SummerSummer
Ok so what we call 'summer' in Iceland our European neighbours would probably call spring or even autumn, but definitely not summer. An Icelandic heatwave constitutes of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Even though the mean temperature during those 'sweltering summer days' is normally only around 10°C (50°F) you will still see people 'sweating' in T-shirts and shorts, 'melting' in the sunshine, licking litres of ice cream (you know...to stay a bit cooler). If you go for a picnic in an Icelandic park, you will see people wrapped in blankets drinking hot drinks, shivering a little, trying to hold on to the cups and plates so that they don't blow away in the ever present chilly winds. At the end of the first sunny day during 'summer' in Iceland you will see dozens of lobster-faced Icelanders walking around with a big grin on their face (nobody uses sun screen, we think SPF 8 is a sun block). They most probably are heading home to cook up a barbecue and party all night because the sun won't set anyway so why go to sleep? I must admit that it is very confusing waking up at 4 in the morning with the sun shining directly into your eyes. Seriously though, if you wish to visit Iceland I would recommend going there during summer time (and then again during winter time). It is a very nice place to visit at this time of year.
I have collected recipes that are perfect for summer (in Iceland or anywhere else really) such as cold sauces (dressings) that go well with grilled food, juices, ice creams, ice lollies, salads, shakes and more.
A Very Sticky Nairobi Banana Smoothie
Oh dear, oh dear. It was September 2007 and me and my husband were travelling in Kenya. We were waiting to fly back to London and had a couple of hours to spend.
Abdalla Hamisi's Barbecue Sauce
In 2006 we were on one of our trips to Kenya as tour guides and we stayed in private cottages run by friends, down by Diani beach, Mombasa.
Almond and Cucumber Salad
I know I say this about nearly all my recipes but this one truly is amazingly healthy. It contains healthy fats, calcium, protein, fibre, antioxidants and minerals.
Apple and Grape Juice
This is one of the shortest recipe on my website. Short doesn't have to be bad though, right? This is a very refreshing and lovely drink, especially in summer.
Apple and Raisin Muffins
I love these muffins freshly baked. I often make them when I have apples that are turning slightly soft (past their best).
Apple and Tamari Dressing
This is a lovely, fat free salad dressing which can also be served with nut patties, burgers, grilled vegetables and more.
Avocado and Cantaloupe Salad with Lemon Grass Dressing
I love this salad, especially in the summertime. Cantaloupes are packed with Beta Carotene (which are converted into vitamin A in our bodies) and vitamin C and are very good for our eyes.
Avocado and Pineapple Smoothie
This is an excellent smoothie for the whole family. The pineapple contains Bromelain which is an enzyme that helps the digestive system.
Avocado Pineapple and Red Onion Salad
This salad is interesting and a bit different. You wouldn't necessarily bet on pineapple and red onion as a duet but it works!
Banana and Date Smoothie
One night, when home alone (Jóhannes was on a business trip in Portugal) I looked into my fridge and there was nothing in it apart from soy yoghurt and nail polish.
Beet Salad with Parmesan and Rocket Leaves
This is the perfect late summer salad. It has vibrant colours and a slightly sweet taste with a peppery kick. I adore beets (beetroots), especially baked as it brings out their subtle sweetness.
Berry and Rhubarb Ice Lollies
These lollies are as colourful as they are healthy. They are layered and I always like layered colours in food because it is fun to look at and gives you a mini selection of different tastes.
Birthday Nut and Date Cake
I often make this cake for my birthday which is why it bears the same name. I love serving delicious cakes that are gluten free, egg free, lactose free and vegan.
Blueberry and Banana Ice Cream
Yum..I absolutely love this ice cream. When I first made it I made a large batch and put the leftover into the freezer and then completely forgot about it.
Blueberry and Chocolate Ice Cream
Blueberries and chocolate are a fairly unusual combination, at least in an ice cream.
Blueberry Ice Cream Cake
I often make treats from blueberries in the autumn since the only berries we get in Iceland are blueberries and bilberries (and redcurrants).
Blueberry Tea
This is my favourite tea when blueberries are in season although I often make it with frozen blueberries as well.
Carrot and Celery Juice
Carrots and celery are a classic combination in the juice world and no wonder, I think it is amazing.
Carrot and Fruit Juice
This is more like a smoothie or a thick juice since the pear and nectarine are blended in a food processor or blender. You can also juice the fruits if you prefer a thinner juice.
Carrot and Sun-dried Tomato Bread
This is one of my favourite "different" breads. It has a nice aroma, colour and texture. I love it toasted with a slice of mild cheese.
Carrot, Pineapple and Sultana Salad
An easy and very healthy salad, the perfect side dish for the barbecue. I have tasted a similar version of this salad several times in Kenya.
Cashew and Banana Ice Cream
How often can you eat ice cream without worrying about clogging your veins?
