Summer
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.
Vanilla Ice Cream
This is a low fat egg free, lactose free, gluten free and vegan vanilla ice cream. Sounds bad right?
Vanilla Milk Shake
I absolutely love to make this milk shake on a warm summer's day (which happens around once every summer in Iceland with a "heat wave" of 20 degrees Celsius/68 Fahrenheit..I know, pretty sad).
Warm Blueberry and Vanilla Sauce
I absolutely love this sauce. It is so good with everything. I use it on pancakes, waffles, on ice cream, in milk shakes and whatever I think goes well with blueberries.
Wraps with Spinach and Hummus
In my view wraps are the perfect lunch and the perfect light meal, they always go well down with dinner guests and each and every time I serve them I get asked for the recipe.
Yoghurt Almond Salad with Bananas and Raisins
This salad is a perfect side dish for various dishes although it teams up especially well with spicy food as the yoghurt acts as a fire extinguisher in the mouth!