I am often asked how to pronounce the name of our business, Sjölinds (shoe-linds). It is a family name that comes from Åland, a group of 6,700ish islands that sit between Sweden and Finland that divide the Baltic Sea from the Gulf of Bothnia. The islands are owned by Finland, but speak Swedish. It is a demilitarized, autonomous nation with about 35,000 people. My grandpa called us Swedefinns.
Naming my little chocolate house (like a coffee house, but focusing on chocolate) was rather easy given Mount Horeb’s and my Scandinavian heritage. The most recent family last names I had to choose from were Hanson and Sjölind. Hanson is so much easier to say but Sjölinds has just a bit more sparkle (and easier to find when googling).
To celebrate my Åland heritage I’ve introduced the Åland pancake. It is a pancake that is baked in the oven and served with strawberry jam and whipped cream. That pancake and a good strong cup of black coffee you can almost smell the sea air and hear the waves hitting the rocky shores. You can find the Åland pancake at our downtown Mount Horeb store.
This coming weekend in Mount Horeb is our annual Fall Festival. There will be music, handmade crafts and of course food. Come visit Sjölinds while you’re here.
Peace and good health to you and yours, Tracy
