Page 51 of From Helsinki with Love
“What’s that?”
“We also call it bread cheese. I have no idea how it’s prepared, but the name comes from the sound it makes when cutting or eating it. I don’t know how else to explain it, but it’s very good with cloudberry jam,” he suggests.
“I’ve never heard of cloudberries before, either.”
“They are native to cool temperate regions like Lapland. They look like blackberries or raspberries but have this vibrant amber color.”
“How does it taste?”
“I think you should try it for yourself.”
We arrive at the restaurant that looks like an old hunting cabin from the outside, but once you walk in, it’s quaint and cozy with dim lighting and small wooden tables. Soft music plays in the background, creating a peaceful ambiance.
Jasper leads me to a table near the fireplace, and we sit across from each other. A friendly-looking waiter approaches, and Jasper orders for the both of us, speaking in English so I can understand what’s being said.
The soup arrives first, steaming hot and smelling of salmon, fresh herbs, and spices. The soup is creamy with chunks of fish, potatoes, and carrots. I take a spoonful and let my taste buds relish the savory broth. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever had before, and I make a happy noise as I take another spoonful.
“You like it?” Jasper asks.
“Like it? I freakingloveit. So good.”
That makes him smile. We finish our soups in perfect silence before the waiter comes to collect our empty plates and brings us the next dish.
Jasper cuts a piece of the warm bread cheese and puts it on my plate, adding a helping of cloudberry jam. I grab a fork and take a smaller amount on it before putting it in my mouth.
Chewing the Lappish delicacy, I notice that the squeaky cheese has a chewy texture, like a cross between mozzarella and halloumi. It also makes a squeaky sound as I bite into it. But it’s the jam that makes it all come together. The bitter sweetness of it complements the saltiness of the cheese incredibly well.
“This is amazing,” I say with a mouthful of cheese. “I can’t believe how many amazing foods you have here in Finland.”
“Is it only the reindeer you haven’t wanted to try so far?”
I nod. “Yeah, because it only makes me think of Rudolph. Just like how I can’t eat lamb, thanks to “Mary Had a Little Lamb”nursery rhyme.”
“You’re like Andie, then.”
“Who’s Andie?”
“Kate Hudson’s character fromHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.Please tell me you’ve seen it, as it’s our go-to movie on road trips with the team.”
“I freaking love that movie!” I point out before adding, “But I won’t name youryou-know-whatPrincess Sophia.”
He chuckles, playfully wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. “Good to know.”
15
IS IT STILL CALLED DRY HUMPING IF YOU DO IT IN THE HOT TUB?
VIVIAN
We’ve been driving toward our hotel for the last hour, with only a few more miles to go, when Jasper suddenly hits the brakes, and the truck comes to a sudden stop, making me jerk forward.
“What’s wrong?” I turn to Jasper, panic lacing my voice.
“Didn’t you see them?”
I’m so confused. “See what?”
Jasper points directly in front of us. “Reindeers. How did you miss them?”
