Nature’s power Smoothie

Forage young tips of a spruce & birch leaves in May

Nature offers a treasure trove of health benefits through its myriad plants, and among these, young birch leaves and young spruce tips stand out for their remarkable properties. Young birch leaves, tender and vibrant in spring, are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They have been traditionally used to support kidney function, promote detoxification, and alleviate inflammation. Similarly, the young tips of spruce trees are a powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, these fresh green tips have been cherished for their ability to boost the immune system, reduce fatigue, and improve respiratory health. Integrating these natural wonders into your diet or wellness routine can offer a delightful and effective way to enhance overall health. Both of these shall be foraged during spring time ( May in Finland) before the tips or leaves become too big and make sure to ask permission from the land owner before picking.

Smoothie ingredients

• small handful of young tips of a spruce

• small handful of young birch leaves

• 4-5 mint leaves

• 1 banana

• 1/2 cup kefir

• small handful of cucumber

• 2 celery stalks

Blend the smoothie into a smoothie consistency and drink immediately.

Looking for another refreshing drink made from birch leaves?

Quick Home made Birch Leaf & Mint Drink

Foraging birch leaves involves collecting the young, tender leaves of birch trees, typically in spring when they are most nutritious and flavorful. These leaves can be used in various culinary applications, such as in salads, teas, or as a garnish, and are known for their slightly spicy and astringent taste. The leaves are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, making them a nutritious and versatile addition to your foraging repertoire.

Birch leaves are a good source of several vitamins and minerals. They contain:

• Vitamin C: Important for immune function, skin health, and antioxidant protection.

• Vitamin A: Essential for vision, immune system performance, and skin health.

• B Vitamins (including B1, B2, and B6): Crucial for energy metabolism and maintaining nervous system health.

May ( in Finland) is the season to forage the young leaves from a birch tree. This easy and quick drink makes a spring refreshment with a few simple steps.

Ingredients

1. Collect a handful of birch leaves. (Make sure that these are washed from bugs)

2. Collect a handful of mint leaves.

3. Juice of 1 lemon

4. 1-2 tablespoons of honey, depending on how sweet you like the drink to be.

5. 1 Litre of water

Directions: In a pot, add all the ingredients and gently boil for 10 minutes. Strain the leaves away with a sieve and collect the golden coloured juice. Let it cool and place in a bottle and store in a refrigerator for up to a week.

In Finland, birch can only be foraged from your own land so make sure to ask permission from the land owner if you are foraging.

Grapefruit Rosé Cocktail

Delicious Pale pink cocktail and a balcony full of flowers

Rosé season begins as soon as summer arrives and I personally love dry pale french rosé as a go to wine of choice. Rosé also makes a great base for summer cocktails and spritzers, adding a refreshing element to the drink. I love how the grapefruit adds a bit of flavour and the hibiscus gives that fragrant taste to the drink. This cocktail is perfect for summer brunches, garden parties as it is so light and refreshing.

Summer rosé cocktail

• 1/2 cup pale french rosé wine

• 1/2 cup sparkling water

• 1 slice lemon

• thyme twig

• Dired hibiscus

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice

• ice cubes

To make the cocktail, mix all the ingredients together and enjoy.

Unwind with a Festive Pear Cocktail

As households wind down, with some preparing for an overnight pig roast and others wrapping gifts, a well-deserved cocktail is in order on this eve before Christmas. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the past two days filled with cooking, baking, errands, gift finalizations, and cleaning, the winding-down process has begun. As the late evening sets in, there are still a few tasks to complete, but a festive honey pear cocktail is the perfect way to kickstart the Christmas celebrations.

In the backdrop of a Christmas playlist and the warm glow of candles, I'm testing out tomorrow's outfit – a long glitter dress with an open back or a simple yet elegant champagne-colored silk gown. The air is uncertain globally, with many facing lockdowns and loneliness during the holidays. Let's take a moment to make those distant phone calls and extend a helping hand to those in need. My parents are opting for a quiet Christmas in the countryside, and despite the sadness, it's the responsible thing to do. This year has shown us the reality of uncertainty, and whether celebrating with loved ones or choosing to skip Christmas, let's be grateful for the small things.

Amidst the coziness of our house and the flickering lights of our stunning tree, I'm ready to sip on this honey-roasted pear cocktail I found on Pinterest, despite Siena having a puppy flu and a little coffee mishap with our linen curtains.

Ingredients:

• 5 pears, sliced in half

• 3-5 tablespoons honey

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Pinch of cinnamon

• Pinch of ground nutmeg & ground clove

• 2 tbsp apple juice or water

• 1 tsp vanilla paste

• Sparkling wine

• Garnish: dried clementine slices & rosemary

• Brown sugar to coat the glass rims

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with a greased sheet.

2. Place the halved pears (remove stems) on the tray.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Brush this over the pears.

4. Bake for about 25 minutes until browned and soft.

5. Once cooled, remove the seeds with a spoon. Place into a blender with the vanilla paste and apple juice or water. Blitz into a puree.

6. Scoop the puree into a mason jar and refrigerate until served.

When ready to serve:

1. In a pitcher, combine some pear puree, a pinch of ground clove, 3 tablespoons of runny honey, and your choice of alcohol. Mix together.

2. Coat the cocktail glass rims with brown sugar by adding lemon to the sides and placing the rims into some brown sugar.

3. Pour the cocktail into the glasses and garnish with a twig of rosemary and a dried clementine slice.

Cheers to a delightful and relaxing pre-Christmas celebration!

Winter smoothie

Embracing the solace of the year's darkest morning, I kickstart the day with a burst of vitality encapsulated in a vitamin-rich smoothie. Balancing the nutritional demands amid the care of our little one, I've come to cherish the efficiency of liquid nutrition. Smoothies, a quick and easy dietary addition, ensure I seamlessly infuse a plethora of fruits and vegetables into my day. With the anticipation of a lavish Christmas feast just three days away, today's ritual involves sipping on a refreshing smoothie, a prelude to the indulgence that awaits. The harmony of ingredients - the crispness of celery, the creaminess of banana, the burst of antioxidants from frozen blueberries, the citrusy zing of an orange, the earthy crunch of walnuts, all delicately spiced with a pinch of cardamom - creates a symphony of flavors. This rich purple elixir not only nourishes but also complements the festive season's spirit, serving as a vibrant and immediate tonic for the senses.

Winter smoothie

• 1 cup milk of choice

• 2 celery stalks

• 1 banana

• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries

• 1 orange

• about 5-7 walnuts

• pinch of cardamum

Blend everything together and drink immediately

Christmas Coffee

While my morning routine usually revolves around a straightforward, quality cappuccino sans any sweetness, the holiday season beckons for a touch of festive flair. Enter the Maple Latte – a delightful departure from my usual, perfect for those occasional sweet-tooth cravings or as a midday indulgence. Seizing a moment while my husband tended to our little one, I crafted a simple wreath, immersing myself in Christmas tunes and savoring the exquisite combination of this smooth coffee infused with the warmth of maple. As cardamom takes center stage during this Scandinavian-inspired season, its aromatic embrace adds an extra layer of seasonal delight to the cup.

Amusingly, I stumbled upon the twigs for my impromptu wreath during a morning walk with Siena, our playful companion who happened to be nibbling on them. Recognizing their durability and flexibility, I couldn't resist gathering a few to bring home. Crafting the wreath was a breeze – a gentle bend into a circle, and the ends secured with floral wire. Foraged pine twigs and delicate white berries from the forest found their place on the wreath, effortlessly attached with more floral wire. It's truly as uncomplicated as it sounds. These petite wreaths, adorned atop gifts or adorning corners of our home, effortlessly bring a touch of nature indoors. In my opinion, wreaths stand as the epitome of Christmas decor – a touch of evergreen that is simply indispensable during the holiday season.

Maple Cardamom latte (serves 2)

• 1 1/2 cups cashew milk (or any milk of choice)

• pinch of ground cardamom

• 1 Tablespoon almond butter

• pinch of vanilla paste (or extract)

• 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup

• 2 good quality espresso

• toasted almond flakes

• pinch of cinnamon for topping

Directions

In a saucepan combine the milk, cardamom, almond butter, vanilla and maple syrup. Bring to a high simmer over medium heat. Transfer the milk to a blender and blitz until smooth and frothy. Top the milk on top of your espresso. Garnish with toasted almond flakes and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

Green Baubles & Pear Cocktails

Today has been all about finalising foods, gifts and preparations for tomorrow’s festivities. We went for a family dinner at a restaurant yesterday and we made some pear pre cocktails at home with my hubby. We also decorated the tree with more green toned baubles made from all kinds of textures. The tones range anywhere from olive greens to icy matte mint hues. I love how the greens look incorporated with the gold and silver that exists on the tree already. I can’t believe it’s Christmas eve tomorrow, now it’s finally time to sit down and enjoy the moment over some Christmas movies.

To assemble the cocktail

• Gin

• Pear nectar

• Sage and ginger syrup

• Ice

• Rim: brown sugar & butter

• Garnish: fresh sage leaves and star anise

Sage ginger syrup

• ¾ cup tablespoons white granulated sugar

• ¾ cup water

• 5 sage leaves

• 1 chuck ginger, peeled and diced

Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar has dissolved. Add the ginger and fresh sage leaves and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the ginger and sage to steep for 20minutes before discarding. Set aside.

Rim the cocktail glasses with brown sugar: press a bit of butter in between your fingers and spread it on the rim of the glass. Dip the edges in some brown sugar to create a coating around the sides.

To assemble a cocktail, fill the shaker with ice 1 egg white, 1 ounce of the sage ginger syrup, 2 ounces of gin and 5 ounces of pear nectar. Shake vigorously for15 seconds. Strain out the ice and dry shake for 30 seconds. Add the liquid onto a glass with ice cubes in it and garnish with fresh sage leaves and a star anise. Repeat the process for another cocktail.

Blackberry Cocktail & Beetroot Tartar

In the enchanting embrace of this festive season, where craftiness, late-night culinary adventures, and the soft glow of dark candle-lit evenings converge to create a haven of warmth and coziness at home, my husband and I have already immersed ourselves in the charm of a few yuletide films. As we eagerly prepare to embark on the delightful tradition of selecting our Christmas tree, we find solace in staying one step ahead of the bustling holiday calendar, savoring the days leading up to the 24th. Elevate your festive tablescape with a symphony of flavors and vibrant hues. Indulge in the enchanting fusion of a Winter Blackberry & Rosemary Cocktail, where velvety blackberries meet the aromatic dance of rosemary in a champagne elixir. Complement this libation with the exquisite sophistication of Beetroot Tartare, a culinary masterpiece that marries earthy sweetness and zesty freshness, ensuring your holiday table is adorned with culinary delights that captivate both the palate and the eye.

Let not the Christmas rush consume you; instead, relish the anticipation that envelops these moments, for it is in the sweet expectancy of it all that the magic truly unfolds. Today, I am delighted to share with you a captivating cocktail and appetizer recipe, a harmonious prelude to the festive symphony that awaits. May it ignite inspiration for your Christmas table and infuse a dash of holiday spirit into your home.

Winter's Embrace: Blackberry Elixir with a Rosemary Symphony

Embark on a journey into the heart of winter with our enchanting Blackberry and Rosemary Champagne Cocktail – a masterpiece that sets the stage for any elegant evening. The velvety, deep burgundy hue serves as a sophisticated backdrop, casting a spell of allure over December gatherings or providing a delightful escape for those seeking a touch of luxury in the midst of the ordinary.

Elevating the art of preparation, our blackberry syrup can be meticulously crafted in advance, ensuring a seamless orchestration of flavors when the time comes. The versatility of this libation extends beyond expectation; feel free to dance between berries, transforming the symphony with a switch to your favorite variation. Picture the aromatic dance of thyme gracefully replacing rosemary, adding a unique twist to your sensory experience.

The crowning touch lies in presenting this elixir in 1920s-inspired crystal glasses, each with its own distinctive style, creating a vintage champagne boat that whispers of opulence with delicate, thin edges. Allow the Winter Blackberry & Rosemary Cocktail to be your portal to an evening of refined indulgence and timeless charm.

Cocktail Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh blackberries

• ½-1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 twig of rosemary

• Butter & brown sugar for rimming the edges of the glasses

• Sparkling wine/champagne

• Garnish: long rosemary twig with fresh blackberries poked through stem

Directions

In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients (water, sugar, blackberries, rosemary twig) to make the syrup. Bring to boil and reduce heat and cook for under 10minutes so the blackberries start to mush. Stir occasionally and let the mixture intensify into a red colour. Remove from heat, strain and allow to cool. Once cooled, place the syrup into an airtight maison jar and store in the fridge for up to a few weeks.

Rim each champagne glass with a bit of butter between your fingers. Then place some brown sugar onto a plate and press each glass rim into the sugar so it coats all around.

To make the cocktail; add some blackberry syrup to the glass, some ice and pour over some champagne or sparking wine. Give a little mix. Garnish each glass with a bare rosemary branch (except for the ends for visual impact) and pierce a few fresh berries through it. Allow it to gently rest on top of the glass. Enjoy.

Beetroot Tartar

Beetroot is a fantastic earthy compliment to a winter menu that is rich in flavour and colour. This winter root does not need much to be classic, simply paired as a salad with blue cheese, figs and walnuts is all you need to make it refined. However, a layered beetroot tartar is an exciting dish to serve at a dinner party, as it tastes wonderful. The filling is basically made from a beetroot puree and cream cheese that has some blackberries and spinach in between. You could defiantly incorporate slices of cured salmon and play around with the dimensions of flavours. For this recipe, I made the beetroot puree from scratch, but I suppose you could store by this as well.

Beetroot puree

• 5 large roasted beets (place in an oven dish, with oil, salt and pepper and roast in the oven (200c) for an hour until soft)

• 1 sweet potato roasted (place into same oven dish with beetroots to roast)

• 2 garlic cloves grated

• Butter for cooking

• About 1 dl cream

Directions

Begin by roasting the beetroot and sweet potato. Once ready, peel the skin off and roughly chop into smaller pieces.

In a large saucepan, add a generous dollop of butter and grated garlic. Stir and add in the chopped beetroot and sweet potato. Cook for about 7minutes and add in a splash of cream. This part can be left out if you prefer not to use cream, but it does a lovely taste. Let it gently cook so the cream reduces. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and pulse with a handheld blender into a puree. It does not need to be silky smooth, as it needs to be thick to hold its shape. Place into a bowl and leave it to cool. Refrigerate the puree for an hour before using so it becomes denser.

Lilac Water

Discover the serene allure of lilac-infused water, a liquid balm that soothes the soul and revives the spirit. Beyond its captivating aesthetics, this elixir imparts a delicate and beautiful flavor to your water, transforming it into a vessel of pure summer bliss.

Simply snap some pristine lilac blossoms, ensuring they are free from any chemicals, give them a gentle wash, and let them gracefully infuse your water until it takes on the subtle essence of the blossoms. It's more than a beverage; it's like sipping on the very essence of summer captured in a glass. Perfect for garden parties, showers, or a refreshing pitcher in the fridge to accompany your day, these lilac-infused drinks are a testament to the beauty found in simplicity. As the last blooms of lilacs gently dry on the trees, and warm weather envelops us, taking mere minutes to create, this darling elixir effortlessly elevates ordinary water into a delightful experience.

Lilac flowers, with their delicate fragrance and vibrant hues, offer a multitude of simple and delightful uses. Here are a few ideas:

1. Lilac Sugar: Infuse sugar with lilac blossoms by placing clean, dry lilac flowers in a jar with sugar. Let it sit for a week or two, allowing the sugar to absorb the floral essence. Use this fragrant lilac sugar in baking or to sweeten beverages.

2. Lilac Syrup: Create a sweet lilac syrup by simmering lilac flowers with sugar and water. Strain the mixture, and the resulting syrup can be drizzled over desserts, pancakes, or used to sweeten beverages.

3. Lilac Bath Bombs: Incorporate dried lilac blossoms into homemade bath bombs for a luxurious and aromatic bathing experience. Combine them with other soothing ingredients like Epsom salt and essential oils.

4. Lilac Ice Cubes: Freeze lilac blossoms in ice cube trays with water to create enchanting lilac-infused ice cubes. Add them to drinks for a touch of elegance during summer gatherings.

5. Lilac Perfume: Craft a simple lilac-infused perfume by combining lilac flowers with carrier oil and allowing them to infuse for a few weeks. Strain and transfer the fragrant oil to a roller bottle for a delightful natural perfume.

6. Lilac Honey Butter: Mix finely chopped lilac flowers into softened butter along with a drizzle of lilac-infused honey for a unique and flavorful spread. Enjoy it on toast or scones.

7. Lilac Potpourri: Dry lilac blossoms and combine them with other dried flowers and herbs to create a fragrant potpourri. Place it in decorative bowls around your home for a burst of floral aroma.

8. Lilac-Infused Vinegar: Infuse white vinegar with lilac flowers by placing them in a clean, airtight jar and covering them with vinegar. Let it sit for a few weeks, then strain. Use the lilac-infused vinegar in salad dressings or as a culinary accent.

Remember to harvest lilac flowers from areas free of pesticides and chemicals, and always ensure they are clean and dry before incorporating them into your creations.

Easy Winter Apple Cocktail

Elevate Your Winter Soirée with the Ultimate Apple Winter Cocktail

As the winter winds start to whisper through the Nordic landscapes, there's nothing quite like cozying up with a delightful Apple Winter Cocktail. Inspired by the rich, spiced flavors of homemade apple juice glögi, this cocktail is a symphony of warmth, depth, and refreshment—a perfect libation for the festive season.

Ingredients:

• About 2 cups of good quality apple juice

• About 1 cup of apple-flavored soda (or experiment with champagne/prosecco)

• A splash of your favorite gin or alcohol

• Christmas spices: Cinnamon stick, cloves, dried ginger, clementine slices

• 1-2 egg whites (optional, but adds a frothy touch)

• Handful of ice

Garnish:

• Dried clementine slices

  To make dried clementine slices, thinly slice clementines and arrange the slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for 2-3 hours, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are dehydrated and slightly crispy. Allow them to cool before using.

• Thyme

• Ice

Preparation:

1. Infuse the Spiced Apple Juice:

   • In a pot over medium-high heat, pour 2 cups of apple juice.

   • Add a harmonious blend of Christmas spices—cinnamon stick, cloves, and dried ginger.

   • Allow it to gently simmer for around 15 minutes, letting the spices weave their magic.

   • Remove from heat and let it cool for an hour to let the flavors meld. Strain the spices using a sieve.

   • Store this spiced apple elixir in a Maison jar and refrigerate until you're ready to craft your cocktails.

2. Dress the Glass with a Sugary Embrace:

   • Elevate the presentation by creating a sugar-coated rim. Dab honey around the glass rim and gently dip it into brown sugar on a plate.

3. Crafting the Apple Winter Cocktail:

   • In a cocktail shaker or Maison jar filled with ice, combine a splash of spiced apple juice, a generous splash of your preferred alcohol, and 1-2 egg whites for a frothy texture.

   • Shake this mixture vigorously, infusing it with winter's spirit, and pour it into your prepared glass or glasses.

   • Top it off with the crisp effervescence of apple-flavored soda. Adjust the ratio of apple juice to soda based on your preference for sweetness and fizziness.

4. Garnish and Delight:

   • Finish your masterpiece with a dried clementine slice and a sprig of thyme. The visual appeal is as important as the taste!

   • Consider experimenting with champagne or prosecco instead of soda for an extra touch of sophistication.

Notes and Tips:

• Tailor the cocktail to your liking by adjusting the amounts of apple juice and soda.

• For a frothier experience, include 1 egg white per serving. However, the cocktail is equally splendid without it.

• Feel free to play with the choice of alcohol, letting your favorite spirits dance with the winter spices.

Embrace the festive spirit and sip on the enchanting Apple Winter Cocktail—a delightful symphony of winter flavors that will undoubtedly elevate your holiday gatherings. Cheers to a year of warmth, celebration, and delightful sips!