Potatoes are always available, whether you like to mash, stuff or fry them they are deeply satisfying. This potato dish is perfect for cold winter nights. Normally served as part of a Swedish Smörgåsbord at Christmas or Easter and traditionally made with cured sprats, cream and onions. Swedish Grebbestads Ansjovis (cured sprats) are available from…
Festive
Swedish Saffron Bread with Almond & Vanilla Filling
Here we are the 1st December – and so the Festive season begins. Baking is one of my favourite activities at this time of year, I love the ritual of creating Christmas treats for family and friends. This is a Swedish classic; an enriched sweetened bread referred to as saffranslängd. Now the translation isn’t pretty:…
Swedish Glögg (mulled wine)
Glögg is a crucial part of the lead up to Christmas in Sweden with parties thrown throughout Advent and always served on 13th December, St Lucia day. Many Swedes attend several glögg parties every weekend in December! Glögg is the Swedish version of mulled wine, but it is not quite the same, the spices differ and an…
Chocolate Truffle Selection
There is nothing like receiving a handmade gift! Choosing the right present for your a friend or relative can be difficult, particularly when you’re shopping for somebody who seems to have absolutely everything already! The last thing you probably want to do is spend money on something that’s going to sit on a shelf, unused. …
Christmas Saffron Wreath with Cranberries and Orange
The countdown is on! Only 17 days left to go, sorry don’t want to stress you out but what will you be baking this Christmas? Maybe you don’t fancy making mince pies this year and want to try something a little different. I want to share this with you in case you’re looking for any…
Beetroot & Horseradish Cured Gravlax
The gravadlax I ate in Sweden as a child, prepared by my mother and grandmother always tasted so fresh, with vibrant flavours, accompanied with dill flecked mustard sauce, undoubtedly had a given place on the smörgåsbord served at Midsummer parties and the Christmas celebration Julbord. Infact Swedes enjoy it at any celebration, served finely sliced,…
Ris à la Malta (Swedish Rice Pudding)
It wouldn’t be Christmas in my house without ‘Ris à la Malta’ A lightly sweetened rice pudding, infused with vanilla and cinnamon served with fruit. My Mother and Grandmother always used to serve it with a cherry compote, an appealing festive red next to the pure white of the rice looked so pretty. It’s traditionally served after the…
A Festive Cocktail with a Citrus Zing
It goes without saying that winter’s citrus makes us want to celebrate. Yes, it’s the sunshine in a season otherwise filled with vegetables grown underground, citrus is also worthy of our praise because it’s incredibly versatile. Citrus in all its forms brings much to the party: Quarters are muddled, peels are zested, oils are extracted, and wedges are…
Festive Christmas Canapés
It goes without saying that we all want to be organised at Christmas so if you have unexpected visitors or you’re planning a party you’ve got something prepared ahead or something stashed in the freezer. These festive bites are excellent to prepare ahead, even freeze and pull out when needed. Do remember that when you prepare…
Simple and Light Spiced Pears
During the festive, season I find that there is an abundance of rich food, the Christmas pudding with brandy butter is not a favourite of mine so I always like to offer an alternative lighter option. With their juicy flesh and mellow fruity personality, pears take well to slow simmering in flavoursome liquids such as a fruity red wine or…
