Here at jellybean, we couldn’t agree more with the Director of Culture at Liverpool City Council Claire McColgan’s sentiments about Liverpool’s successful and truly impressive hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. She said: “Over the last two weeks in Liverpool we have shown the UK and the rest of the world that if you invest in culture properly, if you have the right people with the right attitude, magic can – and will – happen.” Hear, hear Claire. As a specialist food and drink agency, we love any opportunity to celebrate culture, music, and diversity, especially when it’s in our home country and especially when we can combine it with great food and drink. Eurovision is the perfect blend of these.

The team at jellybean had an absolute blast watching the show and hosting our own Eurovision parties with friends, family and loved ones. It’s become a tradition for us to gather around the TV, cheer on our favourite acts, and engage in friendly banter about who will take home the coveted Eurovision trophy. The excitement and energy that Eurovision brings are contagious, and it’s always a memorable night for many of us beans.

Of course, as proud supporters of the UK entry, we were disappointed with Mae Muller’s result. Although she may not have achieved the same level of success as Sam Ryder did last year, we believe Mae equipped herself so well as an ambassador in the run up to the big night and showcased her talent and unique style admirably on the Eurovision stage. Her performance was vibrant and filled with personality, and she definitely had the support of the UK public, even if the Eurovision judges and public in other countries didn’t feel quite the same.

But let’s not dwell on the disappointment for too long because there were plenty of amazing acts and a fair few clangers too (naming no names Portugal!) that graced the Eurovision stage. Sweden’s Loreen emerged as the winner with her captivating song “Tattoo”, amassing an impressive 583 points. Loreen’s emotional performance and powerful vocals resonated with audiences, securing her a well-deserved victory.

And whilst we didn’t find a UK Eurovision winning act in Mae, I think many of us would agree that we have found an absolute national treasure in the UK’s Hannah Waddingham. What a star she was.
In the spirit of Eurovision, where different cultures come together, let’s take a quick culinary journey to Sweden and indulge in some delicious Swedish recipes. Here are a few traditional Swedish dishes for you to try:

Swedish Meatballs: These iconic meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices, and served with creamy gravy and lingonberry sauce. They are a true Swedish classic.
Gravlax: Gravlax is a marinated salmon dish that is cured with salt, sugar, and dill. It’s typically served thinly sliced on bread or crackers, accompanied by a sweet mustard sauce. It’s a delightful appetizer or brunch addition.
SmörgÄstÄrta is a Swedish sandwich cake that is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. It consists of layers of bread filled with various ingredients like smoked salmon, shrimp, eggs, and mayonnaise. The cake is then decorated with colorful toppings like cucumber, radishes, and dill.
Kladdkaka is a rich and gooey chocolate cake that’s popular in Sweden. It has a slightly undercooked center, giving it a deliciously sticky texture. It’s often served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar): No Swedish recipe list would be complete without mentioning kanelbullar. These sweet and aromatic cinnamon buns are a staple in Swedish baking. The dough is infused with cardamom and filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, resulting in a heavenly treat.

We hope these Swedish recipes will excite you with the vibrant culinary scene of Sweden and add some Eurovision flair to your dining experience. Remember, Eurovision is not just about the music; it’s a celebration of culture, diversity, and we think great food and drink too. We look forward to doing it all again next year!