Christmas with your colleague
Christmas with your colleague: Sara Christine Nielsen
Meet Sara Christine Nielsen, Campus Coordinator at the University of Southern Denmark in Esbjerg.
Can you tell from your office that Christmas is approaching?
Absolutely! I probably have the most decorated office at Campus Esbjerg. I've even been nicknamed "Gertrud Sand" once or twice.
Is there anything or anyone that lifts your Christmas spirit at work?
I keep a huge dish of sweets in my office, so anyone can drop by and grab a treat.
How are celebrating Christmas this year?
I'll be spending it with my wonderful family. The day will include a church service, a Christmas show, and a gift exchange game.
Do you or someone you know have any special Christmas traditions?
As traditional as it might sound, the women handle the cooking while the men light the candles on the Christmas tree. I especially enjoy it because I make the best homemade red cabbage.
What’s on your menu for Christmas Eve?
Duck, of course! And naturally served with my homemade red cabbage.
Do you have a favourite Christmas recipe to share?
Homemade Red Cabbage:
Ingredients:
- 500g finely shredded red cabbage
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 oranges, quartered
- Ribena cordial
- 0.5 dl apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 bay leaves
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 star anise
- 6 cloves
- 1 tbsp vanilla powder
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp redcurrant jelly
Sauté the red cabbage in butter for a couple of minutes, stirring until it softens slightly.
Add the Ribena cordial, quartered oranges, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves, vanilla powder, and thyme. Let it simmer for 25–30 minutes (or longer if possible).
Season to taste with honey, redcurrant jelly, salt, and freshly ground black pepper before serving.
What’s your favourite Christmas movie or song?
I absolutely love the advent series Krummernes Jul, which is airing on TV2 this year.