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.
Cashew and Mango Ice Cream Drops
This is a delicious treat. I love the look on my guests' faces when I serve them frozen treats. They never expect it (but are very delighted when they try it out).
Celery, Beet and Carrot Juice
If you are not into healthy eating, this drink probably might be a source of nightmares...it contains everything that "normal" people hate such as celery and beets (just add Brussel sprouts to comp
Chicken and Grape Salad with a Lightly Spiced Dressing
This is a simple and healthy meal, perfect on a summer's evening or if you want to treat your dinner guests to a very light meal. I often serve it with homemade bread.
Chicken Salad with A Curried Mango Dressing
This is a light salad perfect for the summer picnic at the park (at least if you don't live in Iceland where you are guaranteed that something will blow away from your setting and you will be freez
Chicken Summer Salad
A very summery salad, perfect as a light and healthy meal on a warm summer evening. Although I am vegetarian my husband loves this salad and will sometimes ask me to make it for him.
Chocolate and Date Ice Cream
This ice cream is one of the first ones I made during my days when I thought the only ice creams available were the ones bought from the shops, packed with rubbish.
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
I don't like ice creams that contain lots of cream, egg yolks or egg whites and are so fatty that when the ice cream melts in your mouth, it leaves a fatty layer inside it.
Chocolate Mint Ice Cream
My husband said to me after scooping a spoonful (or ten) of ice cream into his mouth..."wow, this tastes exactly like After Eight" (the chocolate mints).
Cleansing Citrus Juice
When I was making this drink for the first time it reminded me so much of Kenya. The reason for that is that in Kenya you get green oranges.
Cleansing Iron Rich Smoothie
This smoothie is particularly good for women since it is packed with iron from the beets (beetroots) and folic acid which is important for pregnant women.
Cleansing Pear, Carrot and Ginger Juice
This is a fantastic juice which I absolutely love and make several times each month.
Coconut and Banana Salad
My sister in law, Elin (who has travelled extensively through Africa along with my brother) often makes this accompaniment and serves with Indian or African food.
Cooling Watermelon Drink from Mombasa
I will never forget the time we arrived in Diani Beach, Mombasa (Kenya), 2006. It was spring and the sun was absolutely baking.
Coriander and Pear Salsa
This is a lovely side dish which goes well with all kinds of dishes such as spicy Indian curries and Thai food.
Courgette Hummus
This is a similar recipe to the one I found in the wonderful book Rawvolution by Matt Amsden.
Curried Chicken and Grape Salad
This is a simple yet healthy meal, packed with protein and calcium and is also low in fat.
Date and Apricote Smoothie
This is a healthy and filling drink, which I find perfect when I come home from the gym, especially at weekends.
East African Fruit Salad
In every upmarket hotel/lodge I have stayed in when travelling in East Africa (and they are many) a fresh fruit salad is served at the end of a meal.
Frozen Bananas with a Chocolate Dip
Bananas are an excellent fruit and even come in their own packaging!
Ginger Drink
This is a very refreshing drink, especially in the summer time, or when you have a cold. It is also good if you are detoxing.
Ginger, Carrot and Melon Juice
I prefer to use a Galia melon for this recipe but you can use whichever melon is in season (such as Honey Dew or Cantaloupe). Just make sure it is ripe.
Grilled Bread with Tomato Sauce, Carrots and Cheese
Just before you shake your head in disgust, keep in mind that the tomato sauce I use is NOT the usual, disgusting, red sauce (sometimes called ketchup, filled with additives and sugar) that many people buy and put on everything, especially on children's food.
Grilled Mango
Mangoes are a quite amazing fruit. They contain phenols, which is a phenolic compound that has powerful antioxidant and anticancer abilities.
