ChristmasChristmas
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.
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
These chocolate and coconut balls are something that Icelandic children enjoy from the day they can say 'chocolate'.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frozen Fruit and Nut Cake
This is quite an unusual cake but delightful none the less and very healthy.
