Scandelights

Nights in, The Crown and a lot of cooking!

Published on January 15, 2020 by HannaLeave a comment

The third week of November feels like forever ago, but it was a nice week (apart from one blip) and I cooked a lot!

The Monday was pretty blah though. I worked, had leftovers for dinner and went to bed early.

The next day I went to The New Forest with work and had a Pret breakfast on the train. Sadly this brioche egg muffin seemed nicer than it was.

After a full day away I came home and started watching the third season of The Crown…

… while eating chocolate chip cookies I made at the weekend.

The next day I had grilled cheese for lunch because of a sudden melted cheese craving (love melted cheese!).

And for dinner I had crisps and dip in front of The Crown. Please don’t judge. And love that series! It’s still great even with a whole new cast!

Thursday I had a healthier lunch of burrata and avocado. Yum!

And in the evening I met up with Laura at a cosy pub. We had dinner and wine and a proper catch up. So lovely!

But I didn’t feel to well the next day. Not hungover, more like something I ate didn’t agree with me. So I was pretty miserable and tired and couldn’t eat the whole day.

But managed to cook in the evening (with some help). First I made puff pastry bites with browned butter, chopped red onions, herbs, creme fraiche and salmon roe (recipe to follow!).

Next we had a lovely beef and ginger stir-fry with rice and sesame broccoli (recipe to follow!).

After a lie-in the next morning I felt lots better and cooked us two courses for brunch. Both oeufs en cocotte with pancetta…

…and American pancakes with blueberries, lightly whipped cream and maple syrup! So yummy!

In the afternoon we went looking at motorcycle helmets and gear and stopped by Krispy Kreme on the way home, so we had doughnuts and tea in the afternoon.

In the evening I made puff pastry nibbles yet again, but this time with cheese, speck, philadelphia and chives (recipe to follow!).

I also made us Presa Iberico with crispy potatoes, aioli, romesco sauce and padron peppers. Sooo yum! (Recipe to follow!).

The next morning my boyfriend had to get up early for work so I stayed in bed and had avocado toast for breakfast.

I spent the day prepping dinner, reading and drinking hot chocolate.

And in the evening we had whipped browned butter (recipe to follow) with baguette and fennel salami.

And pork belly slices with potato purée, carrots, wilted spinach and a creamy sauce. We also tried a failed pudding attempt which I won’t post until it’s successful!

Recipe: Caramelised Bacon Bites – Perhaps the Best Canapé Ever!

Published on January 14, 2020 by HannaLeave a comment

When I cook for a party the food do get some attention, but mostly I just want to the food to be one positive element of the party; what’s important is the mix of food, cold drinks, fun people and a nice atmosphere.

But at our Christmas party the week before Christmas a lot of focus was on the food, and one canapé in particular – these caramelised bacon bites! One can say they were the star of the show, the diva in fact, because they were talked about a lot.

And I understand why, as this little morsel of deliciousness places itself in that perfect intersection between salty and sweet and crispy and chewy, but it also has a hint of spice and a smokiness that makes every single bite (and trust me, you will eat many!) interesting.

So without much further ado, I give you the recipe. It’s the brain child of the fabulous Ina Garten and I salute her for creating something this perfect AND easy to make. But I have made quite a few changes to the recipe. I only omitted one ingredient (pecan nuts as some guests were allergic), but as I made enough of these to feed a small army, I also changed the method (and size) slightly to save time.

Caramelised bacon bites, makes 30

Adapted from Ina Garten’s recipe.

118 ml light dark brown sugar

2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1/8 tsp cayenne

2 tbsp good quality maple syrup

225 g fairly thick slices smoked streaky bacon

Pre-heat the oven to 190C. Cover a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Mix all the ingredients apart from the bacon in a bowl. Cut each bacon slice into three (I found using scissors the easiest way to do this) and place with space in between on the parchment paper covered tray.

Pat in the sugar mixture in a thin layer on each bacon piece using a teaspoon then bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until browned but not burnt. Leave to cool on the parchment paper. Serve at room temperature.

Happy New Year!

Published on January 7, 2020 by HannaLeave a comment

Dear readers,

Happy New Year!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a great start to the new year! As much as I am excited about a new year, a clean slate and a bit more free time, this is also my least favourite time of year. There I said it!

I’m not a fan of the cold and darker months but it’s OK as long as there is something to look forward to, like Christmas. But this stretch after the Christmas break is the worst with long dark January and cold February ahead.

I will try to battle it with good books, lots of sleep and seeing friends. But please, Spring, hurry up!

I also hope I will have more time for the blog and instagram these slower months. And I will try to embrace the slow; I definitely need more of that!

Hope you’re all having a good week! And if, like me, this isn’t your favourite time of year either, it’s OK. It doesn’t have to be.

Lots of cooking, some baking and a “failed” date night…

Published on December 12, 2019January 14, 2020 by Hanna1 Comment

The second full week in November was quite chilled after a lovely weekend away – just what I needed!

On the Monday I did laundry (love it!), had Shake Shack for dinner and watched TV before going to bed early. A really good Monday routine – apart from the burger.

Tuesday I started reading Northern Lights by Philip Pullman as I wanted to read it before we watch the series. I also watched some TV, catching up om The Morning Show and FBI. For dinner I had fish tacos!

Wednesday I made a really lovely halloumi wrap for lunch and in the evening I had noodles with cucumber. (Will post both these recipes soon!) I also watched a film that I missed at the cinema; Colette with Keira Knightley and Dominic West based on a true story.

The next day I did lots of work errands running around the city and taking some nice pictures as I went. Love being out and about on a dry day! For lunch I had leftover noodles topped with my new love crispy chilli flakes in oil. So so good! And for dinner I made tortilla pizzas.

Friday night I made chicken satay and a lovely pudding with raspberries and browned butter (!), will post these soon too!

Saturday I made cookies and chilled during the day and in the evening we went out for dinner but sadly didn’t have the best experience. Bad service and atmosphere. Luckily the company was amazing; we honestly have fun wherever we are so it didn’t ruin our date night, the food was good (but not amazing) and the wine really good.

On Sunday we had a nice lie-in followed by our usual breakfast AND brioche French toast (will post this too, but so behind at the moment)…

…and in the evening I cooked us a little homage dinner to Martin of Tours which we celebrate in my part of Sweden the week before. We had cream of mushroom soup to start and duck instead of goose as the main course.

Copenhagen: Bæst Revisited!

Published on December 8, 2019December 8, 2019 by HannaLeave a comment

Since we only go to Copenhagen once a year it’s tricky to balance the urge to go back to old favourites with the excitement of trying new ones. So we do a bit of both, resulting in a day of feasting our way around the beautiful city. But as we get around mostly by walking it works!

So after trying a new bar, a new restaurant for lunch and another new bar, we went back to Bæst for their amazing pizzas! We loved it so much last year and it was just as good this time around.

But since we had had something yummy to eat at Rudo too, we didn’t go crazy ordering all the menu, which we did last year. We had just one starter; the garlic bread with lardo which was just lovely!

And then we moved on to what we were here for: the pizzas! Or more specifically, that Margherita I’ve dreamt about for a whole year! And yep, it was just as amazing as I remembered it!

But we did broaden our horizons a little trying two new pizzas too. This one with stracciatella, garlic, mushrooms and herbs was really nice (but almost a little too herby for my liking).

And lastly we had this one with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, prosciutto and rocket. Also really really good, but the margherita is the best ever! So when you go (because it’s just a matter of time really, you totally should go!), make sure you ordered it!

Bæst, Guldbergsgade 29, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark

Welcoming December!

Published on December 5, 2019 by HannaLeave a comment

It’s December! I don’t know how we got here so quickly but although this month is pretty exhausting I do love everything it has to offer. Christmas lights, Christmas parties, all the sparkle and festive cheer and of course the food. So I thought I’d share my best December recipes with you, in case you want to add a little Scandi twist to your celebrations. We have glögg (Swedish mulled wine), two recipes for gingerbread, lots of recipes with saffron, the best rocky road and so much more!

But let’s start with a little cocktail! I made this clementine prosecco drink with rosemary last year for the book club Christmas dinner and it was a real hit! It’s festive and in my opinon the best way to start a Christmas drinks party!

Another favourite are these mini Jansson’s temptations. It’s a classic Swedish Christmas dish with grated potatoes and onion, cream and anchovies. I know it sounds weird but you got to try it if you even remotely like dauphinoise potatoes. It’s compulsory (in a big dish) at every Christmas smorgasbord and every family have their own version of it. This is how my mamma makes it and it is of course the BEST!

Does making your own gingerbread seem daunting? Then this recipe is for you! It’s quick to mix together in a pan and after it’s chilled in the fridge over night all you do is cut it and bake it. No rolling, no cookie cutters needed. And they’re so so yummy! And highly addictive!

But if you’re itching to use your cookie cutters (I am, love my little collection of traditional – and other – shapes!) then this is the best recipe to use. They’re quite subtle in flavour but absolutely delicious and the dough holds up really well. I have noticed though that it’s easier to use on some surfaces than others so try your way. And make sure you chill it in the fridge overnight!

Another super traditional Swedish Christmas biscuit are these crispy almond biscuits that we fill with cream and jam. Again I have the best recipe for you (thanks to mamma again!) that never fails or sticks to the mould. They’re called mandelmussla (almond mussle or clam) in Swedish which is just the cutest name!

Next I’m going to share some saffron recipes! It’s probably because of the saffron buns we eat at Lucia that makes us associate this lovely spice with the festive season, but I love anything saffron, like this cake with white chocolate for example! So nice (and easy to make!)!

I also love this saffron cheesecake, which you can either serve whole or in little bites like I’ve done here!

And of course this lovely golden saffron pannacotta!

Moving on to the proper sweets, this rocky road with honeycomb is one of the best you can make. It’s super easy (just be careful with the honeycomb – or use a Crunchie bar or store-bought honeycomb) and really fun to make!

And these toffees are amazing too! You need a good thermometer but other than that’s it’s super easy! And the toffees are silky and yummy; definitely worth making and they make lovely little gifts too!

If you want to make your own mulled cider or Swedish glögg, you’ll find the recipes here!

I thought I’d give you my favourite weeknight supper recipe too, while we’re at it. And it’s this kale soup with frikadeller (pork quenelles). It’s warming, wintery and obviously good for you with all that kale!

But let’s finish this little peek into the archives with a lovely Christmas dessert; my Winter pavlova with clementine curd, clementines and pomegranate! It’s absolutely delicious and a lovely way to finish off any festive meal!

Birthday dinner, Christmas event and a weekend in the country!

Published on November 29, 2019 by HannaLeave a comment

The first whole week in November started nicely with Shake Shack and Younger (it’s finally available in the UK!) and an early night. I know it sounds decadent with a takeaway on a Monday, but isn’t that when we need it most?!

Tuesday I moved on to another show; The Morning Show on Apple TV +. Really good so far!

On Wednesday I met up Gaby and Ro for dinner to celebrate Ro’s birthday! So lovely!

Thursday I ate and shopped my way through Fortnum & Mason in the evening. Such a fun event!

Friday we drove north for a weekend in the country and had a lovely TV supper in front of Pointless and Doc Martin in the evening.

On Saturday we had baked potatoes for lunch and in the afternoon I baked a cake which we ate in front of the fire and in the evening we got dressed up for a fun dinner party!

The next day was Remembrance Day so we went to the village church for a remembrance service and then had leftovers from the night before for lunch. Such a treat! We drove back to London in the evening but first had supper in front of the fire. So cosy!

Updated: Jerusalem Artichoke Soup 3.0 – with the Best Topping!

Published on November 28, 2019 by HannaLeave a comment

Even though I obviously think about other things too (work, skincare, loved ones) food is on my mind a lot. I don’t actively think about it all the time but sometimes thoughts about food are idling in the background until they need my attention.

And it was one of those idling thoughts that led to the discovery of the best topping for my favourite soup!

I have used prosciutto crumbs a lot lately (because they’re so so delicious!!) and suddenly it hit me that maybe they would work as topping for my creamy Jerusalem artichoke too? And yes, they did!

They’re not as salty as bacon (tried that but it didn’t work for me), yet offer a nice texture (unlike fried mushrooms – tried that too!) and they accompany my already favourite topping of chopped shallots perfectly.

Soooo, let me introduce you to my newly perfected Jerusalem soup recipe – with that wonderful new topping! Hope you like it too!

Jerusalem artichoke soup 3.0, serves 4 as a starter

2 shallots, finely chopped

1 tbsp butter

750 g Jerusalem artichokes, peeled and cut into similar sized pieces

water

1/2 good-quality stock cube (chicken or vegetable)

100 ml double cream

salt and pepper

Topping:

3 slices prosciutto

1 shallots, finely chopped

Fry the onions until soft in the butter without browning. Add the Jerusalem artichokes and fry for a minute. Cover with boiling water. Add salt and the stock cube and bring to the boil. Once the Jerusalem artichokes are soft, drain half the cooking liquid but keep it aside. Purée the Jerusalem artichokes and remaning water (adding more of the cooking water if needed) until you have a thick soup. Add the cream to the soup and bring it to the boil again. Season to taste.

While the soup is underway, pre-heat the oven to 200C. Place the prosciutto slices on a baking parchment covered tray and let them crisp up in the oven for approx 5 minutes. Leave to cool and chop it into crumbs.

Divide the soup between four bowls. Add chopped shallots and prosciutto crumbs.

Recipe: Burrata with Girolles, Dill and Browned Butter

Published on November 26, 2019 by HannaLeave a comment

As you may already know, I’m a HUGE burrata fan (which my archives can attest to!) and I eat it as often as possible during summer when there are plenty of tomatoes around because it pairs so well with the creamy pillowy cheese. But tomato season is sadly over and as a result there has definitely been less burrata in my life because I just haven’t found that perfect autumnal pairing for it. Until now.

And it’s all thanks to Instagram and this post from Tuvessonskan! The slightly garlicky girolles and the nuttiness of the brown butter works so well with the creaminess of the burrata while the dill and lemon adds freshness. Do not forget the lemon; it balances the butter perfectly!

Burrata with girolles, dill and browned butter, serves 2

1 small burrata

1 baguette (or crostini)

150 g fresh girolles

1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp oil for frying

1 small garlic clove, finely chopped

50 g salted butter

1/2 lemon

plenty of fresh dill

salt and peppar

Remove the burrata from the fridge at least 30 minutes before you need it. Fry the mushrooms in oil an butter. Add the garlic towards the end. Season and put aside.

Brown the butter in a medium-sized pan on medium-high heat. Wait for it to foam up a lot and turn brown (but not dark) and smell nutty. Remove from heat.

Place the burrata in a shallow bowl or something with an edge. Arrange the girolles around the burrata. Spoon over the browned butter. Squeeze some lemon over the whole thing. Scatter with plenty of chopped dill. Season one last time and serve with bread.

Eating out, theatre and weekend cooking!

Published on November 25, 2019 by HannaLeave a comment

This week at the end of October, beginning of November was quite busy both work wise and socially with two weeknights out, so at the weekend we stayed in and hibernated.

Monday was quite uneventful. I survived my least favourite day of the week, got my work done and had leftovers for dinner.

The next day I took the train to The New Forest and worked there all day.

When I got back in London I met up with a friend for dinner. We went to Temper Covent Garden and had a lovely evening!

On the Wednesday I used up some leftover girolles from the weekend and made myself a girolle toast for lunch.

On Thursday straight after work three of us had a quick bite to eat at Chick ‘n Sours before going to the theatre to see Groan Ups.

Now, I’m not a big comedy fan, so when everybody else were laughing hysterically I only smiled, but a good comedy should have other elements too that I definitely can (and do) appreciate. And this one had them all; clever writing, really good acting, clever ways to tell the story and a deeper meaning underneath all the jokes, so I really (!) enjoyed it. Go see it!

On Friday I probably made the last caprese salad for the season (as I refuse to use imported flavourless tomatoes) and in the evening I updated this gnocchi recipe and took it to a whole other Friday night level. You’ll find the new version here! And for pudding we had an ice cream sundae with homemade chocolate sauce. Easy and delicious!

On Saturday we had eggs for breakfast (like always) and in the evening I made us Jerusalem artichoke soup (also updated – will post this soon!) to start followed by perfectly cooked cod loin with beurre blanc, new potatoes and peas. For pudding I attempted chocolate soufflés from a random recipe I found on the recipe. Although edible (just) it had completely the wrong texture, and wasn’t at all what I would call a soufflé so will have to find a better recipe!

Sunday my boyfriend played golf and I baked a brown butter sponge cake with brown butter frosting. The frosting was amazing but I thought the cake itself a bit too try so will need to perfect this too.

For dinner I made us girolle toast followed by the most amazing slow-cooked short rib with caramelised garlic mashed potatoes. Yum! Oh, and we finally finished season three of The Handmaid’s Tale.