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.
Peanut Sauce from Uganda
I remember tasting a very similar sauce in Uganda one time. It was served with potatoes and barbecued goat and beef.
Pecan and Cashew Mini Pies
I love cashews and bananas whipped together. It becomes such a creamy and delicious blend, all I want to do is eat it and then some more!
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.
Pumpkin and Banana Muffins
Pumpkins (the meat) are very high in carotenoids which gives pumpkins their deep orange colour (the same compound as in carrots).
Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies
These are the perfect treats for adults and children alike. They are also a breeze to make and most children love helping out (making the indentation) which is of course a very important job!
Sesame and Maple Syrup Treats
These are quick to make although they require some dexterity unless you use small cake moulds.
Spicy Blueberry Jam
This is more of a thick sauce than a jam as I don't use gelatin or other thickening agents. You can make it thicker by using pectin.
Spicy Christmas Fruit Loaf
Although the loaf seems quite complicated to prepare it is actually fairly easy, especially if you are able to break the task down over a few days (chop the fruits on day one, prepare the batter on
Spicy Loaf
This is a very simple bread, very popular in Iceland. I didn't like butter when I was a child (even refusing it on my toast) however this was about the only thing I would spread butter on.
Spicy Orange and Carrot Muffins
I love the spicy aroma that surrounds my kitchen when making these muffins. I absolutely love the combination of orange and spice, it is so divine.
Stuffed Peppers
These are my version of the stuffed pepper I learnt how to make on a veggie course here in Iceland.
Summer Salad with Oranges and Watermelons
If there was a competition for healthy salads, this one would clearly be a winner.
Tomato Mini Nut Loafs
These are lovely little loafs/patties which are perfect on your Christmas table if you are a vegetarian. They also look quite festive if you team them with a nice, green salad.
Tuna Steaks and Noodles with Ginger and Tamari Dressing
This is the perfect meal for those who are trying to eat healthy yet lightly.
Vanilla Ice Cream
This is a low fat egg free, lactose free, gluten free and vegan vanilla ice cream. Sounds bad right?
Walnut and Honey Treats
These are quite unusual because normally I don't use honey (I am not that keen on honey). I find however that it fits perfectly with the sesame seeds.
Walnut and Raisin Cookies / Treats
Walnuts are amazingly healthy and are sometimes called the "heart's seat belt" because of their heart protective qualities. They are also good for our brain.
