Spinach and Mozzarella Pastry Baked Salmon - recipe

As much as I adore classic salmon with potatoes, I'm always on the lookout for new recipes that offer a fresh take on this beloved dish. Scrolling through Instagram's quick food videos, I stumbled upon a tantalizing idea: pastry baked salmon. Eager to experiment, I decided to recreate this recipe at home, adding a delightful twist to our salmon repertoire. 

Ingredients:

Three boneless salmon fillets

1 ready-to-use pastry roll

1 mozzarella cheese ball

1 onion

1 handful of fresh spinach leaves

2 tbsp creme fraiche

spices: fish mix, herb blend, paprika powder, garlic powder to taste

Method:

1) Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Unroll the pastry dough and place it in the prepared baking dish. 

 2) Arrange the salmon fillets evenly on top of the pastry dough.

 3) In a skillet, gently sauté the chopped onion and spinach leaves with creme fraiche until the mixture is fragrant and the spinach is wilted. Season with your preferred spices, such as fish mix, herbs, paprika powder, and garlic powder.

 4) Spoon the spinach and onion mixture over the salmon fillets, ensuring an even distribution. Slice the mozzarella cheese ball into thin slices and layer them on top of the spinach mixture.

5) Using a knife, cut the pastry dough into strips as shown in the picture. Carefully lay one strip of dough over the filling at a time, weaving them together to create a braided effect.

Brush the pastry with oil and sprinkle dried herbs on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the salmon is cooked through.

6) Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy your delectable spinach and mozzarella pastry baked salmon with a side salad. 

Enjoy!

Creamy Potato Salad - recipe

As someone who appreciate the simplicity and versatility of salads, I often find myself turning to them for hearty yet light dinners. To elevate de dish and make it more substantial, I love incorporating potatoes into the mix. This is a delightful recipe for a creamy potato salad that strikes the perfect balance between refreshing flavours and satisfying textures. Whether served alongside grilled chicken or steaks at a BBQ or enjoyed as a standalone dish, this salad is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

4-5 potatoes

1/2 cup creme fraiche

handful of radishes, thinly sliced

1 spring onion, chopped

handful of fresh herbs, such as basil and mint, chopped

2-3 tbsp Dijon mustard

salt and pepper, to taste

garlic powder

paprika powder

Method:

1) Start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. Once cooked, allow them to cool down to room temperature.

2) While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the vegetables and herbs by chopping them into bite-sized pieces.

3) In a mixing bowl, combine the creme fraiche with Dijon mustard, adjusting the quantities to achieve your desired level of creaminess and tanginess. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika powder according to your taste preferences.

4) Once the potatoes have cooled, chop them into cubes and add them to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Let the flavours mix nicely in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving it.

Enjoy!

Vegetarian Feta Cheese Quiche (pie)

Cozy Comfort: Vegetarian Feta Cheese Quiche for a Rainy Day

On a rainy day, you want comfort food—something warm, savoury, and satisfying. Today, as the rain pattered against the windows, I decided to make a vegetarian feta cheese quiche. It’s a dish that perfectly balances rich, creamy flavours with the freshness of veggies.

Quiche has always been one of my go-to comfort foods. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be filled with whatever ingredients you have on hand. This time, I chose to keep it flavourful, with a filling of feta cheese, spinage, green beans, paprika onions, and cherry tomatoes. So tasty!!

As the quiche baked in the oven, the house filled with the most inviting aroma. It’s the kind of smell that makes you forget about the rain outside and look forward to digging into a warm, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

 1 ready-made pie crust (or homemade if you prefer)

1 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled

half zucchini, chopped

1 red paprika, chopped

1 cup green beans

1 onion, chopped  

4 large eggs

1 cup milk (or double cream for a richer quiche)

1 cup grated cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tsp dried oregano or thyme

Method:

 1. Preheat your oven to (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and press it into a pie dish. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up.

2. Sauté the chopped spinach in a skillet over medium heat until it wilts, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove it from the heat and set it aside. Then, continue to fry the remaining vegetables for about 10 minutes until they are soft.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cheese, salt, pepper, and dried oregano or thyme if using.

4. Evenly distribute the sautéed spinach across the bottom of the pie crust, then add the remaining vegetables and feta cheese. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

5. Place the quiche in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.

Allow the quiche to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side salad or enjoy it on its own.

When the quiche was ready, I cut myself a generous slice and paired it with a simple green salad. The creamy texture of the quiche, with its golden, flaky crust, was pure comfort on a plate.

Enjoy!

Butter and garlic baguette with tomato and mozzarella

When it comes to satisfying late-night cravings, few snacks rival the irresistible appeal of garlic bread loaded with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant herbs. This simple yet indulgent treat is a favorite in my household, perfect for snacking solo or sharing with loved ones during cozy evenings. Made with love and a handful of fresh ingredients, this garlic bread is a staple in my recipe repertoire.

I purchase the garlic and butter baguette that already comes pre-sliced with incisions from the freezer section. It is perfect for stuffing with tomato and cheese. I enhance the flavour further by adding fresh basil and parsley from the herbs on my balcony. 

 After assembling the ingredients, I place the bread in the oven and grill it at 200 degrees Celsius for 20-30 minutes until it achieves a golden-brown hue. The result is a delectable treat with gooey melted cheese that tantalizes the taste buds.

This delightful creation frequently makes an appearance as a side dish during my gatherings with family and friends. Their enthusiastic response and delight upon seeing it served at the table never fail to bring me joy.

Ingredients:

1 loaf of pre-sliced butter and garlic baguette

Fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced

Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Fresh basil and parsley leaves, for garnish

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a knife, gently pry open the cuts in the baguette, creating space to insert the toppings.

2. Fill each cut with alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients throughout the baguette. Scatter fresh basil and parsley leaves over the of the bread, infusing it with vibrant flavor and color.

3. Bake the garlic bread for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the baguette is golden brown and crisp around the edges. Once baked to perfection, remove the garlic baguette from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.

Whether served as a standalone snack or alongside a hearty dinner spread, this garlic baguette is guaranteed to leave everyone craving more.

Enjoy!

Egg and avoccado sandwich

My current favourite breakfast is a boiled egg served on a toasted bread with avocado spread. I simply sprinkle  it with paprika powder and black pepper for an extra kick of flavour. It's absolutely delicious!

Vegetarian pasty made with baking powder ( piroger) - recipe

Today, I whipped up a batch of delicious vegetarian pasties, and I must say, they turned out wonderfully! The dough was incredibly light and fluffy, and the best part? No need for yeast! I simply followed Anna Marias recipe, and the results were fantastic. After tasting these savory delights, I knew they would be perfect for picnics, so I'll definitely be making more in the future. For today's meal, I served them alongside a fresh salad and creamy hummus for a delightful spread.

Dough ingredients:
8 dl flour
3-4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 dl milk
100 g butter

Filling:
3-4 boiled potatis
Frozen vegetables: peas, corn, paprika
1 onion

Spices: paprika powder, cumin, garlic powder, curry, salt and pepper to taste

Method:
1) Begin by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. While they cook, dice the onion and sauté it with the frozen veggies over medium heat. Season with the spices listed, and once the vegetables are lightly browned, add the chopped boiled potatoes. Allow everything to cook together for about 20 minutes, adding a few tablespoons of water as needed. Once done, set aside to cool.

2) In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Gradually add the milk, stirring until a soft dough forms.

3) On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 5 mm thickness. Use a round cutter to cut out circles approximately 15 cm in diameter.

Spoon a portion of the cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border. Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape and firmly pinch the edges to seal. For a decorative touch, you can crimp the edges like a braid.

4) Preheat your oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Place the assembled pasties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy these delectable vegetarian pasties warm or at room temperature, paired with a crisp salad and creamy hummus for a satisfying meal. Perfect for picnics or any occasion! 

Enjoy!

Fake aoli with lemon - recipe

 

Today's culinary adventure took us to Lidl for a quick grocery run after a fun-filled day at the playground. While the kids clamored for chips and meatballs, my craving led me to indulge in calamari and aioli. With little time to spare, I had to get creative and whip up a faux aioli that turned out to be a delightful surprise. Even the little one couldn't resist dipping their chips in it and gave it their seal of approval!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp creme fraiche

1 tbsp mayo

Dash of lemon pepper mix

Salt and pepper

Paprika powder 

Lemon juice

Method:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the creme fraiche, mayonnaise, lemon pepper seasoning, salt, pepper, paprika powder, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Mix everything until well combined, adjusting the seasoning to your taste preferences.

2. Chill the aioli in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pair this creamy delight with freshly cooked calamari for a burst of flavor and texture.

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your liking, and get ready to be pleasantly surprised by the creamy goodness of this quick and easy aioli. 

Enjoy!

Leek and potato soup - recipe

When we're all feeling under the weather, I usually opt for something simple yet comforting. A warm soup is always a hit, especially with the kids. One recipe that came to mind a few days ago was this easy-peasy leek and potato soup. It's increadible tasty and surprisingly filling, guaranteed to boost your energy levels after just one bowl. 

Ingredients:
1 whole leek, sliced
4-5 potatoes, diced
2-3 tbsp cream fraiche
1 tsp cumin, ginger and nutmeg
1 small onion

2-3 tbsp oil

salt and pepper to taste

Method:
1. Slice the leek and onion, then add them to a deep non stick pot with a few tablespoons of oil. Fry them over medium heat until softened. Peel and dice the potatoes, then add them to the pot. Mix well and season with the spices, salt, and pepper to to taste.

2. Pour in a few cups of boiling water and  add the cream fraiche. Let the soup simmer for a good 20-30 minutes.

3. Once the potatoes are tender, blend the soup until smooth and silky using a food blender. If it's too thick, add more boiled water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve hot with a fresh baguette on the side.

Enjoy!

Mediterranean style omelette with vegetables and fried aubergine

In our family, breakfasts are usually simple affairs, but occasionally we indulge in a more substantial meal that includes frying, with eggs being a particular favorite. Recently, my husband made a delicious omelette stuffed with mushrooms, tomatoes, and paprika, served alongside golden-fried slices of aubergine. It was a flavorful and fulfilling meal.

 

Ingredients:

- 4 eggs

- 1 small onion

- A handful of cherry tomatoes

- A few mushrooms

- Half an aubergine, sliced into rounds

- Half a bell pepper

- Oil for frying

- Seasonings to taste: paprika, curry powder, Tuscan spice mix, garlic powder, dried oregano

Method:

1. Start by sautéing the chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers in a few tablespoons of oil until they become soft and golden. Next, stir in four eggs, mixing thoroughly. Add the seasoning ingredients and continue to stir until the eggs are fully scrambled. Set this aside.

2. Cut the eggplant into round slices and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Fry them over high heat until they are thoroughly cooked and have a golden color.

3. For serving, place the scrambled egg mixture on a round plate and arrange the fried eggplant slices on top in a circular pattern. Serve this dish with a freshly baked baguette and a cup of hot tea for a delightful meal suitable for any time of day.

Enjoy!

Bulgur pilaf with chickpeas and chicken - recipe

I would like to experiment little with bulgur and add more taste to it when I use it in my cooking. Today I decided to make a bulgur pilaf with chicken and chickpeas, as that was what I had at hand. It turned really good and fluffy. I think I will make this my picnic dish when we go out with the whole family. It can be served with alot really: a salad, pieces of meat, fish or just a bowl of yoghurt seasoned with mint and g,arlic. The choices are endless.

Ingredients:
1 cups bulgur with vermicelli
1 tbsp tomato puree
3-4tbsp oil
400g can of chickpeas
1 tsp cumin, garam masala, paprika powder
0,5 tsp ground ginger, garlic

Fried chicken:
4-5 chicken tenders cut to bite size
3-4 tbsp oil to fry in
1 tsp curry, paprika, cumin, parsley, ginger and garlic

Method:
1. Begin with cutting the chicken tenders in bite size pieces and marrinate in all the spices. Let sit for ten min. Then fry in an non-stick pan with few tbsp of oil on high heat. Turn ocassionaly and set aside once golden brown.

2. On a pot add few tbsp oil and the bulgur with vermicelli on medium heat. Add all the spices and the pure as well. Add the drained chickpeas. Salt and pepper to taste. Then add 2,5 cup of boiled water and let it come to a boil on high heat. Then turn the heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer for 20-30 min until the bulgur is soft and fluffy.

3. In a big serving dish, mix the bulgur pilaf with the chicken pieces. Serve with a nice tangy salad and maybe minty yoghurt.

Enjoy!

Pasta with sausage and vegetables - recipe

Sometimes we go through the day so quickly and in such rush I don't have time to pick up toddler from nursery and have food ready when come home. That means I have to cook after while he play a little more. I tried one day to make this fast recipe and it turned out actually really nice.

Ingredients:

Half cup double cream

2-3 tbsp tomato pure

Toscana mix blend

2 pieces sun-dried tomato

1 cup frozen vegetables

2 chicken sausages 

Pasta of choose, 1 cup

Oil 

Method:

1. Cut the sasauge and as to a pain together with the vegetables with few tbsp oil.

2. Brown a little and add spices and salt. Add the pure and cream and let it come to a boil. Then let it simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Serve with green salad. Toddler approved by eating two bowls. Happy mummy ;)

Enjoy!

Milk stewed macaroni and chicken meatballs - recipe

Eating pasta every week inevitably leads to requests from both my toddler and hubby for dishes that stray from the usual red sauce fare. I must admit, after a few weeks, even I start to crave something different.

So today, I decided to revisit a childhood favorite from my school days: milk-stewed macaroni (stuvade makaroner och köttbullar) and meatballs. It was a dish I adored back then, and seeing how well it was received by both my toddler and baby, I'm resolved to include it more often in our meal rotation. 

Back in school, we often enjoyed husmanskost, a term that encompasses traditional Swedish home-cooked fare. Fond memories of those meals inspire me to explore more recipes from Swedish cuisine, building a collection that I hope will be cherished by my children in the future.

Husmanskost refers to traditional Swedish home-cooked food, characterized by simple, hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. These meals often include staples like potatoes, meat, fish, and root vegetables. Husmanskost dishes are typically comforting and satisfying, reflecting the rustic and wholesome nature of Swedish cuisine. Common examples include meatballs, herring, pea soup, and various potato-based dishes like hash or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

4-5 dl macaroni 

6-7 dl milk

1 cup water

1 dl double cream

Salt, pepper nutmeg to taste

Method:

1. In a non-stick pan, bring the milk, water, and double cream to a gentle boil. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the macaroni to the mixture, then reduce the heat and simmer slowly until the sauce has thickened and the macaroni is tender. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

2. Serve the milk-stewed macaroni with your choice of meat. Personally, I find meatballs and ketchup to be the perfect accompaniment to this comforting dish. It's a combination that never fails to satisfy.

Enjoy this nostalgic and comforting meal, and here's to creating more culinary memories inspired by the flavors of Swedish cuisine! 

Enjoy!

Bulgur with chicken and potato stew - recipe

As we've been incorporating less rice into our meals, I've found myself turning to bulgur more often. It's been a hit with the family—tasty and satisfying, and it pairs well with nearly any stew. This time, I opted for a simple chicken and potato stew, using up ingredients from my pantry and freezer before our next big grocery trip.

I always worry about whether the kids will enjoy new dishes, but thankfully, they've been pleasantly surprised each time. Their hearty appetites and willingness to try new foods make me feel like a lucky mom.

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts

3 potatoes

2 onions

1 bell pepper

half a zucchini

fresh parsley

paprika, curry, 7-spice mix powder

1 vegetable stock

salt and pepper

2-3 tbsp tomato pure

Method:

1. Dice the chicken in 1 cm pieces and add to a deep pan with few tbsp of oil. Add rest of the vegetables and add the spices. Mix and let everything fry on high heat for 5 mins. Add 1 cup water and lower the heat. Add the tomato pure and let simmer for a good 30 min. Taste it and season if necessary.

2. Cook the bulgur according to package instructions. Typically, I heat a pot with a few spoons of oil and salt, then add 1 cup of bulgur. After mixing well, I pour in 1 1/4 cups of boiling water along with the vegetable stock cube. Lower the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff the bulgur with a fork once done.

Serve the stew and bulgur together, accompanied by a tangy green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

3. Once the stew and bulgur is done, serve them together with a nice tangy green salad.

Enjoy!

Fried tortilla bread with chicken stuffing (quesadilla) - recipe

Taco and Mexican cuisine are a delight to savor, and I find them quite easy to make. However, we often end up with leftover tortilla bread that tends to go stale since we rarely use them again. Being committed to a no-waste policy, I always try to repurpose them into a new dish on another day. This time, I opted to transform them into crispy fried tortillas filled with flavourful chicken and potato stuffing. The result? A dish we enjoyed immensely, prompting me to plan on making them as tasty snacks for picnics once the weather warms up. 

Ingredients:

Several tortilla breads

2 chicken breasts, cut in bite-sized pieces

2 potatoes

1 onion

1 dl sweet corn

1 yellow bell pepper

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika powder

1/2 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp ginger powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp oregano

1 dl grated cheese

oil for frying

Method:

1. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a deep pan over high heat, fry the chicken pieces with a sprinkle of the spices. Add the sliced potatoes, diced onion, and bell pepper, along with the remaining spices. Stir in the sweet corn and mix everything well. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat, allowing the stuffing to simmer until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together.

2. Once the stuffing is cooked through, place one tortilla bread in the pan and spoon half of the prepared stuffing onto one side of the bread. Fold the other half over the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Fry the filled tortilla until golden brown on one side, then flip and fry the other side until crispy and golden. Add a little more oil to the pan if needed.

Serve the fried tortilla bread with chicken stuffing hot, alongside a refreshing green salad for a lovely meal bursting with flavors.

Enjoy these crispy and flavorful quesadillas as a satisfying snack or meal, perfect for any occasion!

Enjoy!

Teriyaki salmon with vegetables and noodles - recipe

Lately, hubby has been suggesting we diversify our meals and try new options beyond rice. So, I decided to explore some exciting new recipes! Today, I whipped up a dish featuring salmon with homemade teriyaki sauce, paired with wok vegetables and egg noodles. 

I was a bit apprehensive about how the sauce would turn out, fearing it might taste too different from what we're used to since Asian cuisine isn't something I often cook. But I felt compelled to give it a shot, and to my surprise, it turned out wonderfully. What's even better is that my toddler enjoyed it just as much, which was a pleasant surprise!

With this success, I'm feeling inspired to explore more dishes from Asian cuisine. While we typically enjoy Asian food when dining out, I'm excited to bring those flavours into our home-cooked meals as well. 

Ingredients:

3-4 pieces of salmon
Egg noodles cooked according to package instructions 
500 grams pack of frozen wok vegetables 
sesame seeds
1/2 dl soy sauce
1 tsp sweet chilli sauce
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ginger powder
1 tsp curry powder
 A few tbsp oil
2 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil


Method:
1. Begin by sautéing the frozen wok vegetables in a deep pan with a few tablespoons of oil over high heat. Add 1 tsp sweet chili sauce and curry powder. Once golden brown, set aside.

2. Prepare the teriyaki sauce by combining soy sauce, 1 tsp sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well and add cornstarch to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finally, add sesame oil and sesame seeds.

3. Brush half of the teriyaki sauce onto the salmon pieces. Bake them in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius until golden brown, about 20-30 minutes.

4. Once the salmon is cooked, assemble the dish. Start with a bed of noodles, followed by the wok vegetables, and top with a piece of salmon. Brush more teriyaki sauce over the salmon before serving. 

Enjoy!

Vegetable wok with chicken tenders and rice - recipe

Today I tried to use up some of the things I had in the freezer. I had a bag of frozen wok vegetables and a few chicken tenders. Together with soy sauce and rice that are always available at home, it was a piece of cake to put them together to this delicious wok meal. Quick dish that don't require alot of work as the vegetables were already cut, which is nice. Here it goes.

Ingredients:

A bag of frozen wok vegetables

Few chicken tenders

Rice

Oil

Soy sauce

Seasoning: ground ginger, paprika, curry powder, cumin, salt pepper

Method:

1. Cut the chicken tenders in bite sizes and fry in a pan with few tbsp of oil. Add some curry powder and salt to taste. Once golden brown set aside.

2. Fry the wok vegetables in oil in same pan on medium/high heat. Add the seasoning and few drops of soy sauce. Once done, set aside.

3. Cook the rice according to the package. Add some seasoning. I used ginger powder, curry, turmeric and few pods of cardamom.

4. Once everything is cooked, serve it all together, rice, wok vegetables and finish with the chicken. Add more soy sauce. It was really good and full of flavours. Nothing authentic, still wonderful and filling. 

Enjoy!

Berry pie with vanilla icecream

Often when hubby is asked to buy stuff, he buys many of the same category to safeguard from getting told of in Case he buys the grown item. Instead of puff pastry he bought pie dough. Oh well, no in harm in that. It is always nice to find new items to experiment with in the kitchen. 

So before the pie do experied, hubby reminded me to use it up. I had frozen berries and vanilla ice cream in the freezer. So I thought let's make a nice dessert.

Ingredients:

Bought pie dough

Frozen or fresh berries, blue berries and strawberries

Ripe pear

Vanilla sugar

Vanilla ice cream 

Method:

1. I rolled out the dough and placed it in an oven form. All excess dough I cut in long strips. Then I cut the berries in thin slices. I put the pear slices first and then the blueberries and strawberries. Sprinkled over the vanilla sugar to taste, roughly 2 tsp. 

2. I folded down the pie dough from the form and added the strips of the leftover. It almost covered it all. Then baked the pie in the oven for about 40 minutes at 180 degrees. I took out once it was golden brown.

3. To be served with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream. It was so tasty. The pie was not to sweet so it was perfect with the ice cream

Enjoy!

Spagetti with this lovely cheese sauce and toscan dip spice blend works heavenly together. Today hubby craved a white pasta as he was tired of the red pasta he declared. So we made up a version together. He cooked the spaghetti, I explained that we needed to make a cheese sauce so he grated cheese. After max 30 min, it was all put together. The taste is so rich and flavourful, thanks to this lovely dip blend. I bought it from the oil and vinegar shop.

Ingredients:

Spaghetti, boiled according to package

2-3 tbsp oil

2 tbsp flour

1-2 cup grated cheese

1 cup milk

Toscana dipper spice mix to taste

1 tsp grated nutmeg

Salt and pepper

Olive oil to taste

Method:

1. Boil the spaghetti according to package, drain it and sprinkle over some of the spice mix.

2. Add flour, oil and milk in a deep pan and mix well to prevent flour to become lumpy on medium/high heat.

3. Add the cheese and mix well until it has melted and the sauce thicken a bit. Add salt, peppar, spice mix to taste. 

4. Once sauce is done, mix it with the spaghetti and sprinkle some dried herbs over and some grated parmesan cheese over. You will love this rich, yet simple vegetarian meal, I promise!

Enjoy!

Basbousa (semolina and coconut) cake - recipe

During a visit to a friend who had just welcomed a new baby, I was treated to a delightful homemade cake. Despite my protests about the effort involved, my friend shared her secret with me, revealing one of the simplest cake recipes I've ever come across—and I've baked quite a few! Surprisingly, all you need for this recipe is a glass!

Named Basbousa, this cake comes from the Middle East and is renowned for its rich flavors and sweet syrup soaking. However, I prefer to serve it without the syrup, finding it perfectly delicious on its own. This semolina cake has won the approval of both young and old every time I've made it. Best of all, you can use the same glass to measure all the ingredients.

The story behind Basbousa is as rich and diverse as its flavors. It is believed that the dessert's name is derived from the Arabic word "basbasa," which means to soak or drench. This is a fitting name, as Basbousa is typically soaked in a sweet syrup after baking, adding moisture and sweetness to the cake. The cake holds a special place in Middle Eastern culture, often served during festive occasions. It symbolizes hospitality and generosity, as it is commonly shared with family, friends, and neighbors.

 Ingredients:
1 glass oil

1 glass semolina

1 glass natural yogurt

 1 glass coconut

1 glass sugar
1-2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
2 eggs
Almonds for topping

For the syrup:

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

1 cup (240ml) water

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional)

Method:
1. In a bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar, mixing well until combined. Then, slowly incorporate the remaining ingredients, ensuring everything is thoroughly mixed. If desired, you can add a few drops of orange flower water for extra flavor.

2. Grease the cake pan generously with oil and coat it with coconut flakes to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and arrange almonds on top. Aim for evenly spaced squares, with each square featuring one almond to guide your cutting later on.

3. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the cake turns golden brown. 

4. Once cooled, place a kitchen paper under the cake to absorb any excess oil before slicing. This light and fluffy cake simply melts in your mouth, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

5. If using the syrup: in a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the rose water or orange blossom water, if using.

6. Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot cake, allowing it to absorb the syrup. Be sure to pour the syrup while both the cake and syrup are still hot for best results. Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting it into squares along the scored lines.

Serve the Basbousa squares at room temperature, garnished with additional slivered almonds if desired. Enjoy this delicious Middle Eastern treat with a cup of tea or coffee!

Enjoy!

Guacamole with creme fraiche - recipe

I bought a net of avocados at Lidl thinking baby will like it. But he spat it out no matter what I mixed it with. So I forget them in the fridge. After few days I saw them and decided to use them up. They were perfectly ripen and perfect for a guacamole. To make it a healthier option, I used crisp flat bread instead of tortilla crisps. Equally yummi!

Ingredients:

4-5 small ripe avocados

2-3 tbsp creme fraiche

Handful chopped fresh parsley

1 ripe tomato, chopped

Juice from 1 lemon

Seasoning to taste: salt, garlic powder, cumin, paprika

Method:

1. Cut out the avocado flesh and mash it with a fork in a wide bowl. Press the lemon juice over it, to prevent the avocados to become brown. Add the creme fraiche and mix well.

2. Chopp the parsley and tomato finely and add it to the bowl. Season it with the spices to taste. Mix well and cover with plastic foil and keep it in the fridge.

3. Serve with crisp flat bread or tortilla chips. I made the flat bread crispier by putting it in the toaster for few seconds. Be careful not to burn it though.

Enjoy!

Homemade hot chocolate

When you thought that it is time to remove all winter clothes and shoes, the weather suprices us with 20 cm of snow during the night. Oh well, the smile on toddler's face in the morning when he looks out through the window, so worth it. But I had to treat myself to a nice hot cup of homemade chocolate. Super easy!!

Ingredients:

Roughly 1-2 dl double cream

4-5 dl milk

2 tbsp kakao powder

2 tsp sugar

Season of choose: I chose a sprinkle of vanilla powder and ground cardamom

Method:

Mix everything in a sauce pan on medium heat until well mixed and piping hot. Don't let it boil though. Gives enough chocolate for two cups in case you like to share it. 

I enjoyed it with a nice cheese sandwich ;)

Enjoy!