Christmas

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I am quite the Christmas girl. When I was younger EVERYTHING had to be exactly according to tradition or otherwise I felt really bad all Christmas evening. We open up our Christmas presents on the eve of 24th of December, after dinner and desserts. I am not too hung up on the details any more because now I know that it's not what you eat, what you get for presents or how you decorate that is the most important thing. What is important is that you embrace your family, your children, your health and that you thoroughly enjoy the time you spend together. Christmas for me is being thankful for everything you have got in your life. That to me is what Christmas is all about and whether the table runner is red or orange or whether the dessert is chocolate treats or ice cream doesn't matter. At 6pm on the dot the church bells in Iceland start chiming and most families will sit down at around that time, the children squeeky clean wearing their best clothes. Most households will offer meat of some sorts (usually roasted, smoked pork with all the trimmings) and some will offer turkey. For me a lovely asparagus soup, a nut roast (perhaps free range turkey for my husband), healthy sauces, salads and home made bread really make „Christmas” come to life. A couple of lit candles also make the magic. I also make several desserts such as ice creams, confectioneries and cookies to enjoy with our coffee/mulled „wine” afterwards but the most important thing is that we have a roof over our heads, our good health and food in our tummies. For that I am always grateful.


I haven't met a single person that does not love these treats.

Chocolate and Almond Fudge

I haven't met a single person that does not love these treats. They are quick and easy to make and if you are expecting guests in two hours you can quickly make them.

Chocolate and Coconut Balls - A very Icelandic Treat

Chocolate and Coconut Balls

These chocolate and coconut balls are something that Icelandic children enjoy from the day they can say 'chocolate'.

I love to make these on a lazy Sunday, they go perfectly with the afternoon tea!

Chocolate and Coconut Treats

These are very simple to make and no chopping is required, just melting and combining. These treats are excellent if you are expecting guests in one hour as they are so quick to prepare.

Absolutely lovel pistachio treats, especially with a cup of tea

Chocolate and Pistachio Squares

Pistachios are good for your heart and can lower your bad cholesterol. They are also beautiful to look at with their bright green colour.

Chocolate, almonds and cherries..very festive and delicious!

Chocolate Biscottis with Almonds and Cherries

These are little slices of heaven.

Lovely ice cream, suitable for every occasion

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.

Very low fat chocolate frosting (without the icing sugar of course)

Chocolate Frosting

This is a very low fat and healthy frosting and you can use it on any cake you think might benefit from a chocolate frosting.

A massive and very filling cake

Chocolate Fruit Cake

This is a dense, moist and very, very filling chocolate fruit cake. I normally don't serve this after a large meal because people simply can't eat much of it.

Chocalate Mint Ice Cream, almost like After Eight!

Chocolate Mint Ice Cream

My husband said to me after scooping a spoonful (or ten) of ice cream into his mouth..."wow, this tastes exactly like After Eight" (the chocolate mints).

Delightful and healthy little treats, packed with goodness

Christmas Confectionery

Confectionery might perhaps not be the right name to use because it usually indicates something unhealthy wrapped in foil, out of a box with a nice picture on the front.

Cinnamon Cookies, the perfect Christmas cookies!

Cinnamon Cookies

These are my favourite cinnamon cookies. There is absolutely nothing that announces the arrival of Christmas more clearly than the aroma of these baking in the oven.

The simplest combinations are often the best

Coconut and Banana Salad

My sister in law, Elin (who has travelled extensively through Africa along with my brother) often makes this accompaniment and serves with Indian or African food.

One of my favourite bread rolls, I absolutely love them

Coconut Rolls (Buns)

These rolls are my all time favourite and I love the mild taste of coconut. It is far from overpowering so you can actually enjoy this bread with anything from mild cheese to pesto.

Lovely little treats which are packed with goodness

Confectionery

These are healthy little treats, perfect for your afternoon sugar craving.

My favourite nut loaf. It is an absolute winner every time

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!

A healthy mousse packed with vitamins and goodness

Date and Banana Mousse

I don't normally eat mousse since it often contains raw eggs (which I am not fond of) and/or gelatin which I would never, ever put into my mouth.

The perfect gluten free treat

Date and Carob Cookies

These cookies are gluten free and the perfect treat if you are having guests with gluten intolerance over for coffee.

Date and Orange Cookies

I swear to you, if I could lock the delicious smell of these cookies in a jar, I would do it and then open the jar a couple of times a day and just inhale the lovely aroma of oranges, cinnamon

Prunes are a fantastic source of antioxidants!

Date and Prune Confectionery

Before you decide that these treats are for the "elderly" only (because of the prunes), give them a try and knock the socks off your dinner guests.

A very simple yet delicious jam for every occasion

Date Jam

I use this jam for everything...as a layer when making cakes, on my toast, with hummus, on oatmeal biscuits, in my yoghurt and on waffles. It just goes with everything and is so easy to make.

A lovely teabread, perfect for that Sunday brunch

Date Loaf

I often make this loaf as it is hassle free and easy to put together on a lazy Sunday when you are perhaps expecting visitors. The loaf is also very healthy since dates are packed with fibre.

Perfect with a cup of nice coffee

Dried Fruit Treats

This recipe was given to me by my friend Lisa who found it in a Danish magazine. She immediately thought of me and I was sure glad she did because it is an absolute favourite.

A bowl full of sunshine, vitamins and colour

East African Fruit Salad

In every upmarket hotel/lodge I have stayed in when travelling in East Africa (and they are many) a fresh fruit salad is served at the end of a meal.

Healthy French fries...is that possible? Well yes it is!

French Fries (Chips)

I would never, ever, ever buy deep fried French fries or any other deep fried food for that matter because in my view, anything that is "cooked" in that way is completely ruined.

A very filling and healthy cake, almost a meal in itself!

Frozen Fruit and Nut Cake

This is quite an unusual cake but delightful none the less and very healthy.