This deserves a post of its own. (And yes, we worked to stage this picture. It deserved it.)

If we had known Friday afternoon–or even Saturday–what we know now, things would be different. We would have a bottle or two of Laplandia Lingonberry Vodka in our drink cabinent. Unfortunately, it was not until we searched for it at multiple Alko stores in Helsinki that we came to realize it’s simply unavailable outside of Lapland. You can find Laplandia Artisian, but not Lingonberry.

I believe it was 29.99€. I have found it on the good old internet for $179.99. It is that good. But alas–I am not inclined to pay that kind of money even if they could ship it to Mississippi which I’m certain they cannot.

The lingonberry plant (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), a member of the heath family (Ericaceae), is related to the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). Like the cranberry, it has a tart taste that turns sweeter when left on the vine. In Nordic cuisine, it’s found as jams, juice, sauces, and as a garnish for reindeer dishes. I thought they were refreshing.

According to that infallible source

Vaccinium vitis-idaea keeps its leaves all winter even in the coldest years, unusual for a broad-leaved plant, though in its natural habitat it is usually protected from severe cold by snow cover. It is extremely hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as −40 °C (−40 °F) or lower, but grows poorly where summers are hot. It prefers some shade (as from a forest canopy) and constantly moist, acidic soil.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vaccinium_vitis-idaea

In the good old US of A, it’s native to New England, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Alaska.