Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Taste of Norway
‘Kransekake’ is the perfect cake for a special occasion, including the Norwegian national day.
The flying baker Specialising in the traditional Norwegian almond-based ‘kransekake’ (‘wreath cake’), Grini Hjemmebakeri in Bærum, Norway, makes towered cakes that build on the traditions of the older generation. But they do it in a gluten-free environment, free from additives – and with great-quality ingredients. By Line Elise Svanevik | Photos: Grini Hjemmebakeri
Entrepreneur and ex-helicopter pilot Kate Ellefsen started her cake business on the family farm she grew up on. What started out as a hobby while working offshore in the North Sea, as it very much suited her shift patterns when she was not working, developed into a professional bakery. “The great thing about making these cakes is that they’re frozen after baking, so you can make them anytime and then simply take them out of the freezer when someone wants to buy them,” she explains, adding that she was inspired by her mother, who used to make them during her childhood.
copters. “In 1999, I got my helicopter pilot licence and carried on baking when I was at home,” she explains. “In 2005, we opened the seasonal bakery, located on my dad’s farm, where we are sixth generation farmers.”
A dream of flying
Up until this point, it had simply been a hobby, but the demand for her cakes was quickly increasing as the older generations specialising in this traditional cake were closing down. Working her way up the business ladder step by step, she eventually hired a full-time employee in 2009, who held the business open when Ellefsen was away at work.
A trained chef, Ellefsen quickly decided she could make food in her spare time, and that her real dream was to fly heli-
Three years later, she had her first child and decided to focus on the bakery full-
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time, allowing her to spend more time together with her now two kids.
Entrepreneur of the Year Last year, Ellefsen was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Asker and Bærum (Akershus County Council) thanks to her visibility in the local community as well as her drive and passion for what she does. This was also partly due to her involvement in hiring a wide range of people, and giving those people a chance in the first place. “I had a close collaboration with the job centre, and I’ve hired several of the people who have come to Grini Hjemmebakeri on a placement,” she explains. “That’s something the council values.” Ellefsen has also had students come for a week at a time for work experience during term time, demonstrating her dedication to the local community. Moreover, her traditional towered cakes are not just enjoyed by those located close by – people often travel from far afield to buy the cakes to bring to a Norwegian wedding abroad.