SpringSpring
Unfortunately we don't experience spring in Iceland. We completely skip this season. We don't even have a proper summer either so what we have is a mild and very, very, very long autumn and then winter and often a harsh one at that. In April everyone has had enough of snow because we know that our European neighbours are already enjoying their shorts and T-shirts. We feel left out and we start to hate living in Iceland. Then suddenly the snow melts away, the sun comes out (and doesn't set for the next few months, not even during the night) and we become optimistic and cheerful again. You might not be warm sunbathing unless you are away from the ever blowing cold winds and the mountains might still be white but you will feel better. There are no 'in season for spring' ingredients that grow in Iceland and what we have during spring is something I would never post onto this website (pickled ram's testicles, dried fish, blood haggis, putrefied shark, singed sheaps' heads and feet and more disgusting traditional stuff). Instead I have selected light and bright recipes that remind us of spring even though we don't exactly know what it is (we've only heard about it).
Asparagus Soup
I could not believe my taste buds when I first tried out this asparagus soup. It was so good and not at all what I had envisioned when I set out to create a more healthy version of the soup.
Australian ANZAC Biscuits
I have read several stories about the origin of the ANZAC Biscuits (never to be called cookies) and some myths are prevalent.
Avocado and Cantaloupe Salad with Lemon Grass Dressing
I love this salad, especially in the summertime. Cantaloupes are packed with Beta Carotene (which are converted into vitamin A in our bodies) and vitamin C and are very good for our eyes.
Avocado and Pineapple Smoothie
This is an excellent smoothie for the whole family. The pineapple contains Bromelain which is an enzyme that helps the digestive system.
Avocado Pineapple and Red Onion Salad
This salad is interesting and a bit different. You wouldn't necessarily bet on pineapple and red onion as a duet but it works!
Chicken Summer Salad
A very summery salad, perfect as a light and healthy meal on a warm summer evening. Although I am vegetarian my husband loves this salad and will sometimes ask me to make it for him.
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
I don't like ice creams that contain lots of cream, egg yolks or egg whites and are so fatty that when the ice cream melts in your mouth, it leaves a fatty layer inside it.
Coconut and Salmon Noodle Soup
This soup is the perfect one to make if you have a bit of leftover salmon in the freezer or fridge.
Cooling Watermelon Drink from Mombasa
I will never forget the time we arrived in Diani Beach, Mombasa (Kenya), 2006. It was spring and the sun was absolutely baking.
Curried Chicken and Grape Salad
This is a simple yet healthy meal, packed with protein and calcium and is also low in fat.
Grilled Mango
Mangoes are a quite amazing fruit. They contain phenols, which is a phenolic compound that has powerful antioxidant and anticancer abilities.
Iced Latte
I first had a similar iced latte at a cafe called Englen in Aarhus, Denmark. We were visiting friends from home, Sigrún (my namesake) and her husband Freyr.
Kachumbari (Tomato and Onion Salad) from Africa
This recipe was given to my by my sister in law, Lucy Mwangi who is from Kenya. Wherever I have travelled in East Africa, I have always been served a similar salad.
Mango and Coconut Ice Cream
This ice cream is a bit of tropical sunshine in a bowl. It doesn't contain any white sugar (only agave nectar) and is lactose (dairy) free, egg free and nut free.
Mango- and Ginger Soup from Masai Mara, Kenya
I got this recipe from a girl called Margaret Ngugi, a chef at Mara Simba Lodge in Masai Mara, Kenya during one of my trips there in February 2007.
Mint, Kiwi and Pineapple Juice
This is a fairly thick juice (more like a smoothie) but you don't need a juicer as you can blend the ingredients in a blender (or even a food processor).
Moroccan Orange and Olive Salad
This is a exceptionally lovely salad and a bit different than the salads we are used to since there is no lettuce or anything green in it.
Mushroom Soup
I think I would have to vote this one of my all time favourite soup recipes. It is simple, cheap, easy and that is always a good combination in my view.
Mussels and Potato Soup
In Iceland lots of people pick fresh mussels from the coastline. There are several places you can do this and one very popular is in the South-western part of the island.
Passion Fruit and Mango Smoothie
This drink is like Africa (or at least Tanzania and Kenya) in a tumbler. There are very few things that have reminded me as much of those places as the first sip I took of this drink.
Pear and Ginger Juice
This is a very cleansing and refreshing drink, perfect when pears are in season. Pears are rich in fibre and vitamin C and are very good for cleansing our systems.
Rhubarb and Strawberry Ice Lollies
These lollies are delicious. They don't contain any dairy products and are therefore perfect for those who are intolerant or allergic to dairy.
Shrimp Salad
This is a classic, Icelandic salad, served with bread, on crackers, as sandwich fillings and often when there is a gathering of people such as for birthdays.
