I love bread. I could live off good quality bread. Dip in olive oil and be done. If you are anything like me, you’ll love Greek Tortano. All the best flavours in one bread. You can almost smell it right? How to make Tortano The […]
In this post, I’m going to guide you on how to taste olive oil. You may think olive oil is just olive oil, right? Actually, you couldn’t be more wrong. Olive oil tasting is much like wine tasting, they differ in both taste and pungency. […]
Girl’s night in I had a phone date with one of my oldest girlfriends yesterday. We don’t do it very often. I could blame it on distance, family and work. All of which is true. But truth be told, I’m also crap at talking on […]
The semla is a classical Swedish pastry that is served on Shrove Tuesday. Now days even before. But it used to be served as treat after fast. During the last couple of years the Semla, whether a vegan semla or not has popped up in […]
I know it’s been quiet in here for a while. And that’s about to change. Just as I teach change when it comes to food and wellness. I had to change as well. Meaning I had to choose a direction I wanted to go with […]
There’s a Swedish Christmas dessert that is called rice á la Malta. Swedish rice pudding. It’s sort of rice pudding that has nothing to do with Malta at all. However, most families have their own recipe for it. It’s mostly common during Christmas, but can, […]
Sponsored content Matsmart What if I told you that you buy groceries cheaper, in bigger quantities (if you want) all the while you are helping to reduce food waste. Sounds good? Keep on reading on how you can do the same. Stocking your pantry I […]
The cardamom knot or the bun if you will is the queen of Swedish fika. And fika is the palace in which you indulge the quintessential of Swedish culture. You can get a cardamom knot at pretty much any café in Sweden. That and coffee of […]
These vegan bounty bars were created because two of my best friends have different types of food allergies. But they still like sweets and honestly who doesn’t like bounty bars? Especially with only the good stuff inside them. They are not very difficult to make but […]
We are quite good in Sweden when it comes to food waste. People, in general, are quite aware of the problem and try to solve it. There are tv shows dedicated to the subject, books written and social movements. Good as in there are a […]
Hi!
I'm Caroline and I'm so glad you found me!
Growing up in Scandinavia I have fallen in love with the simplicity of the Scandinavian kitchen. With a few hearty and good quality ingredients, you can create true magic in the kitchen.
I'm Hungarian and of course, that shows from time to time.
When it comes to the health aspect - I believe it's all connected. It's not about dieting it's about being conscious of body, mind and soul.
Hope that you like hanging out with me!
Love,
Caroline
There’s a Swedish Christmas dessert that is called rice á la Malta. Swedish rice pudding. It’s sort of rice pudding that has nothing to do with Malta at all. However, most families have their own recipe for it. It’s mostly common during Christmas, but can, […]
Easy Halloween cupcakes, don’t you like the sound of that? I sure do. Easy is right up my alley right now. There are so many Holidays and birthdays this Autumn. Therefore easy Halloween cupcakes are fantastic! Keeping it real As I mentioned in my previous […]
The mean kidney bean dip will surely knock your socks off! The only thing that is as impressive as the time it takes to make (5 minutes!) is the flavour! The mean kidney bean dip is a welcome treat on our Halloween dinner table. Even […]
Jack O’Lantern stuffed peppers are the perfect addition to your Halloween party. They are easy to make, a little creepy and yet delicious to eat. These Jack O’lantern stuffed peppers are vegetarian, however, you can fill them with anything you like. I fill my Jack O’Lantern stuffed peppers […]
You know those days when you get home from picking up your kids from school? When you get home and you realise that you don’t have the energy to cook? Ever have those days? Those days what saves me is the roasted heirloom tomato soup. […]
The day of the Petit Choux semla has finally arrived! It’s the official Semmel day in Sweden today. I love these little creamy delights. When I was a kid, now no judgment, I was little. I ate so many of them I got really sick. I […]
I’m daring and so is this chocolate cake. I’m going to dare say it, it’s the best chocolate cake you’ll ever make. I made it many times over the years and every time I make it it’s pure perfection. It’s adapted from the Eisenman sister’s […]
I can’t think of anything more Swedish than a Swedish Semla. Or correction, Scandinavian, since they are available throughout Scandinavia. However, they go by a different name. This cream puff is an acquired taste. I don’t know anyone who kind of likes a Swedish semla. Either […]
It took me quite a while to form really good female friendships. Let’s say I didn’t really get the rules of engagement and I preferred to hang out with boys. They were far less complicated. Until we became teenagers, then nothing is uncomplicated.
Anyway, so what does this has to do with health you ask? I’ll tell you.
Most of my emotional and mental strength comes from deep bonds with the strong females in my life. Over time, we become our friends as we mirror their thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
We sit across from each other sharing beautiful food, good wine, laughter, sorrow, tears, anger and support. I try to have them over for dinner as much as I can. Not only because of my love for food but because the meaning our friendships have to us.
Many say that we are the average of the five people we spend most of our time with. Both time and how and whom we spend it with are precious. Choose wisely.
In fact, female friendships can even help with breast cancer survival. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, women with early-stage breast cancer were four times more likely to die from cancer if they didn’t have very many friends. Those with a larger group of friends with early-stage breast cancer had a much better survival rate. This was regardless if they lived close by or not.
I know that when I have made life-altering decisions I have had the guts to make them because I have close female friendships. Such as divorcing twice. They helped me to move out, to get my new flat organized, to sleep in my apartment the first night.
Things get less scary when you know that someone has your back unconditionally. Regardless of what happens, I’m never alone. I have a few close friendships that mean the world to me. They are the backbone of me. And me of them. They help me overcome fears, ugly truths and heartbreak.
This is, of course, healthy friendships. A good friendship is mutually beneficial. I have a very good relationship with my man too, but there are things that he will never know that my best friends know.
And no it’s not a trust issue. I simply have another type of friendship with him and with them.
In truth, when we met, it was one of the first things I told him. It’s not just me and my boys. It’s these amazing women too. They are my sisterhood, my emotional ecosystem, my family. They will always have a seat at our table.
Female friendships matter because the women I love matter. My best friends make me into a whole person. We gossip, lean on each other, call out each others bullshit, celebrate each other and love each other. It matters because it is what saves our lives.
If you need some inspiration on what to eat next time you get your female friends together maybe you want to try this Shakshuka recipe, quick, easy and gives you plenty of time to enjoy your company. Or maybe a Massaman curry? Round off with a velvety smooth chocolate cake and keep on laughing.
