Spicy chicken chilli baguette - A taste of my school days

There’s something incredibly comforting about food that brings you back to simpler times. For me, one bite of a chicken chili baguette instantly transports me back to my high school and college years – long afternoons with my girlfriends, cozy corners at our favorite café, Mackmakeriet, and that unbeatable feeling of satisfaction after surviving a tough science test.

Mackmakeriet wasn’t just a café; it was our spot. A little sanctuary where we could drop our bags, order our favorite sandwiches, and talk about everything and nothing for hours. Out of all the delicious options, the chicken chili sandwich stood out. It was warm, spicy, creamy, and packed with flavor – perfect for those sleepy, post-exam afternoons when your brain felt like mashed potatoes. At least I did.

Sometimes, when my hunger was on another level (when you could eat anything), I’d go all in – order a whole baguette, half chicken chili, half chicken curry. It was the ultimate combo. I still dream about that flavor explosion.

Today, I want to share a version of that delicious baugette. It might not be exactly like the one from Mackmakeriet, but it’s close enough to make your soul smile :)

Ingredients:

• • 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
  • 1 small red chili, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • Pickled jalapeños
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • half cup crème fraîche or sour cream
  • 2-3 tsp sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tsp paprika powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • A squeeze of lime juice
  • Fresh coriander or dried parsley (optional)
  • Your favorite bread: baguette, ciabatta, or toast

  Optional add-ons:

  • Crisp lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Cheese (melts beautifully if you toast the sandwich!)

Metod:

1. Boil or pan-fry the chicken until fully done and season with salt, pepper and red paprika powder. Let it cool slightly, then shred or chop it finely. 

2. In a bowl, combine chicken, chopped chili, crème fraîche, sweet chili sauce, paprika, lime juice, salt, and  paprika powder. Stir until creamy and well-mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3.  Slice open your bread and generously spread the chicken chili mix inside. Add red onion slices,  jalapeños and if you like lettuce and tomato. Sprinkle over dried parsley.

4. Toast (optional but heavenly): For that café-style experience, toast the sandwich slightly in a panini press or oven until warm and lightly crispy.

That first bite...

Spicy and creamy with that perfect tang and crunch from red onion and jalapeños – it’s exactly what my younger self needed after battling Newton's laws or balancing chemical equations. And let’s be honest, it still hits the spot today after a long meeting or a rainy walk home.

So here’s to old cafés, good friends, and the flavors that never really leave you!

 Enjoy!

Quick last-minute work salad

We’ve all been there—working late, feeling hungry, and realizing we haven’t eaten yet. That happened to me one evening at work, and I had no plan for dinner. But a quick peek into our shared office fridge saved me!

What did I find? A small cucumber, some tomatoes, one boiled egg, salad leaves, a bit of feta cheese, an apple, and a bottle of crème de balsamico. Not much, but enough to make something delicious. I simply chopped everything up, drizzled the balsamico on top, and voilà—a fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet salad was born.

That evening, I learned a simple but valuable lesson: always keep some salad spices or simple dressings at work. A little seasoning can transform even the most basic ingredients into something tasty. Now, I make sure to have a small stash of essentials like olive oil, balsamic glaze, or a spice mix in my drawer—just in case!

Make Your Own Office Salad

The beauty of this salad is that it’s easy to recreate with whatever you have on hand. Here’s a simple formula:

✔ A base – Any leafy greens or chopped veggies

✔ A protein – Boiled eggs, cheese, or even canned tuna

✔ Something sweet & tangy – Apples, balsamic glaze, or a squeeze of lemon

✔ A topping – Feta, nuts, or croutons for texture

 Enjoy!

The perfect late-night dip with crisps

Some evenings call for something easy and indulgent —a snack that feels special but takes almost no effort. That’s where this creamy, savory dip comes in. It’s a simple blend of light crème fraîche, fresh lemon juice, aromatic dill, and finely chopped red onion. The result? A luxuriously smooth and tangy dip with crisps and veggies. Lately, crudités have been widely discussed on a popular food and lifestyle program, but this is my personal version—a no-fuss, extra-creamy dip that’s perfect for casual snacking.

One evening, while scrolling through Instagram, I saw a similar dip that looked so fresh and delicious. I knew I had to try it—but with my own twist. I decided to add my favorite vegetables, making it heartier and even more satisfying. Since then, this dip has become my go-to meal when I’m too lazy to cook dinner. It’s my little indulgence during my alone-time slot, those rare quiet moments when the kids and my husband are out at activities.

Ingredients:

3-4 tbsp of light crème fraîche

fresh lemon juice from half a lemon 

2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

2 tbsp red onion, finely chopped

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional for serving:

• Salted crisps
• Sweet paprika slices
• Carrot sticks
• Small gherkins

Method: 

1. In a bowl, mix together the crème fraîche, lemon juice, dill. 
2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and sprinkle over the chopped red onion.
3. Let the dip sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve with salted crisps and fresh vegetables for dipping.

One of the best things about this dip is how effortless it is to put together. Just stir the ingredients together, let the flavors meld for a few minutes, and you have the perfect snack for lazy evenings. 

Enjoy!

 

How to revive a few-days-old baguette: a quick trick

This is typical me—buying a fresh baguette, enjoying a few slices, and then forgetting about it for a couple of days. The result? A hard, stale baguette that doesn’t seem very appetizing. But I don’t toss it just yet! With a little creativity, it can turn it into something absolutely delicious.

One of my favorite ways to reuse an old baguette is to slice it up, drizzle it with olive oil, sprinkle on za’atar, and top it with crumbled feta cheese. Then, a quick toast in the oven, and voilà—you’ve got yourself a crispy, flavorful snack or side dish.

Ingredients:

• Stale baguette, sliced
• Olive oil
• Za’atar
• Feta cheese, crumbled

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Slice the baguette into thin or thick pieces, depending on your preference.
3. Drizzle each slice with olive oil, making sure they’re lightly coated.
4. Sprinkle generously with za’atar. Crumble feta cheese over the top.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy.
6. Enjoy warm, either on its own or paired with a dip like hummus or labneh (yoghurt)

Enjoy! 

Fresh & flavorful chicken couscous bowl

A meal that’s both light and satisfying is always a winner. I made this fresh and flavorful chicken couscous bowl last week, and it definitely hit the spot! It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a great option for either lunch or dinner. 

I started by frying tender pieces of chicken until golden and juicy. Meanwhile, I prepared the couscous, making sure it was perfectly fluffy and infused with spices, such as a pinch of curry and cumin, to enhance its flavor. The dish wouldn’t be complete without a mix of fresh, chopped vegetables—crisp bell pepper, juicy tomatoes, lemon juice and parsley. 

Once everything was ready, I combined the couscous, chicken, and veggies, creating a deliciously wholesome mix. To finish, I drizzled balsamic cream on top, adding a touch of sweetness and depth to the flavors.

 

Enjoy!

Mini thick pancake for the kids

Making pancakes for the kids is always a joy, because it is their favorite dish. I have also happily outsourced it to hubby. This time he made them smaller . He whipped up a batch of mini thick pancakes and served them with their absolute favorite toppings: creamy Nutella and a fresh mix of fruit.

The fruit selection included sweet pineapple, juicy strawberries, and kiwi, all chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy munching and dipping. 

To make the dish look even more delightful, I added a final touch—a light dusting of vanilla sugar powder. It not only made the pancakes look extra special but also added a hint of sweetness that tied everything together. 

Ingredients:

• 1,5 cup flour

• 0.5 cup sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 egg

• 1,5 cup milk

• 2 tsp vanilla sugar 

• 1 tbsp of melted butter

• Butter or oil for frying

Method:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. The batter should be thick. 

4. Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Drop small spoonfuls of batter onto the pan to create mini pancakes. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. 

5. Serve warm with Nutella, chopped fruit, and a dusting of vanilla sugar powder.

The kids absolutely loved their mini pancake feast, and honestly, so did I! It’s such a simple yet delicious way to brighten up snack time.

 Enjoy!

Evening Sandwich Delight – A Cozy Treat Made by Hubby

Ending the day with a comforting meal is pure bliss, and for me, nothing beats the joy of my evening sandwiches – especially when they’re made by my husband. It’s become a little ritual that I absolutely adore. Last night, he outdid himself again, creating four different kinds of delicious open-faced sandwiches, each one packed with flavor and made with so much love. The base for all of them was frökusar, a wonderfully hearty and flavorful bread filled with seeds, adding the perfect texture and taste to every bite. Last night, he outdid himself again, creating four different kinds of delicious open-faced sandwiches, each one packed with flavor and made with love. Cheesy, right! but I wouldn't have it any other way. The base for all of them was frökusar, a wonderfully hearty and flavorful bread filled with seeds, adding the perfect texture and taste. We bought them, but I am sure there is a recipe for how to bake yourself. I need to check this. 

Here’s what was on the menu:

🥪 Skagenröra sandwich – A creamy and indulgent seafood delight.

🥪 Butter, cheese & fresh veggies – Smooth butter, topped with cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and refreshing cucumber. A simple yet perfect combination.

🥪 Cheese, tomato, cucumber & olives – A mix of creamy cheese with tomato, cucumber, and olives. A Mediterranean touch!

🥪 Feta cheese, tomato, cucumber & olives – Another Mediterranean-inspired delight, this one with the bold, tangy flavor of feta cheese blending beautifully with the fresh veggies.

Each bite was a perfect balance of flavors, and of course, the best way to enjoy them was with a warm  cup of tea.

I love how food can bring warmth and love into everyday moments, and I’m so grateful for my husband’s thoughtful evening sandwiches. Simple, homemade meals truly are the best!

Enjoy!

 

A Simple Snack - Greek Yogurt with Muesli, Banana, and Blueberries

Sometimes, I get hungry but don’t feel like preparing a full meal. I just want something simple, delicious, and satisfying. That’s when I turn to my go-to snack: Greek yogurt with muesli, banana, and blueberries. It’s effortless to make, and tastes absolutely heavenly!

Ingredients:

Greek yogurt (plain or lightly sweetened)

Your favorite muesli

A handful of fresh blueberries

One ripe banana, sliced

A sprinkle of cinnamon (the magic touch!)

How to Prepare:

Scoop a generous portion of Greek yogurt into a bowl. Add a handful of muesli for that perfect crunch.

Toss in fresh blueberries for a burst of sweetness and antioxidants. Slice a ripe banana and mix it in. 

Finish it off by sprinkling some cinnamon on top—this step is a game-changer!

Whenever I need a quick pick-me-up, this snack never fails me. I also have it as breakfast. It’s always a perfect choice. 

Enjoy!

 

Mexican Bowl – A Homemade Take on a Holy Greens Favorite

A few months ago, my niece introduced me to an incredible dish at Holy Greens – the Mexicali Bowl with plant-based ground beef. It was a perfect balance of freshness, spice, and texture, and I instantly fell in love with it. Ever since then, I’ve been wanting to recreate it at home with my own twist. After some experimenting, I’ve come up with a plant-based alternative. This dish is full of flavor and easy to make and so lively with the tortilla chips. 

Ingredients: 

300g  plant-based ground “beef” 

1 yellow onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp chili flakes

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp lime juice

Salt & pepper to taste

Chipotle crème:

1/2 cup crème fraîche (or plant-based alternative)

1 tbsp mayonnaise

1 tsp chipotle paste (or 1/2 tsp chipotle powder)

1/2 lime, juiced

Salt & pepper to taste

Bowl ingredients:

4 cups cooked black wild rice

1 bag mixed greens (e.g., romaine, spinach)

1 cup pickled red onion

1 cup diced mango

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup corn 

1 chilli, chopped

1 cup shredded carrot and red cabbage 

1 cup tortilla chips (for crunch)

Method:

1. Cook the Vegan “Beef” by heating oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic. Add plant-based ground “beef” and spices, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and lime juice.

2. Make the Chipotle Crème by mixing all ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Assemble the Bowl:

• Place mixed greens at the bottom of the bowl.
• Add black wild rice, slow-cooked vegan beef, pickled red onion, mango, avocado, and broccoli.
• Drizzle with chipotle crème.
• Sprinkle with tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Enjoy!