime and peach pies found popularity in the Southern states, but apple was strong all across the board

Interestingly, though, Key lime pie is the fastest growing frozen pie all across the country, according to the Schwan's people. Schwan's brand, Edward's Key lime pie, which just went from being only available in the South to being national, just overtook its apple pie as having the most sales. (The company's own chef in the contest, Michael Gunn, has entered multiple categories, and said they weren't swayed by the polls. His favorite entries: mixed-berry pie, Key lime pie, and two-crust apple pie with a Cinnabon glaze. He probably didn't get much sleep last night, but said, "The sugar always keeps us going.")

Other polls in the survey (an online poll of 1,000 people across many demographic groups) included people's favorite fictional pie-makers:

1. Carol Brady ("The Brady Bunch"), 40 percent
2. Claire Huxtable ("The Cosby Show") 22 percent
3. Bree Van de Camp "Desperate Housewives"), 16 percent
4. Debra Barone ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), 13 percent
5. Marge Simpson ("The Simpsons"), 8 percent

But wasn't Debra Barone supposed to be an awful cook?

Finally, this being a survey conducted at the behest of a pie-making company, there was one more poll: "Who makes the best pie?"

1. Mom, 27 percent
2. Store-bought convenience pies, 26 percent
3. Grandma, 17 percent"

(information borrowed from Michael Y. Park from Epicurious.com)

I have been unable to find any written preferences for what the pie should be served on but I'm pretty sure that either a plain white "pie plate" or a fine porcelain plate from Royal Copenhagen (any pattern) would do an admirable job. Again inserting my personal taste on the topic I have had some rather excellent pie served on Currier and Ives Plates. I think we can all generally agree that proper pie service requires that we stay free from paper or plastic plates unless we're tucked comfortably on our home couch or easy chair and want to avoid washing any more dishes for the evening? Here at SkagenHus we're fortunate to have a good supply of the Currier and Ives so we go that route. I've also found the images on the plates are very good a helping me imagine a simpler time in life and thus aid in stress relief to some extent; a very desirable state of mind achieved while eating pie and drinking coffee.

As far as the proper eating utensils go I think we can all agree once again that plastic is out, even at home on the comfortable couch? Forks versus spoons is an ongoing debate that lies outside the parameters of this particular blog entry so that choice is left to the reader to ponder.

Most articles I've read recommend eating pie at room temperature unless a scoop or two of ice cream is to be added. In the case of this ala mode version then it's desirable to heat the pie so the filling is warm (not hot) so as to provide the necessary culinary contrast in temperatures with the ice cream. I believe this is also true of pumpkin pie or other, non fruit pies served with whipped cream as an addition to their normal topping.

While it goes without saying that the coffee should be both good and hot, the cup again is a source of much debate. It seems reasonable to assume that if the pie is being eaten as part of a formal or semi-formal event then the cup will likely be wide at the mouth and shallow in depth complete with a saucer. It's been my experience that for the optimal sense of relaxation a sturdy 10 ounce porcelain mug with handle does the job very adequately. I don't know about you but the last thing I want to worry about is coffee spillage into the saucer when using a wide mouth cup.

So, in conclusion, pie is best served on a porcelain pie plate. It is eaten with a well balanced and comfortable spoon or fork and the coffee should be served in a 10 ounce coffee mug preferably free of frilly pictures or advertising. All these issues of course are dependent upon the setting or circumstance of your pie eating experience. For us at SkagenHus, coffee and pie is all about relaxation and a break from the daily stress of life. It's also about taste and when done right, it's about memories of bygone days when life was slower paced, less stressful and more civilized.

Here at SkagenHus we want to take you back to a simpler, less rushed era when time seemed to stand still and people had the good sense to sit and savor a light meal and good conversation; in much the same way they are still enjoyed throughout Scandinavia today.

Beach House Finds: A Blog About All Things Beach House!

2008-12-21T09:55:00.003-06:00

SkagenHus in the Lake Geneva area of Southest Wisconsin was honored to be featured recently in Beach House Finds by Barb Segal and Associates. Barbara Sheehan Segal is known for her unscripted eloquence and spontaneous reactions to fashion and home trends. She designs attractive blogs, social networking primping, e-mail newsletter campaigns, video production and web site design.

It was fun to find the blog and Barb featuring our Royal Copenhagen Star Fluted Christmas place setting, especially considering it's minus 30 degree's today here in Williams Bay and Barb operates out of sunny Los Angeles California. Check out Barb's Blog at beachhousefinds.blogspot.com for some dreamy reading on a cold midwestern day. Barb has a great eye for fine design and we agree that Holiday time is a great opportunity to host a Pot Luck Party. Merry Christmas Everyone!

Holiday Catering in Lake Geneva

2008-12-15T08:39:00.006-06:00

Have you been thinking about ways to make your Christmas or New Years gatherings more economical and easy? Why not try doing things the easy way for a change? SkagenHus in Williams Bay can provide you with high quality and great tasting products from Vienna Beef that are already cooked and ready to just heat and serve.

Soups, Chili's, Buffalo Wings, Chicago Style Hot Dogs, you name it and we probably have it. All of our products are award winning and come pre-cooked and frozen. All you do is heat and serve. Prices start at just 15.95 for a 4 Lb vacuum packed bag of Cheddar Broccoli soup and run to 19.95 for 2.5 Lb's of pre-sauced and frozen Buffalo Wings from Buffalo New York where it all started. SkagenHus carries Award winning Buffalo Wings from La Nova in BBQ, Hot & Spicy, Italian or Plain. All you do is pop em in the oven and you have a great tasting dish your family and friends will talk about and crave for years to come.

This year save money and time while increasing the quality and taste of the food you serve. Stop in or call us to find out more. 262-245-1911

Holiday Bakery In Williams Bay; A Big Hit!

2008-12-13T09:01:00.003-06:00

Lets face it, with all the press about the economy even those who haven't felt the bite are still cutting back on spending for gifts this year. One thing we've noticed is a resurgence in family traditions and the inclusion of special food items for holiday gatherings. Here at SkagenHus our European Bakery items have been an especially sought after delicacy. From our award winning Danish Kringles and Seven Sisters cakes to our Swedish Flops and Cardamom Coffee Cakes, we've been filling lots of hearts and stomachs with the tastes of old family traditions.

Adding a special bakery item this Christmas Holiday is a great way to share your love and stay within your budget. Many of our customers have grown accustomed to ordering ahead of time so they know their treat will be available at the height of freshness.

SkagenHus also has Yule Kagen (special order), Ginger Bread Houses and Swedish Flops shaped in the form of a Christmas Tree for that extra touch. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours.

Danish Tea Room At SkagenHus

2008-11-30T10:06:00.012-06:00

The Danish Tea Room at SkagenHus is becoming a big hit with locals and out of town visitors alike. Gary and Maria Sorensen made the trek from the Kenosha Racine area on Saturday to try our Danish Open Face Sandwiches. Gary is a member of the Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14 from Kenosha. In their e-mail received this morning Gary wrote

"I just wanted to tell you how much my wife Maria and myself enjoyed our visit to your place. The food was terrific and the companionship even better. I will enjoy sharing our experience at the SkagenHus with the Danish Brotherhood membership this Tuesday evening. We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas."

Thank you Gary and Maria. We were pleased you could stop in and to also hear about the great work and the large membership of the Danish Brotherhood in Kenosha. Danish tradition (as are all cultural traditions) is an important heritage we need to keep passing along from generation to generation.

If you'd like to find out more about the Danish Brotherhood Lodge #14 in Kenosha Wisconsin, just click on the cute Viking and the link will take you to their website. Take time to read their history as Gary has done a great job in putting the site together! Mange Tak Gary and Maria.

Belgian Fries Come to Lake Geneva

2008-11-16T14:25:00.008-06:00

SkagenHus is happy to announce the addition of Belgian Fries (Pomme Frites) to their Chicago Style Lunch and Dinner menu options! Now you can have that famous twice fried and crispy taste as an extra treat with your Danish Hot Dog. Our sauces include Doc's Secret Sauce, Garlic Aioli, Danish Ketchup, Black Point Peppercorn and Ranch.

Belgian Fries are fried twice for a crispy outside and smooth and hot inside. Stop by SkagenHus in Williams Bay WI on your next visit and try the Pomme Frites.

We carry Dutch Stroopie Waffles as well! Try em as a great morning snack with your coffee or tea. Just place the waffle on your coffee cup and allow the heat and steam to bring their flavor and cinnamon caramel center to life.

Unique Lake Geneva Take Out Option; Home Kitchen Creations at SkagenHus

2008-11-02T21:14:00.009-06:00

Starts Monday November 24th: Home Kitchen Creations by SkagenHus. Family meal options designed to satisfy the need for Fresh, High Quality and Value in family dinner options. Here at SkagenHus we've combined our daily access to fresh made bakery goods and quality Vienna Beef products to bring you family style meals for one to one hundred. We supply the main course along with some select additions and a quality dessert. You order and pay at anytime of the day via phone or email and pick up on your drive home. Generous sized servings are packed family style for you to heat at home at a time you choose. Included are serving suggestions, heating instructions and recipes. You add the dinnerware and any special additions from your fridge to have a quality family meal in just 15 minutes or less. Even Rachael Ray would be impressed by the time and money savings.

Each day of the week has a different theme from Fresh Pasta and Vodka Sauce, to Beef Stew; there's even a BBQ and Creole Night with a slice of fresh Pecan Pie! Stay tuned for information on our opening night and our fixed price menu items. There's even family friendly discounts based on the number of servings ordered. We believe we can surpass your local grocery or normal take out spot for exciting, unique and flavorful options. Home Kitchen Creations from SkagenHus will expand your dinner options and put time back in your families routine to sit down at the dinner table again.

Click here for Menu Fresh Home Creations Menu

People & Service That Make Vienna Beef A Cut Above; Jim Locaciato & Keith Smith

2008-10-31T12:10:00.007-06:00

In the world of Hot Dogs and Chicago Style food items Vienna Beef continues as number 1 in almost every ones mind. Since 1894 Vienna Beef has been known as the maker of some of the finest products in the food industry. What they're also known for is their support of their retailers in whatever way necessary to help ensure the success of the business's. Many a small Mom and Pop Hot Dog stand has become legendary, especially in Chicago (see "Never Put Ketchup On a Hot Dog" by Bob Swartz, 2008) as a result of the help and support provided by Vienna Beef and their family of employee's.

Here at SkagenHus our experience has been no different. As a retailer we're often speaking with sales reps from multiple companies regarding products we know little about to begin with. The most helpful reps are those that share product info from their experiences and from others in their companies who know. In small business, product information is vital to success. We need to know what sells and which products are made well. Nothing turns off customers faster then poor products and nothing turns off retailers faster then products which don't sell.

Today we had the opportunity to consult with Jim Lacaciato, Vienna Beefs resident guru on all things food and food industry. The consult was set up by Keith Smith, Vienna Beef's Marketing Executive. Keith came to us, unsolicited, and asked if we'd like the help. When you understand how small we are in comparison to many of Vienna Beefs clients you begin to understand how amazing the offer was and how valuable the service is.

Jim, according to Keith, is one of Vienna's top minds on product as well as food service delivery systems. In our meeting with Jim we found Keith's perspective professionally understated as Jim was a veritable font of knowledge and invaluable in his help. Aside from his basic good guy demeanor and his experience, he was a true pleasure to speak with and be with. As a retailer we couldn't have asked for anything more.

We'll be putting Jim's ideas and suggestions to work immediately. And the feeling of support we received from Vienna Beef through Jim and Keith's efforts will always make Vienna Beef number 1 in our minds in terms of product knowledge and total customer support. Thank you both for all the help and encouragement!

SkagenHus Serves Ice Boaters

2008-10-26T09:25:00.009-06:00

Sunday October 26th was the annual Ice Boat swap meet in Williams Bay held by Sailing Specialists Bob & Jane Pagel from Sailing Specialties in Williams Bay. The event is formally known as the Skeeter IBC Swap Meet and brings Ice Sailing enthusiasts in from all over the central states region. This was their 23rd annual event.

SkagenHus was on hand serving hot Swedish Coffee, Kirsten's Danish Kringles and Swiss Cinnamon Bears from Swiss Maid Bakery in Harvard Illinois. As usual the Swedish Coffee and warm Danish Kringle was a big hit. The big surprise however was the Cinnamon Bears that sold out in short order!

Made by Swiss Maid Bakery, these half pound warm treats went down very well on the cold brisk morning! Patrons for the event were none too disappointed though as they also bought out the Kringle order we were able to procure the night before. All agreed the event was a success and many of the folks will be back for Kringles on their way to Ice Boat in Fontana Bay on Geneva Lake this winter.

SkagenHus will now carry the Cinnamon Bears on an everyday basis so be sure to stop by for a hot cup of Swedish or German Coffee and a warm Cinnamon Bear on your next visit to Lake Geneva.

Congratulations to the Skeeter IBC and to Sailing Specialists for another successful event enjoyed by all! Keep at least two skates on the ice.

.

Stop For Weekend Coffee and Pie In Lake Geneva

2008-10-25T07:21:00.009-06:00

When was the last time you stopped somewhere for a cup of coffee and a fresh slice of pie? SkagenHus in Williams Bay offers fresh Swedish or German Coffee and a Fresh slice of Pie From Swiss Maid Bakery for just $3.25. On your next visit to the Lake Geneva area why not renew this old custom of slowing down the pace of life and treating yourself to a delectable treat?

Scandinavian Christmas Tree Decorating

2008-10-23T06:36:00.005-06:00

SkagenHus is proud to announce they have once again been invited to decorate the giant Christmas Tree's in the lobby of the Abbey Resort & Spa in Fontana Wisconsin. Sue Thune, Activity Director, said the response last year to the Scandinavian tree's was wonderful and the Hot Glogg and Swedish YulMust was a big hit with families as they watched the excitement and even joined in, helping to decorate the tree's.

The first Christmas Tree to be decorated will be a Danish Christmas Tree and we'll be creating that on the Saturday November 29th (Thanksgiving weekend) from 4 Pm to 6 PM in the main lobby next to the reception desk. Once again look for Authentic Hot Glogg and Swedish YulMust plus some European Bakery items from Kirsten's Danish Bakery in Burr Ridge and From Swiss Maid Bakery in Harvard.

Holiday Kringles Make Great Business Gifts

2008-10-20T06:35:00.011-06:00

Looking for a great tasting and unique Holiday gift this year? Want to give one of the best Business Holiday Gifts you can find at an economic price with no fuss? Why not try sending a truly authentic taste of Denmark that your friends, family or business associates will love.

SkagenHus, in Williams Bay, WI will be happy to send two (2) freshly baked authentic Kringles from Kirsten's Danish Bakery, complete with gift card, to any location within the United States. Kirsten's Danish Bakery won the USA Kringle contest the last time it was held beating out all others for taste, quality and authenticity.

We ship via UPS or USPS Priority and for a total price of $36.95 (including shipping) you'll have giving a gift that will be remembered for years to come! Just click below on the google checkout link and we'll do the rest! BTW-The picture to left is Rune The Danish baker who makes each Kringle by hand.

Holiday Danish Kringles can be matched with bottles of Pre-mixed Glogg for a truely Scandinavian gift. Just Email us for complete details.

Vienna Beef Retail Sales

2008-10-13T07:13:00.011-06:00

SkagenHus, in Williams Bay WI, is happy to announce the availability of Vienna Beef Products for Retail Sale to the public. Now you can enjoy all the great products from Vienna Beef at home in a cost effective way for family meals, parties or any special occasion.

Most products such as Bistro Soups and Chili's come in convenient pre-cooked, vacuum packed and frozen 4 Lb pouches. Of course we also have Vienna Beef's famous Italian Beef and Hot Dogs. We believe you can't make many of the products at less of a cost then buying direct from us; we know for sure it doesn't get any easier!

Great options for those afternoon or nighttime football parties would be a package of Northwoods Chili (feeds 6 to 8 hungry appetites easily) for $16.95 and a package of Bistro Broccoli Cheese Soup (also feeds 6 to 8) for $15.95. Add your own toppings and you have a great selection of delicious tasting and easy serving food options.

For a fast and tasty family dinner, after a hard day at the office, try Bistro Tomato Bisque Soup over Tortollini. This is one of our family fav's. Bistro's Tomato Bisque W/Spinach and Orzo makes an unbelievable sauce for pasta and many of our clients liken the taste to a premium Vodka Sauce that otherwise takes hours to make. Leftovers make a great lunch option at the office the next day.

Click here for a link to our Vienna Beef retail offerings (Menu coming soon!) and be sure to stop by SkagenHus on your next visit to the Lake Geneva area for some fun Scandinavian Gift Shopping and a great taste of Chicago. Sorry, SkagenHus Vienna Beef retail sales are for Studio Pick-up only; SkagenHus does not ship Vienna Beef product due to cost factors in shipping food. Vienna Beef does ship their famous products and you can find their online store here https://www.viennabeefstore.com/index.php?

SkagenHus Now Does Catering In Lake Geneva and Southeast Wisconsin

2008-10-03T06:09:00.012-06:00

Ever wanted to have an authentic and traditional smørrebrød as the theme for your party? Looking for something unique, fresh and delectable? Danish Open Face Sandwiches are an ideal and cost effective solution. SkagenHus is now featuring traditional Danish Open face Sandwiches for both the main meal and appetizers. We'd be happy to show you how we can prepare some of the most exciting and healthy Scandinavian treats for your next event.

SkagenHus can cater breakfast, lunch and dinner events with traditional favorites from Swedish Pancakes and Danish Abeleskivers to a large variety of Delightful Danish Open Face Sandwiches. And our meals work easily for your guests discerning palates including those preferring vegetarian selections, fish, cheese or the more traditional meat dishes.

To see your choices and get friendly and fun help in planning, call 262-245-1911 to set up a tasting session now. We can help make your event a one of a kind experience not soon to be matched anywhere. SkagenHus is also happy to create authentic Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Italian Beef and Soup events for your next sporting event party! We use only the finest Vienna Beef products to assure that 100% Chicago Taste!

SkagenHus Add's Chicago Style Lunch 6 Days Per Week

2008-10-02T15:28:00.012-06:00

SkagenHus is happy to announce our Scandinavian Hot Dogs did so well this summer that we've added to our list of offerings for a delicious Chicago Style lunch 6 Day's per week(Closed Mondays) in Williams Bay; within easy reach of Lake Geneva, Fontana, Walworth and Delavan WI. Click here for our Daily Take Out/Dine In Menu.

SkagenHus uses only the finest fresh ingredients from Vienna Beef. We now serve Italian Beef Sandwiches plus Chili and Soups complete with bread bowls, if desired. Stop in on your next visit for an authentic taste of Chicago at reasonable prices. We know you'll join us often for a great meal at sound prices. Orders can be called in ahead for pick up (245-1911) or eaten in our unique & cozy serving area.

Danish Tea Room In Lake Geneva WI Area

2008-09-13T11:22:00.032-06:00

The Danish Tea Room at SkagenHus is now open for weekend Smørrebrød.

Welcome to The Danish Tea Room at SkagenHus. (Click Here For Menu ). Over 75 years ago one of the best known destinations in the lake Geneva area was “The Little Danish Tea Room.” The Little Danish Tea Room was first opened by 1933 by Mr. & Mrs. Martin Nels Houlberg at 422 Wells St. It was sold in 1968 and a newer restaurant now occupies the location.

Relax and enjoy an Authentic Danish Open Face Sandwich, Danish Hot Dog or simply a great piece of cheesecake and a cup of coffee. SkagenHus wants to take you back to a simpler, more elegant era when time seemed to stand still and people had the good sense to sit and enjoy a meal and good conversation; in much the same way they are still enjoyed all over Scandinavia today.

We are the only location in the entire Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois area where one can still enjoy authentic Danish and Scandinavian food that has not been “Americanized” or altered from the same way it’s served in Scandinavia to this day. Our recipes come from family favorites, both here and in Denmark, and are still enjoyed by all our family. We’re happy to share our food and other cultural traditions with all our clients in hopes we can all find a way to slow down and experience the most important area’s of life…family, friends, food and traditions.

There's no doubt that Denmark's open sandwiches called Smørrebrød are the most famous feature of the Danish kitchen. They're also a staple of the Norwegian diet, stemming from when Denmark ruled Norway in the 19th Century. The sandwiches have hundreds of variations, with chefs coming up with new versions all the time.

The simple, "flat", four sandwiches that office workers take for lunch are usuallymade on thin slices of white bread, which they often eat at their desks with a small container of milk. Deluxe, gourmet versions feature brightly colored compositions, so generous that three are enough for a meal. These are usually found at restaurants like the Grand Cafe in Oslo, Norway. Patrons accompany these with cold Danish or Norwegian beer.

While there's an endless variety of good breads used to make these open-faced sandwiches, the Danes usually make them with dark rye bread. Chefs prefer wholegrain breads for their firmness so that they can cut the slices as thin as possible. When they use white bread, they usually toast it.

Smørrebrød eaters start with fish and proceed to those made with meat and salad. Unlike the Norwegians, the Danes wind up a smørrebrød meal with a piece of buttered white bread on which they place a thick slice of a good cheese.

Swiss Maid Bakery Comes To Williams Bay, WI.

2008-09-13T05:33:00.027-06:00

SkagenHus is happy to announce that a cooperative venture between SkagenHus and Swiss Maid Bakery, of Harvard and Woodstock Illinois, has been developed that will allow for the creation of the availability of Fresh Bakery Items daily in Williams Bay, WI.

This means all natural fresh breads, including Swedish Limpa Bread, fresh muffins, coffee cakes, donuts, cookies, pies, cardamom coffee cakes and more will now be easily accessible for local residents! No more 5 to 7 mile drives for fresh bakery early in the morning.

Swiss Maid Bakery is a fourth generation family owned retail bakery. Paul Stricker and his wife Laura, continue to operate the bakery that has grown from both sides of Paul's family. The grandparents both operated bakeries during the depression on North Ave. in Chicago after moving from Switzerland. After both families (Strickers and Planzers) moved to the Harvard, Illinois area, the parents united the family and bakery through marriage.

Over the years, Swiss Maid Bakery has specialized in great sweet dough products. They use an old family recipe that uses fresh eggs and butter. The sweet dough rises twice to create a most tender product.

At SkagenHus we'll still continue with our Fresh Danish Kringle and Danish Seven Sisters from Kirsten's Danish Bakery and this is really just an expansion requested by many of our clients. Living in a small town normally means significant drives for many daily items. Now you can stop before work or school and pick up those donuts, cookies or whatever, as office treats or for classroom parties.

Be sure to stop by and see our large daily selections and low prices. You can also order special selections including cakes with as little as one day's notice and have them here fresh and ready to enjoy when you need them.

SkagenHus now opens at 7 AM Tuesdays thru Saturday and 830 AM on Sundays. SkagenHus also has fresh European and Colombian coffee to go and the only authentic European Bakery items in the Southeastern WI area..

Swiss Cinnamon Bears from Swiss Maid Bakery, one of their signature creations!

Danish Open Face Sandwiches Demo Day

2008-09-05T18:30:00.004-06:00

Saturday September 6th is Danish Open face Sandwich Demo Day at SkagenHus in Williams Bay, WI. All day long clients who stop by will be offered Shrimp and/or Grav Lox sandwiches to taste test. We'll be showing folks pictures of multiple types of traditional Danish sandwiches and requesting input on the types and kinds of sandwiches they think would rock their taste buds and top off their shopping experience here in the Geneva Lake area. Attendee's of the Lake Geneva Wine Festival are also encouraged to stop by. :)

Danish Open Faced Sandwiches

2008-07-30T13:09:00.004-06:00

www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=687029

The above Story will give you some idea of what's on tap for this fall at SkagenHus in Williams Bay, WI. What could be better then doing some light holiday shopping for those unique Scandinavian accent items that decorate homes during Christmas and enjoying a light and healthy Danish open face sandwiches with a cup of tea or coffee. Stay tuned for more on our new smørebrød addition to SkagenHus.

Kirsten's Danish Bakery Wins National Kringle Kontest (Order Link In This Story)

2008-07-30T11:55:00.007-06:00

Kirsten's Danish Bakery walked away with the first prize in Dana College's "Kringle Tasting Kontest" held Oct 6th, 2005.

The panel determined Kirsten's Danish Kringle to be the BEST based upon a variety of characteristics, including appearance, taste and over-all quality! Kirsten's beat out
Benson's Bakery in Omaha, NE
Olsens Danish Village Bakery in Solvang, CA
O & H Bakery in Racine, WI
Among others.

Kringles From Kirsten's Danish Bakery

2008-07-24T15:35:00.004-06:00

Once again Williams Bay and SkagenHus have been inundated by requests for summer bakery items from Kirsten's Danish Bakery in Burr Ridge Illinois (www.kirstensdanishbakery.com). Kirsten made the decision to bring a trained baker from Odense Denmark when she opened her Danish Bakery in 1998. Kirsten's won the coveted title of "Best Tasting Kringle" in the USA in 2005 competing against all the major Danish Bakeries in the USA. You can order direct from Kirsten's online and have your Kringle sent to you fresh or, if in the neighborhood, you can stop by SkagenHus up in the Lake Geneva area of Wisconsin.

Here at SkagenHus we receive our orders fresh each Thursday morning/late Wednesday night and tend to run out by Saturday at noon. The demand has become so great that clients now call in their orders by Wednesday to ensure their treats are here for their weekend visits.

Besides the best tasting Kringles this side of Randers, SkagenHus also carries Seven Sisters from Kirsten's and their newly popular Danish Cinnamon Coffee cake.

One word about Kringle preferences given there are so many American Versions....in a pinch any Kringle is better then none.....but given a choice, authentic hand made Danish Kringle from Kirsten's is the best.

Danish Hot Dogs

2008-05-24T14:16:00.010-06:00

Danish & Scandinavian Hot Dogs have come to Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Danish Hot Dogs, Swedish Hot Dogs, Norwegian Hot Dogs, Finnish Hot Dogs and Icelandic Hot Dogs are now the order of the day thanks to a collaborative effort between Vienna Beef in Chicago (Est. 1893) and SkagenHus in Williams Bay, WI.

There are some similarities between the delectable treats and some stark differences. Most of the Scandinavian dogs use Remoulade as well as fried onions. For the the dog itself SkagenHus has chosen to use the 8 inch long All Beef wiener from Vienna Beef to accommodate the mandatory ends of the dog protruding past the bun. The Remoulade and Aukuaka are both home made according to a secret family recipe and give the dogs that traditional Scandinavian taste. The fried onions are another authentic must have and here at SkagenHus we sell that "hard to find" item online.

Kelli Kunes and Lindsay Schryver of Williams Bay and Fontana stopped in during our open house today. Kelli says the dogs are great and the price is right (Just $2.75)! Lindsay says she enjoyed the flavor and array of new and unusual toppings. Thank you ladies, for stopping by! Of course they left with our Hot Dog girl, Kristina, which leaves Dad to clean up for the night! I've survived High School with Teenagers so I guess I'll survive the College years as well? Oh, the joys of a family run business!

Oh, and for you die hard Chicago Hot Dog Fan's SkagenHus does serve the traditional Chicago Dog with all the authentic fixens from Vienna Beef. So far we've converted a few folks to the Danish Delight but many people in the lake Geneva area are happy to finally find the real deal...A Vienna Beef Dog, dressed Chicago style (drag one through the garden please), in a steamed Rosen's Poppy Seed Bun. It's been our experience that many a fine Chicago treat has been somehow botched by well meaning cheese heads with no true Chicago experience. Here at SkagenHus the only Dog makers allowed are those whose first Chicago Dogs were devoured in Chicago or the northern suburbs!

They've Stopped Making Geneva Lake Access Property

2008-02-26T06:41:00.003-06:00

"They've Stopped Making Geneva Lake Access Property"

Kind of an odd headline, I know. Then again Lake Geneva Wisconsin and our little Village of Williams Bay is all about lake access and weekend/summer homes. I recently found a blog written by one of our long time area residents who was also a teacher in the Williams Bay School system for our oldest son. If concise area home information is what you need, here's the spot to find it http://www.genevalakefrontrealty.com/blog/

Area visitors are quick to ask us locals about the best of anything in the area. This is our tip when it comes to real estate matters. We believe with a little reading you'll see why we think David is tuned into the area market in a way that benefits both buyers and sellers. Happy weekend and summer home hunting!

Spring May Have Sprung Today?

2008-02-24T18:23:00.002-06:00

Mother Nature has certainly given us a good hard look at what winter in the Midwest can be like. This year has been one of those old fashioned snow, cold and ice spectacles I remember from my childhood. My morning trip to Bells Store was complete with local information that the ice on Lake Geneva is 18 inches thick and some of the smoothest and fissure free in some time. Geneva Bay is full of the normal ice fishing enthusiasts, Fontana is decked out in ice boats (minus a good wind unfortunately) for the annual regatta and Williams Bay has it's usual mix of Snowmobiles, Ice Fishing Shacks and weekend folks walking their best friends across the ice.

What struck me in the Studio today was the mix of people passing by and the hopefulness in their voices that winter was about over. Outside were joggers, dog walkers and the occasional snowmobile heading for gas. It was a bright sunny day and people were finally venturing out of their homes. Lightweight coats seemed to be the order of the day as well.

As I headed home early this afternoon I stopped by for a chat with my neighbor John who was busy outside, chipping away as much ice as possible from his front walk. The conversation was a back and forth about the possibility of Spring at hand. He had stayed the winter without his normal Florida trip due to the recent birth of his grandchild. He had no complaints about staying and even offered he had grilled ribs last night outside while listening to the rumble of snowmobiles maneuvering the trails of Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy. His son in law was reported to be waist deep in lake trout caught in the narrows a few nights ago; one even 10 pounds plus. But in the end we were both in agreement that the snow storm reported to be on it's way was hopefully more about news and less about reality. My optimistic belief is today we saw the first of Spring with many more sunny days to come.

Royal Copenhagen Collectable Easter Eggs In Stock

2008-02-22T09:59:00.001-06:00

Flora Easter Eggs Gift Sets (www.skagenhus.com)

This series of Royal Copenhagen Easter Eggs speaks the language of flowers. The small eggs are made of the brightest white porcelain and are decorated with white pansies, yellow crocus, blue anemones and pale mauve violets. The shades have been carefully coordinated to complement and work with each other.

The flower design itself is inspired by Royal Copenhagen’s first Flora Danica service from 1790, a costly gift from the Danish Royal Family to Catherine the Great of Russia. The service was decorated using illustrations from the great botanical work Flora Danica, which catalogues the Danish kingdom’s flora in detail.

Royal Copenhagen’s creative team has spent countless hours admiring the original illustrations and carefully selecting the most beautiful spring flowers to be printed on the eggs for Easter.

GIFT BOXED WITH NESTING MATERIALS. FREE GIFT WRAP AND CARD!

Always Free USPS Priority Shipping Within The USA.

Why Buy From Us? We’re a licensed retailer able to handle all aspects of the transaction and we always sell all Royal Copenhagen products at 20% below MSRP to our private clients! Shop Safe.

Found some beautiful Winter pictures from Norway!

2008-02-03T10:25:00.000-06:00

http://fieran.blogspot.com/

For some beautiful photography, check the above blog out. Not your normal tourist pictures by any means. You get a real sense of Norway in Winter plus some other great shots.

Danish Meatballs - Frikadeller

2008-02-01T12:24:00.001-06:00

Danish Meatballs Known As Frikadeller

Try this great tasting alternative the next time you think about cooking something new.

Serves 4 to 6

1 1/2 pounds ground pork
shoulder or similar cut
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dehydrated onions
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
2 eggs
1 cup milk
Butter or margarine
Vegetable oil

If you purchase pork already ground at the market, be sure that it is not seasoned pork sausage. Danish Meatballs can be frozen and reheated in the oven or microwave.

1 - Combine the ground pork with the flour in a bowl and mix well. Add the dehydrated onion, granulated garlic, salt and pepper. Mix in the eggs and then the milk. Spoon the mixture into a deep plate and chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours for easier shaping.

2 - Add enough equal parts butter and oil to a skillet to measure 1/4 inch in depth. Heat over medium heat. Hold the dish with the meatball mixture in the left hand and spoon the pork mixture carefully into the pan with a soup spoon, shaping it into balls with the spoon. Cook the meatballs until brown on both sides, turning once.

3 - Remove the meatballs to a plate. Serve warm with Red Cabbage and Caramel Potatoes or serve a as a light lunch with Potato Salad.

Find all these and more recipes in Cooking Danish! Cookbook

Small recipe alterations as suggested by Ditte to make them extra tasty. We've made them this way for 50 plus years and even the youngest eater will love them.

Reduce Flour to 1 Tblsp
Replace Milk with Chicken Stock
Replace Dehydrated Onions with 1 medium/large onion Grated

For the Danish Carmel Potatoes simply purchase a can or two of small new potatoes. Rinse the potatoes and dry. Cook a combination of butter and brown sugar slowly in a fry pan over medium to medium low heat. There should be at least a 1/8 inch thick mixture of sugar and butter coating the bottom of the fry pan. When the sugar has melted into the butter just add the potatoes and cook until the potatoes have a nice brown sugar skin on them. Turning the potatoes infrequently will help in the browning process. Enjoy!

New Years Resolutions

2008-01-01T08:15:00.000-06:00

Take some action and do things differently this year. Connect with new friends and re-connect with old ones.

For most of us there's no denying that time and the dreaded "To Do List" are way out of balance; more things to do and the same amount of time within which to do them. My friends and I often vent with each other over a concept we call "Living Lighter." Loosely defined it means trying to re-balance our lifestyles to make more time for the things we want to do while still giving us the time to complete the things we need to do.

The things we want to do is as varied as our imaginations allow. The things we need to do is much more uniform; work responsibilities, home responsibilities, commuting, civic & school involvement, etc.

What seems to inevitably get shorted is time just connecting with others, or at least it's that way in my life. Family dinners have gone the way of the 8 track tape as have weekends off and short adventure drives. I could go on here but for the sake of brevity I'll let you add your own version of the things that happen less in your life these days due primarily to the overload of the things that need to be done.

My resolution this year is to try and re-connect, re-establish and create new opportunities for time with others. I don't expect that the things I want and the things I need to do will ever balance perfectly (unless of course I win the lottery) but somewhere in that equation is a little more peace, tolerance, acceptance and sense of spirituality. Finding that point is my resolution for 2008. Whatever your resolutions are, I hope you find your way to fulfilling them.

Falling US Dollar & Scandinavian Imports

2007-12-29T15:20:00.000-06:00

We won't be making any doom and gloom predictions in this area but there is an anticipation of price changes on the horizon depending on the product line, the manufacturers method of shipping and the current stock levels of items already in the USA.

Lets start with the larger, heavier and more costly items such as furniture. These are product lines that are not typically kept on hand in large quantities in the USA to begin with. More often then not they are shipped via container across the ocean, unloaded in Canada and then trucked into the USA to various warehouses and drop shippers. One can expect the highest price increases in this category. In almost all stops along the way there will be changes in pricing due to falling dollar values, increasing gas prices and increased import costs related generally to homeland security.

If you have been planning on making a purchase in this category it would be best to do so now and take advantage of current "In Country" stock levels. Price changes in this product area normally begin in mid February as companies prepare for Spring shipping. We anticipate further increases that can only be offset by retailers willing to drop their margins in order to hold price levels.

Medium sized products weighing under 10 lbs each are often shipped via air freight direct to retailers from the company's main headquarters. This year has already seen a substantial increase in International shipping costs but our guess is that manufacturers will make another adjustment in this area as well. The bigger Scandinavian and Western European Companies tend to set prices at the start of the year and express their costs in terms of "Landed Costs." What this means is that all incidental costs (customs clearance, etc) are already factored into each item and all that's left is shipping. Many companies may have lost some projected revenue this year in not being able to accurately predict all the possible cost fluctuations. We see this area as likely to show some price increases but nothing along the lines of furniture.

In addition many retailers and some warehouses already have a larger then anticipated overstock so there will be pressure to hold prices wherever possible. Not too many retailers are going to be brave enough to raise prices on current stock in the face of uncertain economic times here in the USA.

Small items and food are likely to show the least price increases. They tend to be sold to retailers in larger quantities while still retaining weight and size advantages in shipping. They are also the fastest moving store items as a rule and provide for good foot traffic through the front door. We expect very little price movement in his range of items with the exception of jewelry where the price of gold will have a significant effect and already has.

In summary you can expect some price changes but it will be the higher cost and heavier items that show the most volatility. As the consumer, your best advantage is the ability to locate items online and then manage price comparisons through email or phone contact. The additional advantage here is that you get an extra measure with which to gage the ease of dealing with any specific retailer. You should also consider that for a retailer to hold down costs, they will likely have to find even more direct ways to get your attention other then simply listing products on co-op sites such as Amazon or eBay or through pay per click advertising on the net. Don't be surprised to find very good deals on the exact products you want, buried in page 4 through 6 of search engine results. While the big players will be scratching it out for page one and two position on Google, it's the Mom & Pop Studio's who will be patiently waiting on the deeper pages for your visits.

Food Finds

2007-12-29T10:57:00.000-06:00

Food Finds

One of our most surprising finds during this business year is how many of our clients have supported our growing food lines. From Scandinavian Coffee to German Chocolate, clients have been making regular visits to get their favorite tastes of not only Scandinavia but much of the Western European continent as well.

We began our food lines by choosing items we were familiar with. It didn’t take long before clients started asking about their favorites as well. Doing our best to accommodate all requests possible we added herrings, anchovy’s, cheese, lefse, Marzipan….well we could go on and on.

At this point our challenge is to add those food items that many people want but that we have no first hand knowledge of. If there’s a brand name you’ve been looking for, let us know and maybe post a picture of the package if possible. We’d appreciate the help in continuing this food find adventure.