For our first getaway after becoming fully vaccinated, we headed to the lovely city of Gothenburg for a couple of nights. But, on the way, we had to make a side trip to Eva’s favorite weaver in the world.
It was a fun visit and while there I learned all about this globally famous Master Weaver, saw a woven hand towel with a favorite character of mine, and decided I had to make a pannkakstårta (Swedish pancake pie) for you guys. So, come on in and we’ll share the adventure and make a Swedish treat that is loved by kids and adults alike.
A Master Weaver…
Eva’s favorite weavers of fine hand towels, tea towels, runners, table cloths and such is Ekelund Master Weavers, likely the oldest family-owned weavers around. They are located in the village of Horred which is just a couple of hours’ drive north of us and sort of on the way to Gothenburg.
These guys have been weaving yarn since 1692 and what a rich history these yarn weavers have. Not to worry, I’m not going to bore you with all the history, but I will share this. Ekelund Master Weavers are 100% family-owned and have been operated by the Ekelund family for 16 generations.
So, my friends, have ever wondered how they weave those famous hand (kitchen) towels, tea towels, table runners, and table cloths? If so, just take a look at the short video above. Perhaps you already have some Ekelund woven products. We’ve been using their hand towels, runners, and such for as long as I can remember.
At Ekelund Master Weavers one can tour the factory, fika at their cafe, or have a picnic on the grounds.
They even have a small museum that shows off their interesting history with some cool old looms like the one above.
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Oh, and yes, they have a factory outlet store. You see all of their products are made right there in their factory in Horred, Sweden with organic yarn produced in Germany. For those of you on Instagram, you can check them out at https://www.instagram.com/ekelundweavers/. I promise, if you visited the outlet store you wouldn’t be able to resist buying at least one towel. We couldn’t, as we left with six new hand towels. Ekelund Master Weavers products can be found all around the globe, just Google Ekelund Master Weavers or find them on Amazon.
Pettson & Findus
Have you ever heard about our beloved Pettson & Findus? Pettson & Findus is a wonderful series of Swedish children’s books, comics, and videos written by Sven Nordqvist. More than 15 million copies and his works have been sold and his books have been translated into 55 languages (including English). If you live in North America, Pettson & Findus are known as Festus & Mercury (I’m not sure what the name change was all about), in other English-speaking countries you should find them as Pettson & Findus.
If you’re new to Pettson & Findus have a quick look at the end of the carton above (in English). I’ve set it to start about a minute and a half from the end. If you have twelve and a half minutes, do have a look at the entire carton. We introduced our grandkids to these two characters at a young age and they still remember them today, as do we.
Did you notice the Ekelund hand (kitchen) towel above? Well, that’s Pettson, the funny old Swedish farmer, flipping pancakes with Findus, the silly little cat. Seeing this one was all it took, as I’m an older Pettson and Findus fan and couldn’t resist this one! You likely noticed that they’re making pancakes for Findus’ birthday pannkakstårta or pancake pie in the cute video above. This got me thinking, why not make a pannkakstårta (pancake pie) for you guys…
The pannkakstårta or pancake pie…
Pancake pie is indeed loved by children (and adults as well) here in Sweden. Eva has fond memories of her mum making pannkakstårta and the pleasures of enjoying a slice.
So, if you have young (or old) kids, grandkids, or maybe just yourself give pancake pie a try. It’s easy and fun to make as well as being very tasty. Making the pancake pie is so simple, it doesn’t even warrant a recipe.
FYI: I’m sure every culture in the world that has a pancake also has a version of pancake pie. This one just happens to be the Swedish version.
You start by making a stack of Swedish pancakes. Swedish pancakes will actually remind you more of a crepe but are a bit denser, thus they’re easier to make. Don’t worry, the recipes for the Swedish pancakes is in my Svenska pannkakor…the traditional Thursday night dessert… post. You can read it HERE. It gives you a step-by-step tutorial on how to make Swedish pancakes.
To assemble the pannkakstårta (pancake pie) let your pancakes cool. I like to use at least 8-10 pancakes, but make it as tall as you like. Begin by placing the first pancake on a serving plate and slather on jam of choice (I like strawberry), and then place the second pancake on top of the first and smear on a layer of whipped cream. Keep repeating this until you finish with a pancake with whipped cream on top. Lastly, top it off with treats of your choice. I used Juleskum marshmallow Santas, See, now how easy is that?
So, now you see how my mind works. I visit Ekelund see a hand towel with a favorite character of mine making a favorite treat of mine, and I dream up this post. Well, sometimes it works that way.
Chloe says, “Yum, Pancake pie, my favorite. Man I’ve missed these photo shoots! This one definitely gets my five paw rating… – 
“
Had you heard of or read any of the Pettson and Findus books, do you own an Ekelund product? I do so hope you enjoyed the post today and until the next time, take care, my friends…
Thanks for having a read today and your comments are always appreciated. Just scroll down to “Leave a Reply”.
So happy to see you well and posting again, Ron! This pancake pie has me drooling early in the morning. Would love a thick slice with my coffee right now. Love the whimsical style of your towel. Wishing you a great holiday season ahead!
Thanks, Jas! It has been a challenging year for me, but I’m on the mend and hoping to be back to where I need to be by the New Year. The Ekelund towels come in so many patterns but I must admit Pettson & Findus are my favorite. Pancake pie is indeed great with a cup of coffee. Have a great Thanksgiving and thanks for dropping by…
Hi Ron
Hello from Hartford Connecticut.Thank you for this piece. I love the pancakes and Ekelund weaving’s too. I wish you would have, given us a bit of history. I know the company was founded in 1692 but would like more information on Marta Ingmarsdotter. I love history ex. about folks,who bucked the system and did what they did. I have searched the net but can’t find much. I have some beautiful linens that my grandmother brought with her from Sweden. Thanks and next week we are serving up some of the Swedish pancakes and I am baking some Vort Limpa. God Jul to you.
Hello Richard, thanks for the comment. It’s always fun to learn that folks in the US have knowledge of Ekelund and other Swedish things. As far as the history, the best brief history is on their site at https://ekelunds.se/historia. It’s in Swedish, but I just ran it through Google translate and it came out reasonably close.
God jul och gott nytt år!
Thank you. I have been having a great time with google translate. My grandmother use to tell stories about growing up in Sweden. She never became a citizen of the Us expecting to one day return and bring me with her. Never got there. We still have relatives in Sweden. I get Ekelund linens through a Scandinavian shop here in the US. Why she never taught us grandkids Swedish is beyond me.
My best
What fun. I’m so glad you got away, and it’s good to see you back on the food blogosphere! Beautiful towels. I’ll have to check them out. And those pancakes! Yumn
It was indeed good to get away and also good to be back at the keyboard. I think you’d like the towels and they’re widely available in the US. Take care…
Having been born on Pancake Day (Mardi Gras), I need to try a pancake pie! I’ve never seen one before.
Welcome back Ron!
Thanks, MD, it’s good to be back. Shrove Tuesday is pancake day here as well, but you don’t have to wait until your birthday to give the pie a try…
Hello, Ron! It was wonderful to see your new post – entertaining, as always. It was so interesting watching the videos. Those hand towels would be a treasured keepsake. It was pancake day at our house too – a sourdough version. Stay well.
Hi Denise, the Ekelund towels would be a great stocking stuffing (for you), we love them. One is always hanging in our kitchen and the tea towels often show up on our table as a big napkin. Perfect for a pasta night. I love sourdough pancakes. I remember the first time I ever had them, it was at a cafe (long gone) in West Yellowstone many years ago. Thanks for the visit…
Delightful post! Good to see you post again. And to see a picture of Chloe! Neat dish — and yeah, I’ve had something like this in the past. Don’t think I’ve ever made my own pancake pie, though — I need to!
Hi there Jon and yes indeed it’s good to be back. Chloe has missed those photo shots so perhaps she overindulged for this one. I know you love pancakes, especially pumpkin, so I say give this a try…
Your pancake pie looks like a super fun treat! I’m sure my grandson would love it!
Hi Kath, I hope you guys are getting through the floods without too many problems. I do indeed think it’s a grandson-worthy treat…
Lovely post which brought back memories for me. I have a Dala horse ornament and use to have a Dala horse towel I’m sure was woven by Ekelund Weavers. Unfortunately I wore it out and no longer have it. I also was given weaving lessons from a wife of one of the men who worked for my hubby. One of her looms was as big as a room made out of wood and just beautiful. Nothing as fancy as your video… She made tapestries for local businesses and others interested in her work.
The pancakes look delicious and I am amazed that Chloe can eat them!
Hi Judi, I agree your Dala horse hand towel was most likely an Ekelund. I must admit, I’m a bit of a closet weaver myself, although I sold my loom some years back. I have very fond memories of trying to create my masterpiece. Never happened, but I made some dandy scarfs.
Chloe loves Swedish pancakes…
Am truly glad your health has improved sufficiently for you to enjoy life outside home boundaries and tell the story . . . all facets of which are delightfully new to me. Would have loved to have sat on your shoulder during the visit to Ekelund as I highly appreciate imaginative art in practical formats . . . shall definitely to some research via dear Mr Google !!! Yes, methinks pancake stacks do appear in various formats around Europe . . . for a time my husband and I quite liked finishing our meals in Austrian inns with ‘Kaiserschmarrn’ I believe, which appeared with an eggshell full of cognac to set alight 🙂 1 Enjoyable post . . . keep well and hopefully say another ‘hello’ before Yule . . .
Hej Eha, I know you would have enjoyed the visit to Ekelund and likely had come away with a towel or two. Although I visited Austria more than once, I’ve not had the pleasure of trying Kaiserschmarrn. I think we must return and insist on Kaiserschmarrn for dessert with a flamming cognac-filled eggshell. Take care down there…
Ron, I am so glad you are posting again. I will definitely check out the weaver and your pancake pie makes me hungry. Stay well and healthy.
Hi Gerlinde, it is indeed good to be back. The pancake pie is good, but you should check out the Ekelund towels…
Pettson (in Germany „Petterson“) and Findus are some of my favorite children’s books. I read those books to my kids, and we always planned to make a pancake pie like the one that Findus‘ got for his birthday.
Hi Karin, I connected to Pettson and Findus the first time I saw them. I don’t know why, maybe it’s because I see a bit of me in Pettson.
You’re never too old to get a pancake pie, I’m sure your kids would love it. Thanks for stopping by…
Those hand towels are so beautiful and you can easily tell the quality from the details. Gotta add this to my wish list 🙂
The pancake pie looks so inviting and bet it’s very tasty that you can’t just have a bite or two!
Hi Angie, they are very durable towels. We use them through them in the wash and hang them to dry and the last and last. The pancake pie is one of those dishes that you think you will just have a bite or two, but usually more…
This is the first I’ve heard of Pettson & Findus – I’m shocked! We’ve come across various cartoon characters in our travels, and we often get mementos featuring them. In particular, we have some framed artwork featuring The Smurfs that we picked up in Brussels, and some coffee mugs featuring Snowy and TinTin that we picked up in Amsterdam. We clearly need to make a trip over to Sweden to add to that collection! Those woven pieces look amazing, and I’ve got their website pulled up to look through later – thanks for introducing me to Pettson & Findus as well as Ekelunds! Oh, and this recipe looks fantastic, too. As high as you’d like, you say? Is that a challenge? 🙂 REALLY happy to see you back, Ron!!
David, it is a challenge for those who dare. But I must warn you, the higher the stack, the more difficult it is to make tidy slices. Glad you like Pettson and Findus and come on over and we’ll make Robbie (and you) a pancake pie…
I might have to take you up on that pancake pie offer, Ron! And on a side note, I hopped onto Amazon and ordered an Ekelund tea towel with some really cool Santas on it – perfect for the season. Thanks for the inspiration there!
I really, really want to make those pancakes! And I loved reading about the weavers.
Hi Angela, they are good those pancakes are. Thanks for stopping by…
I’ve never heard of Pettson & Findus (nor Festus & Mercury), but I really love this story and that kitchen towel. Charming characters!
Now, I do love crepe and pancake cakes, and this Swedish pancake pie is right up my alley! Do you guys have also savoury variations? (Like with smoked salmon – that’s probably the first association that comes to my mind)
Hi Ben, I’m glad you enjoyed the introduction to Pettson and Findus. Oh yes, do we love our savory pancakes as well. My favorite is the recipe in this past post of mine /lunds-saluhall-crepe/. Thanks for stopping by…
A big smile to see you well enough to post again and travel too. So happy for you. Now that is one delicious stack. You must have so much patience to make so many. Cloe has given this delicious recipe 2 paws up for sure. By the way, those kitchen tea towels are beautifully made. Stay well and take care
Hi Bobbi, thanks for the big smile. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks also, for taking the time to have a read…
It’s so nice to see you back online! And what a great post. First, the video is fascinating. I’ve always wondered how it looks for them to create these kind of incredible textiles. And now I want one! I guess I’ll just have to come to Sweden, eh? The Swedish pancake pie also looks quite wonderful. I will have to look at your tutorial on how to make Swedish pancakes maybe give it a try soon. Until today, I had never heard of Pettson and Findus — they look quite fun! Thanks for a fantastic post.
David, when you and Mark make it over and up this way we’ll have to visit Ekelund and Chloe and I will make you guys a pancake pie. So glad you enjoyed your introduction to Pettson & Findus…
I love those teatowels and their rich history. So many cottage industries are disappearing unfortunately. I use tea towels so much, and the more interesting the better. I’ve never eaten a pancake pie like this one, sounds and looks absolutely amazing. Wish the grand children were around so I had an excuse to make them. Anyway sounds like a great Sunday treat for us. Nice to hear from you Ron.
Hi Pauline, I think you need to get some of these tea towels.
Now, I’m thinking that you can set up a Zoom online meeting with the grandkids and make the pancake pie, eat it and let them know what they have missed. Thanks for stopping by…
Who wouldn’t like such a tasty treat.
Glad to see you’re back!
Thanks, Ronit, it’s good to be back. It is a tasty treat indeed. Thanks for stopping by…
Welcome back Ron, we’ve missed you. Those tea towels are absolutely beautiful. I am going to see if they will ship to the U.S. as they would make wonderful holiday gifts. I haven’t heard of those particular children’s books but will take a look, I have some small children on my gift list.
Hi Liz, the books were much enjoyed by our grandkids. As for the towels, you can order them from Amazon or these guys https://www.fjorn.com/ekelund-weavers-tea-towels.html. Ekelund Sweden doesn’t ship out of the EU, but they have dealers all over the US. Enjoy your Thanksgiving and thanks for stopping by…
Those are lovely tea towels. I usually come back from a trip abroad with at least one tea towel and now I don’t know what to do with all of them! I like how you got inspired for the pancakes by a character in the tea towel. Unfortunately, I’ve never seen or heard of those childrens’ books here in the states. Keep the ideas going!
Hiya Linda, you can never have too many tea towels. At least that’s what Eva says. You know I’ve never been one to plan multiple posts, I just write what inspires me these days.
Thanks for stopping by…
So good to have you back ! I am specially impressed by weaving video since I have a collage degree in textile processing and my final exam included design and weave by hands ! How wonderful it is to see such a lovely tradition cherishing places still exist !
Thanks, Davorka, it’s good to be back.
I love weaving and often wish I still had my loom, but it has a good home with my daughter now. You would indeed enjoy visiting Ekelund, so be sure and put it on your must-see list for your next visit to Sweden.
Ha, I see Findus isn’t the only family pet who enjoys pancake pie!
The cartoon was lovely. Gave me a kind of warm and cozy feeling, funny I hadn’t ever heard of this pair before…
Yes, indeed Frank, Chloe loves it when we make pancakes. I’m glad you got a chance to be introduced to the farmer and his silly cat. Take care over your way…
What a beautiful post Ron! I had not heard of Ekelund master weavers until reading. Truly artists, I can see why Ekelund is Eva’s favorite weaver. And that pancake pie! Your photos are mouthwatering, I need a slice ASAP. What a fun side trip to your getaway!
Thanks, Shannon, and sorry for the delay in replying to your comment. I just plan missed it. Thanks for taking the time to have a read…
hi Ron
sorry i thought i’d commented before. i love the look of that pancake pie. how delicious! and those tea towels are gorgeous. haven’t heard of those two characters but i adore quirky things so they are right up my alley. if only you could send me a piece of pie 🙂
cheers
sherry
No worries Sherry, I often think I commented and discover I haven’t. I just look at it as another senior moment I’ve had. I’m glad you got to meet Pettson and Findus and quirky they are…
Hi Ron, I was so happy to pop over to see this new lovely post. Sounds like you’re feeling better and better. 🙂
I wish I’d known about the Pettson & Findus books when my boys were little. I love the art! And it’s so interesting to learn about these beautiful textiles. The one with the pancakes is wonderful! 🙂 ~Valentina
Hi Valentina, no worries about not knowing of Pettson and Findus, there are always grandkids someday to read them to. I’m glad you enjoyed my post and thanks for stopping by…
I had not heard of either Ecklund weavers, Pettson and Findus, or pancake pie! I do like the way one led to the other in your post – very clever! I had to smile at the end of the Pettson and Findus video with the Toreador song playing and the bull – LOL. I did find some Ecklund weavers products on Amazon and they are beautiful!
Thanks, Susan, and I’m glad you now know of all three. The bull is quite the character and appears in a number of Pettson and Findus’ adventures.
Ekelund’s also sells their products throughout the US in kitchen shops and Scandinavian specialty stores. The towels are lovely, they must be as we have at least a dozen we use regularly.
Ron, every time I read one of your posts, Sweden is at the top of my to visit list! I would definitely stop for a tea towel from Ecklund weavers. Fortunately, I can make the pancake pie at home. It looks so wonderful!
Scandinavia is indeed a lovely travel destination. The Jul (Christmas) season is now in full swing here, with Christmas markets, Advent celebrations, and coming this Monday St. Lucy’s Day.
The pancake pie is fun to make and very popular with our grandkids.
Thanks for stopping by…
Glad to see you blogging again! Thanks for showing off that weaver. I can’t imagine 16 generations! I did a bit of a search, and the stuff I saw was all stunning. Thanks also for the pancake cake recipe! I’ve done something like this with crepes before – I’m glad the Swedish version is easier to make, because the one I made was a LOT of work.
Hi Jeff, I’m back indeed and glad to be here. I don’t know what frequency I’ll be blogging at in the coming months, but I’ll hit the keyboard when I’m inspired.
I hope you try the Swedish pancakes as I find them much easier to make than French crepes. However, a crepe pan sure helps.
You guys stay safe and have a wonderful holiday season…
I always love your posts and this one in particular. The video of the weavers was quite interesting. Haven’t watch weavers on a visit to the Amish country, where there are not machines, it was interesting to see the mechanical process of weaving. I did notice that it still required human involvement at times during the process. Quite meticulous work. I’ve never heard of Ekelund, but am going to check them out. Love the cartoons and the pannkakstårta is to die for! I love crepes and have always wanted to make something like this. I’ve made savory Indian patheri which we loved. Having several jars of jam in the cupboard, this sounds like a must make to me. Hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday!
Hi MJ, I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Having once hand weaving, I’m still fascinated by the automated weaving machines. And, yes it’s still very hands-on, or at least it is at Ekelund. I’m also glad to hear you enjoyed the carton and my introduction to pannkakstårta. If you like crepes, you’ll love Swedish pancakes.
Take care and thanks for stopping by…
It is so nice to see a post from you Ron and such an interesting one. Isn’t it amazing what machines can do now but even more so when you think about when those same products were made by hand. I’m so happy that you are well enough to venture away from home now, it must have been so nice to get away. Your pancake pie sounds irresistible with whipped cream and strawberry jam layered between the pancakes. I hope both of you had a wonderful Christmas.
Hi Karen, yes it was wonderful to get out and about, but it looks like another winter of facemasks and hiding out for us.
The pancake pie is a tasty treat. Take care and thanks for stopping by…