I'm back again with a new question...

This morning, I visited Swedish Bakery here in Chicago and bought a pastry called biskvier. I asked them about the ingredients and they told methat they coat the pastry with something called "Semper" chocolate. I've searched this site and asked the internet, but no clues on where to buy this brand. Can anyone help? It's a simple question, I know, but I want to make them at home and I want to do it right. Thanks!

By Yankee on Wednesday, May 09, 2001 - 03:30 pm: Edit

Why don't you call the pastry shop where you bought this item and ask them? It may be a brand name, or a general name for a type of product, or an employee who doesn't really know what it is. Your best bet is to go back to the source.

If it is simply a type of coating chocolate, there are many types out there. "Semper" sounds like a brand name for a type of inexpensive coating chocolate that does not require tempering: "semper/temper." Get it? Just a guess.

By Seashell on Wednesday, May 09, 2001 - 03:44 pm: Edit

MMMMmmmmm biskvier! I live in Sweden! Semper is indeed a Swedish brand, Semper chocolate and marmelade. It is part of a larger concern which has been sold, and the buyers don't want the chocolate and jam sections, so it's up for sale. I don't know if this is available in the states, but any good quality chocolate will do the trick for you. If you need a recipe let me know.

By d. on Wednesday, May 09, 2001 - 06:07 pm: Edit

The Semper chocolate I've used was a chocolate compound coating with a hint of orange flavor to it. Swiss Chalet may be carrying it, but I'm not sure.

By MarkG on Wednesday, May 09, 2001 - 10:57 pm: Edit

Was this the bakery on Clark Street in Andersonville area? I grew up in Chicago area and loved that bakery. Not only were the pastries yummy, the ladies who worked there were delightful! Also, Ann Sathers' Swedish restaurant on Belmont Ave. had the best fruit soup...Sorry to digress.

Mark

By W.DeBord on Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 07:48 am: Edit

Ann Sathers' on Belmont... do they serve food there???? I spent so much time calming my poor Iowa farm boy husband down from all the "funny sights" there, I never noticed what the food tasted like. He had to send his silverware back twice to get something useable, then wanted to take a blood test before we got home.

Just kidding....but it's a crazy neighboorhood!

By Rubble (Rubble) on Thursday, May 10, 2001 - 12:30 pm: Edit

First, thank you everyone for your feedback.

I did call Swedish Bakery and asked where I could buy Semper chocolate. They said it was hard to find in stores and that they buy it from a distributor in Minnesota. I plan to scour the Swedish delicatesens (sp?) after work today.

Mark, I'm sure some of the ladies that you knew at Swedish Bakery are still there. (Agnes & Florence are still there!)

Ann Sathers has branched out. Due to the popularity of their cinnamon rolls, they now have a number of tiny cafe-bakeries on the north side of the city. And yes, Ann Sathers on Belmont DOES serve food. Some of my friends don't care for the food there, but I still think it's the best place for breakfast on a Sunday morning (if you can get in...)

Thanks so much again!