Another amazing "spring" weekend has passed here in NJ. Yesterday my children even dug out there shorts when we went to the play ground. I certainly hope the ski resorts will get a big snowfall soon. The holidays are approaching fast and there are still a few things to take care of. This year I did all my shopping from my computer and I am just about to press the purchase button on the last couple of gifts. How do you do it? It is so convenient and you don´t have run around in stores.

Yesterday was a special day for all Swedes, it was Lucia. This is one of the most beloved traditions in Sweden and it is celebrated every where, in schools, churches, offices, daycare etc. I was in New York and saw the Lucia celebrations from the Swedish church. It was just beautiful and very moving. We also had our mandatory "Lussekatt" (saffronbun), "pepparkaka" (ginger bread cookie) and "glögg" (mulled wine).

My daughter has a bake sale coming up this week so I made some gluten free cookies for her to bring. Coconut macaroons and chocolate balls. And just for the fun of it I made some crisp bread. Another great and easy recipe from my friend Karin, who is a fantastic baker.

Menu of this week

This weeks soup is made of Jerusalem artichokes which is a a quite uncommon vegetable. It is the roots (or tubers as their real name are) from a kind of sunflower. It is very rich in Inulin (a kind of fiber), Potassium and Iron. It can be used as a potato but I prefer to make soup out of it.

Monday Noodles with stir fried vegetables (carrots, sugar snaps, pepper, zucchini, scallions, broccoli)

Tuesday Aidelles chicken/apple sausages with red and green kale/apple slaw, mashed potatoes

Wednesday Spaghetti aglio e olio with boiled broccoli rabé

Thursday Jerusalem artichoke (sunchoke) soup

Friday Dining out

Saturday Steamed cod with sauteed garlicky spinach, riced potatoes

Sunday Chicken korma with green beans, basmati rice, mango chutney

ENJOY!