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.


This sauce is on the richer side so use sparingly

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.

Very healthy mini pies, perfect as a filling dessert after a light meal

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!

This pie is always a crowd pleasure. It never fails to satisfy!

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.

A very colourful salad, with deep red beetroots and bright yellow pineapple

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.

Spicy and festive pumpkin muffins

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).

Sweet and lovely jam thumbprint cookies

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!

These are absolutely lovely and so healthy

Sesame and Maple Syrup Treats

These are quick to make although they require some dexterity unless you use small cake moulds.

This is such a healthy jam and I absolutely love it

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.

My healthy, spicy Christmas loaf!

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

The perfect Christmas cookies

Spicy Gingerbread Cookies

When I make these, it only means one thing....Christmas is upon us!

A very simple loaf, perfect for a lazy Sunday morning

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 Oatmeal and Raisin Cookies

These are quite the lovely treats.

Spicy yet sweet muffins

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.

Perfect in late autumn when pumpkins are in season!

Spicy Pumpkin Loaf

This loaf is perfect when the pumpkins start to appear in late autumn.

A lovely meal, perfect for dinner and in your lunchbox

Stuffed Peppers

These are my version of the stuffed pepper I learnt how to make on a veggie course here in Iceland.

The most summery salad of all

Summer Salad with Oranges and Watermelons

If there was a competition for healthy salads, this one would clearly be a winner.

Mild and nice little nut loafs

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.

A very healthy meal packed with protein and healthy fats

Tuna Steaks and Noodles with Ginger and Tamari Dressing

This is the perfect meal for those who are trying to eat healthy yet lightly.

Low fat vanilla ice cream, perfect for every occasion and amazing in milk shakes

Vanilla Ice Cream

This is a low fat egg free, lactose free, gluten free and vegan vanilla ice cream. Sounds bad right?

One very healthy mousse!

Vanilla Mousse

When I was a kid I never used to like the mousse you could buy in the shops.

Packed with healthy fats, protein and antioxidants

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.

Amazingly healthy cookies and raw as well

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.