SummerSummer
Ok so what we call 'summer' in Iceland our European neighbours would probably call spring or even autumn, but definitely not summer. An Icelandic heatwave constitutes of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Even though the mean temperature during those 'sweltering summer days' is normally only around 10°C (50°F) you will still see people 'sweating' in T-shirts and shorts, 'melting' in the sunshine, licking litres of ice cream (you know...to stay a bit cooler). If you go for a picnic in an Icelandic park, you will see people wrapped in blankets drinking hot drinks, shivering a little, trying to hold on to the cups and plates so that they don't blow away in the ever present chilly winds. At the end of the first sunny day during 'summer' in Iceland you will see dozens of lobster-faced Icelanders walking around with a big grin on their face (nobody uses sun screen, we think SPF 8 is a sun block). They most probably are heading home to cook up a barbecue and party all night because the sun won't set anyway so why go to sleep? I must admit that it is very confusing waking up at 4 in the morning with the sun shining directly into your eyes. Seriously though, if you wish to visit Iceland I would recommend going there during summer time (and then again during winter time). It is a very nice place to visit at this time of year.
I have collected recipes that are perfect for summer (in Iceland or anywhere else really) such as cold sauces (dressings) that go well with grilled food, juices, ice creams, ice lollies, salads, shakes and more.
Grilled Pepper and Olive Relish
This is a delightful little salad/relish, perfect as a sandwich topping or as relish with grilled food. It is a nice alternative to the usual salad.
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.
Irio (Mashed Potatoes with Onion and Peas)
I have had Irio on many occasions when travelling through Kenya. It is originally a dish of the Kikuyu people.
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.
Kiwi and Lime Juice
When my husband tasted this drink for the first time he said: "Mmmmm delicious, I would definitely buy this drink if sold somewhere".
Lime and Macadamia Pies
This recipe is similar to a recipe I found in Raw Food Real World Cookbook which is one of my favourite raw cookbooks. It is absolutely amazing and the recipes are gorgeous.
Lunchbox Salad
I often make a large salad as a side dish to a dinner and pack the rest for my lunch the next day.
Magic Drink for Kids
Getting kids to eat their "five a day" can be a bit tricky. As soon as some children hear any mention of veggies (or fruit), they run out the door.
Mango and Banana Muffins with Pecan Nuts
There is something divine about mangoes, bananas and pecan nuts. Mangoes are used quite a lot in Africa and so are bananas, you see banana trees everywhere.
Mango and Cashew Ice Cream
This is a wonderful, wonderful ice cream and it is packed with protein, and healthy fats.
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 Peanut Butter Smoothie
I love, love, love this smoothie. Bananas, mango and peanut butter is a divine combination.
Melon and Yoghurt Smoothie
I love the cooling effect of this drink and I often serve it after a spicy meal.
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).
Mixed Berry Smoothie
This smoothie is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. It is thick and creamy and I love its deep colour which, depending on the berries in season is blue, purple or pink.
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.
Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad (Tricolore)
Although my husband doesn't eat cold cheese (only melted...I know...weird) he loves cold mozzarella.
Oatmeal and Jam Cake (Wedded Bliss Cake)
This cake is called Hjónabandssæla (Wedded Bliss Cake) in Iceland and is very popular in most households. It is similar to the Austrian Linzertorte.
Orange, Carrot and Ginger Juice
This is a lovely juice and one you could easily buy (overpriced, mind you) in a juice bar or a health food store as it is a classic combination.
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.
Pecan Pie with Chocolate and Cashew Filling
This pie is absolutely delicious. I have served it on million occasions and it never fails to satisfy, even the most difficult chocolate lovers.
Pineapple and Beetroot Salad from Naivasha
I remember vividly when I saw this salad for the first time. I was in Naivasha, Kenya, at a small lodge just by Lake Naivasha.
Pineapple and Blueberry Smoothie
I guess you didn't think of putting pineapples and blueberries together in a drink did you? It is actually a lovely combination and the smoothie is quite easy to make.
Pineapple and Coconut Muffins
I thought of naming these muffins Pina Colada Muffins but found it a bit tacky. What do you think? Should I change the name?
