Autumn
Autumn is my favourite season. I love the colours of the leaves and the slight chill in the air although it is still fairly warm during sunny days. It is the time of preparing for school, buying sharp pencils, crispy books and new pens. I also love the fact that I am now able to make stews, soups, casseroles and anything hot. I love bowls of warm soup, especially when it is raining heavily outside and my old house shakes and wobbles in the heavy storms as it has done for over a 100 years. There is something so satisfying about using your own produce as well and the autumn month is packed with goodies such as rhubarb, cauliflower, parsnips, carrots, beets and more. And the blueberries, oh my. I am like a blueberry-vacuum cleaner because I pick for days to freeze for later use.
Many of the recipes you will find here are 'in season' during the autumn months although keep in mind that what we have in season in Iceland may be different to what you are used to in your country. Some of the recipe may not contain ingredients that are 'in season' but may have bribed me to be allowed in the autumn category.
Magic Drink for Kids
Getting kids to eat their "five a day" can be a bit tricky. As soon as some children hear any mention of veggies (or fruit), they run out the door.
Magical Pumpkin in Coconut Sauce
I famously had a very similar side dish once in Nairobi which you can read all about in the The Spinach Dish From the Mystical House in Nairobi's Forest. It is a lovely, slightly sweet side dish with a delicate coconut aftertaste. It is absolutely lovely served with main dishes that include spinach, especially Indian and African food.
Mediterranean Seafood Soup
This soup is quite versatile as you can use various types of seafood. I particularly like mussels and salmon or haddock in it.
Mexican Style Haddock
Now, Mexican and Haddock might not be two words you would expect to see in the same sentence but to be honest this is a perfect match.
Mint Tea
This drink hardly requires introduction since it is widely enjoyed all over the world. I have had mint tea in Japan, in Africa, in the US and of course in Europe.
Mixed Berry Smoothie
This smoothie is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. It is thick and creamy and I love its deep colour which, depending on the berries in season is blue, purple or pink.
Mixed-seeds Bread
I love this bread fresh out of the oven with a slice of cheese and healthy jam (without preservatives or added sugar of course).
Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad (Tricolore)
Although my husband doesn't eat cold cheese (only melted...I know...weird) he loves cold mozzarella.
Mulligatawny (Indian Vegetable Soup)
This soup is Anglo-Indian i.e. the influence is both from Asia and Europe.
Mushroom Soup
I think I would have to vote this one of my all time favourite soup recipes. It is simple, cheap, easy and that is always a good combination in my view.
Mussels and Coconut Noodle Soup
This is one of those recipes which has an endless ingredients list.
Mussels and Potato Soup
In Iceland lots of people pick fresh mussels from the coastline. There are several places you can do this and one very popular is in the South-western part of the island.
My Sister in Law's Apple Pie
My sister in law gave me this recipe although I am not sure where it is from originally.
Nectarine and Pear Smoothie
This is a lovely smoothie and not too difficult to make.
Oatmeal and Jam Cake (Wedded Bliss Cake)
This cake is called Hjónabandssæla (Wedded Bliss Cake) in Iceland and is very popular in most households. It is similar to the Austrian Linzertorte.
Orange, Carrot and Ginger Juice
This is a lovely juice and one you could easily buy (overpriced, mind you) in a juice bar or a health food store as it is a classic combination.
Oven Baked Root Vegetables
There is nothing better than preparing this dish with your own vegetables from the garden.
Oven Baked Vegetables with Pasta
A very simple and cheap dish, perfect for the mid week headache of "what should I have for dinner?".
Pad Thai Noodles
This is a very healthy version of Pad Thai noodles and I often use both tofu and vegetables only in this recipe and it still tastes grate.
Pear and Ginger Muffins
Pears are a very good source of water-soluble fibre. They contain vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, folic acid and niacin.
Pearl Barley baked with Spinach, Garlic and Mushrooms
This is a light yet healthy meal, perfect as a light dinner. It is packed with complex carbohydrates, iron, folate and other vitamins and minerals.
Pesto, Parmesan and Olive Bread
I tried these bread rolls with an African Zanzibar tomato soup I often make.
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.
Pineapple and Blueberry Smoothie
I guess you didn't think of putting pineapples and blueberries together in a drink did you? It is actually a lovely combination and the smoothie is quite easy to make.
Pineapple and Carrot Muffins
These muffins are perfect for summer and healthy as well. The pineapples are very good for your stomach, containing bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins.