WinterWinter
During winter time I love making comforting food that warms me up, such as soups, stews and casseroles. Often, when enjoying my meal I can hear the very strong winter wind screaming at the windows and if you peek outside you might see a blizzard covering up everything in snow. And you wonder where you parked your car because you might not find it in the morning. Icelandic winters can be harsh and when Mother Nature is determined to keep you inside, the best thing to do is cook something nice. When I was a little girl we often had to leave our house through the balcony on the first floor because there was so much snow in front of the main door on the ground floor we couldn't get out. We rode snowmobiles to school and in the evenings we laid out in the snow watching the Northern Lights dance around in the sky. I am not fond of the cold winters which is why I am like a bear that goes into hibernation. I just want to be inside in my warm house (all houses in Iceland have geothermal heating which means that the houses are some of the comfiest and warmest you can find).
The recipes that I have collected in this category really reflect the long winter days when the only thing you want to do is crawl under a warm blanket with a mug of lovely, chunky soup.
Curry Nut Loaf
This is my favourite nut loaf. It is originally from a book called World Food Cafe in London. The cafe is amazing and so is the book, I definitely recommend both!
Dhal (Lentil Soup) with Pumpkin and Coconut Milk
I actually had to bake this soup in an oven proof baking dishes since the gas on my stove finished, just in the middle of my cooking!
East African Vegetable Soup with Nuts and Sweet Potatoes
This is a substantial soup and for those who think that soups are "not a meal" (like my dear father), think again because with all these ingredients you can't help but feel satisfied and full.
Egg-drop Soup with Sweetcorn
This is a very cheap, easy and simple soup to make and is light as well. I really like that combination! I often make this recipe mid week when time is limited.
Farmer's Bread
Ok I admit I actually don't know of any farmers or a farmers' wifes that make this bread.
Fish Patties
I know that these should be named Fish Cakes rather than Patties...I just can not name anything with fish in it Cake-anything. I refuse to do it!
Ginger Drink
This is a very refreshing drink, especially in the summer time, or when you have a cold. It is also good if you are detoxing.
Hadda's Tomato Soup
Hadda Fjola Reykdal is a friend of mine I met in art school. We studied the beautiful art of printmaking (a technique which I absolutely adore) although she is now a renowned painter.
Haddock in Coconut Sauce with Basil and Cherry Tomatoes
Basil and tomatoes are not the first ingredients that come to mind when cooking haddock but this combination works really well.
Hazelnut and Vegetable Patties with Yoghurt Dressing
These patties are lovely, especially since they contain hazelnuts...and I love hazelnuts. You can however use cashew nuts instead or even almonds if you prefer.
Helga's Tandoori Chicken
If there is any meal my husband calls his absolute favourite, it's this one. Unfortunately I can't take credit for the recipe since I got it from a former employer of mine in Iceland.
Kenyan Baked Eggplant and Tomatoes
Eggplants and tomatoes are widely used in Kenya and are actually a good combination as you will find in this hearty dinner perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Kitheri - Kenyan Vegetable Stew
Just like the Italians have different Bruschetta for every region in Italy, so do the Kenyans have for Kitheri.
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".
Lentil and Spinach Soup
If you are thinking of a recipe to serve on your first date, this is definitely not it! Lets just say that you will come under some "pressure" ha ha.
Lísa's Chocolate Chip Cookies
If you have been using my site you should be familiar with my friend Lísa by now. We are foodie friends and know each other through my website. We share recipes, thoughts on food and much more.
Lobster Soup (Bisque)
I am not particularly fond of lobster or shrimp although I might eat it a couple of times a year. My husband however loves both.
Magical Pumpkin in Coconut Sauce
I famously had a very similar side dish once in Nairobi which you can read all about in the The Spinach Dish From the Mystical House in Nairobi's Forest. It is a lovely, slightly sweet side dish with a delicate coconut aftertaste. It is absolutely lovely served with main dishes that include spinach, especially Indian and African food.
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.
Maple Syrup and Vanilla Cookies
These are absolutely perfect for Christmas, especially if you cut them into fun shapes such as stars, snowflakes, snowmen or whatever reminds you of the festive season.
Mediterranean Seafood Soup
This soup is quite versatile as you can use various types of seafood. I particularly like mussels and salmon or haddock in it.
Mexican Style Haddock
Now, Mexican and Haddock might not be two words you would expect to see in the same sentence but to be honest this is a perfect match.
Mint Tea
This drink hardly requires introduction since it is widely enjoyed all over the world. I have had mint tea in Japan, in Africa, in the US and of course in Europe.
Mixed-seeds Bread
I love this bread fresh out of the oven with a slice of cheese and healthy jam (without preservatives or added sugar of course).
