Swedish Kafferep
The Kafferep (Ka-phe-rep) Story
The delectable tradition of Sju Sorters Kakor--or "seven sorts of cookies"--has captivated Scandinavians for centuries. These scrumptious sweets are typically served at a Kafferep, a social gathering of friends that involves an endless flow of coffee and conversations.
At the earliest Swedish Kafferep in the 1800s, it was fashionable and customary for the hostess to gather friends for a cup of coffee and serve small ginger cookies. From this trend, a Kafferep etiquette and culture soon spread across Sweden. The hostesses got competitive, concocting more elaborate sweets to showcase their baking skills. They would cover a coffee table with a decadent assortment of sweets, creating a festive centerpiece that encouraged guests to gather and celebrate.
As the custom evolved, the exquisite sweets hardly resemble the simple ginger cookies that inspired them. A typical assortment begins with a sweet dough pastry such as cinnamon buns or pastries. Next come a soft cake and seven types of cookies. The finale of the Kafferep consists of a cake with whipped cream, or in the case of a wedding, birthday or anniversary, a pie. This elaborate menu for the coffee table custom is now reserved for special occasions.
The seven sorts of cookies have now taken on a modern twist. Contemporary Swedes pair these assortments with a glass of wine or champagne. They also no longer contain the Kafferep to the household. This traditional practice is seeing an enthusiastic revival in stylish restaurants, cafes, and trendy museums in Stockholm.
Elin Rennerfelt and Vanessa Tran-Holm, owners of Sweet Seven, are proud to bring this distinctive and delightful Swedish tradition to Coloradans. At Sweet Seven, we aim to stay true to the Swedish culture of a Kafferep and consider every gathering of friends a special festive occasion to remember. Those who want to embrace their inner Swede will find their perfect match in these scrumptious goodies that not only satisfy the palette, but also give an experience of a century old tradition.
Sweet Seven is the first of its kind in Denver, Colorado. Contact Sweet Seven to assist you in creating the perfect ambiance for a traditional Swedish Kafferep.
