I’m Eeva, an acrylic painter and illustrator from Minnesota. I’m in Finland right now, and it has been a month of excitement! I came here because I wanted to connect with my Finnish roots, make some Finnish paintings, and experience a year away from home. I’ve been painting my favorite sights in nature and the city. So far that includes Repovesi National Park, cathedrals in Helsinki, birds, and more. I’ve gained inspiration from museums too - I was amazed to see Tove Jansson’s paintings at HAM (Helsinki Art Museum) last weekend. It’s amazing to see that nature is everywhere in Finnish art!

In addition to nature and art, I have enjoyed Finnish food. I didn’t initially come to Finland for the flavors, but for the experience. Now that I am here, I found a few flavors I enjoy - particularly the karjalan piirakka. I can’t get enough of the rice filling and the egg butter. So perfect. I am also impressed by the Dumle chocolates, pear flavored ice cream, and moose meat. I even tried garlic ice cream at the Kerava Garlic Festival!

Trying new foods is great, but cooking food for young Finnish taste buds is not easy. I’ve discovered that Finnish kids don’t like spicy things or peanut butter, so I’ve changed my cooking habits a bit. The kids found a recipe that we’d all enjoy because everyone likes chocolate.

Eeva, Onni, and Leo’s Finnish Cowpie Cookies: