My cousin in Sweden sent me a photo of the traditional egg and shrimp and red onion birthday cake. 

Back in the new country, I made up a very good summer drink:

Fill a pitcher with vodka or gin
Cut up a cucumber and toss it in
Mash up some fresh basil and/or mint
Add lemon and lime juice (fresh because you’re not a heathen)
Let it steep for a little while
Serve over ice with soda water

(Served 6 nicely but not too nicely)

The first time my friend Dave saw it, he asked if it was an alcoholic salad.  Yup. Pretty much.  But it’s delicious.