Gomme ….. a Sweet Stove-top Cheese (well worth the effort)

Gomme is made all over Norway, each is slightly different but this recipe is from Hatlestad gard i Viksdalen, Gauler, Sunnfjord, Norway…..

This, 'Ekte Bonde Mat' (genuine farmer food), was made by my grandmother, Olga Johansdatter Sande (1890-1985), and intern had learnt it from her mother: Marta Hatlestad (1854 - 1931) of Viksdalen; this recipe was written down by me, Olga's grandson Brian Grosseth, Nov 2006. This process was as I remember my grandmother making it on her wood stove in the 1950's.

This process may take from 6-8 hours to complete. Start it in the early morning and it may be done by coffee time in the afternoon. The more Gomme that you make, the longer the cooking process will be. You can do a smaller batch, but why? Four quarts is ideal. I have never found a person that did not like this Gomme. I keep it in the fridge for several days, but the Gomme has never lasted long enough to find out its potential life expectancy.

In a large pot put 4 quarts of Whole Milk

Bring to a slow simmer

Add about 1/2 quart cultured milk or more, It must have a live culture: 'Kefir Mjolk' or'Cultured Butter Milk'. (Please note that some of the cultured milks do not contain a live culture and these will not work). This cultured milk should turn the hot whole milk into curds and whey after a short time. Things should start to look grainy at first and after a while be quit obviously 'curds & whey'. Note: the more that you stir it, the finer the cheese, I stir gently so it is not too fine, stir gently only to keep the bottom clear of most build up. Use a flat wooden stirring spoon or paddle. There will be a very slight coating on the pot bottom but do not worry about this.

Continue 'slow simmering' on a very low heat. The Milk must not scorch at all, the heat should be really quite low. In the old days it was done on the wood stove and set off to the back and side so it could just keep it hot with some steam slowly rising from the pot. The liquid on the bottom is the whey and usually does not burn, but stir every 5 - 10 minutes or so and every time you walk by the stove.

After most of the liquid is gone (evaporated) it is near done. The curds will be light brown and still be sitting in some liquid. A you stir it the reduced mixture will look slightly soupy but certainly not dry, there should be some liquid left, kind of like a very wet cottage cheese, the liquid should be easily be seen.

Add a good handful of raisins and let them soften in the liquid. After about 5 minutes mix together: 3 tablespoons of sugar with about 1 - 2 tablespoons of flour and stir into the Gomme, and finally add about 1/2 tsp cardamom (Cardamom was not used by my grandmother as far as I know, this is my personal touch), and that is it, the Gomme is near ready.

Remove from heat, place into a small attractive serving bowl and fill so that it comes near the top and pat it down gently. It should still be the consistency of a slightly dryer than creamed cottage cheese, but certainly not soupy. Dust the top with an attractive sprinkle of cinnamon then place in a cool place to set up, or serve it directly. It should make about 3 small bowls of Gomme. I have a special ornate china bowel with a lid; I use it only for Gomme, my Gomme Dish'.

At 'Coffee Time': Set a Bowl Gomme on the table with a small decorative spoon. The Gomme is to be eaten on: sliced & buttered Bread or cold & previously buttered & separated heart shaped waffles (Norwegian Style) and served with either tea of Coffee.

Vaer så god

Traditional Norwegian Table Prayer

Before Meal:

I Jesu Navn Gar vi til bords

A spise og drikke pa ditt ord

Deg Gud til aere, Oss til gavn

Sa far vi mat i Jesu navn.

Amen

After the Meal:

I Jesu Navn til bords we satt

Og fikk fra Herrens hand var mat

Til gavn for legem og for sjel

Gud lat oss det bekomme vel.

Amen