“In Scandinavia, we’ve always foraged, wandered in the forests and searched for food, long before the term even existed," said René Redzepi. Like the culinary superstar, who championed the tradition on the global stage, Finnish Sini Ellen epitomises her fellow Nords from Denmark, Norway and Sweden, and you can steal foraging tips and recipe inspiration from her gorgeous blog, My Blue&White Kitchen. In addition to frequent trips to the woods to pick wild berries for a pink-hued semolina breakfast porridge and stinging nettles for sweet-savoury pancakes, Sini makes almost everything herself, from Finnish cinnamon rolls to accompany a morning coffee to rose pistachio shortbread for afternoon tea (or a gift for friends). She also styles and shoots all of her chic images. It’s this artisan approach and effortless style that makes Scandinavians the envy of the world, and Sini’s blog, which has already picked up a commendation since she launched two years ago, such a blogosphere hit. For more Scandi food and style inspo, follow her on Instagram (@myblueandwhitekitchen). We are.
We live in a world where we are expected to be always on the run – deadlines, business meetings and daily chores. It’s so very easy to get lost in that whirlwind and it can be a real challenge to find the way out again.
“Weekends are perfect to relax and leave all those daily hassles behind. It’s time to take it easy and spend time by yourself or with family and friends. My weekends consist of lazy mornings, indulgent breakfasts, knitting, slow-cooked meals and a lot of baking. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, as nature has a special power to calm us down. There’s nothing like a long walk in the woods or along the shores listening to birds singing, smelling the earth under your feet, and looking at the sky above you. Oh and isn’t it the best thing ever to come back home to a bowl of warm, comforting soup? Well, I think it is.”
I started my blog to… Share my passion for food and photography, and to connect with likeminded people around the world.
The must-cook recipe on my website is… My Finnish cinnamon rolls. It’s by far the most-loved recipe, which doesn’t surprise me at all – they’re super delicious!
My current food obsession is… Wild berries. They’re in season at the moment here in Finland and I can’t get enough of them. That also means almost-daily foraging trips to the woods!
Nordic cooking is… Pure, fresh, simple, seasonal, and preferably local.
If I ever met… René Redzepi of Noma in Copenhagen, I would ask him to take me foraging.
I always have… Sea salt in my pantry, butter in my fridge, and wild berries from last summer’s foraging trips in my freezer.
Currently, my most sauce-splattered cookbook is… At Home in the Whole Food Kitchen by Amy Chaplin. I’m totally obsessed with it!
The most difficult food to shoot/style and make look tasty is… Hearty stews or anything that lacks texture and colour.
Beyond my own blog, some of my favourites reads are… dolly and oatmeal, What Should I Eat For Breakfast Today, Two Red Bowls, delicious:days, and Dagmar’s Kitchen.
Top picks from My Blue&White Kitchen
Whipped cranberry semolina porridge (vispipuuro) Source: Sini Ellen
Source: Sini Ellen
Source: Sini Ellen
Source: Sini Ellen
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