April showers must certainly bring May flowers here in Sweden! The month of April is off to a very rainy, windy start here in Sweden. Living in a town about an hour away from the coast makes the weather here grey, gloomy and rainy much of the time. When I facetime or Skype with my family back in Colorado and even though it is windy there too the sun is almost always shining. The rain here is amplifying my spring fever! I long for summer bbq’s and warm evenings, going for walks and enjoying the sunshine!
Despite how badly I want summer to be here I am trying to make the most of the 3 weeks I have left here in Sweden before I move to south England for the month of May. One of the best ways I think I can make the most of my time here in Sweden is to enjoy the things that are most unique to this country. That being said, this week I want to share with you some of the best Swedish recipes, hopefully with a healthy twist! All good things in moderation, right?
Alright, so Sweden loves Fika! Which is basically the Swedish tradition of drinking a lot of coffee and eating sweet treats while catching up with friends. So the next time you go to have friends over for coffee you can surprise them with one of the following:
Kanelbullar – Cinnamon Buns! This is by far the most iconic Swedish Fika treat as it is everywhere in Sweden! The link below is for a Vegan version.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/529524868662499075/
Chokladbollar-Chocolate balls. This is by far my favorite Swedish treat and I break from my gluten and dairy free diet for this one every time. It has a nice mocha-chocolate taste covered in unsweetened coconut and you can get it at IKEA if you would like! But the link below is a recipe you can make with gluten free flour and whatever kind of milk you prefer!
http://www.thepetitecook.com/kokosballs-swedish-chocolate-balls/
Kladdkaka-Chocolate Cake. I’ve tried the vegan version for this and it is so good! For all you chocolate lovers, this is perfect!
http://www.texanerin.com/healthier-kladdkaka-gluten-free-dairy-free/
Ok so now you have three amazing recipes for your next coffee break and now I want to share a healthy version of the most traditional Swedish dinner recipe: The Swedish meatball.
Again, this item is everywhere in Sweden, but usually greasy and unhealthy and not gluten free. This recipe offers a healthy rendition of this famous Swedish dish. Just add some green beans and lingonberry jam for the side dish and you have a fabulous meal!
http://www.texanerin.com/gluten-free-swedish-meatballs/#_a5y_p=1691254
If you want to try a Swedish summer breakfast dish I would suggest the blueberry soup! While most often it is a summer breakfast, it also can be a great way to end a summer evening, or so I am told. Below is a vegan recipe for this unique Swedish delight!
http://www.texanerin.com/healthier-swedish-blueberry-soup/#_a5y_p=3373797
I hope you feel inspired to try one of these Swedish dishes. I find that spring is often a time when I need new recipes. Like my cooking needs a spring cleaning too! Let me know if you find one you like.
Well until next time,
BFit * BTrue * BYou
Your International FitMiss,
Lauren