Fat Tuesday Cake (Fastlagskaka)

Tomorrow it's Fat Tuesday, the day everyone is filling their tummies with these yummy buns called the Fastlagsbulle (semla, laskiaispulla...). As usual I've already had a few and played around with the traditional version.

The traditional bun from last years post

 I just realised my Blog has just turned 1years (on the 9th of Feb) so Happy Belated Birthday to my dear Tales of a social eater blog :) YEEEY!!!
 I almost missed this but luckily these yummy buns were here to remind me, however, this year Fat Tuesday came later than last year. My first ever post was all about these sinfully delicious buns but this year I decided to try a different version. This version is great for a bigger group of people and also if you want you can cheat on the bun itself and get a ready made loaf like I did this time.

All you need is:
A bun loaf (I used Oululainen's Pullava) unless you want to make your own.
Almonds
Sugar
Milk
Cardamon
Vanilla paste
Pistachios

Slice the bun loaf horizontally to create layers for the cake.
Make the almond paste and spread onto each layer.
Whip the cream and add to each layer.
Top with some crushed almonds and pistachios.
I even sprinkled on some matcha powder.

Ready to be served. It's so easy and definitely a fun twist on the original bun. It's less messy to eat and everyone can take a slice the size they like.

Why not surprise everyone at the office with this delight :)

The Paste

150 g almond flour (or blanched almonds) 

150 g granulated sugar

approx. 4-5 tbsp milk or water

a drop of vanilla extract

cardamom seeds if you want to add extra cardamom flavour like I did.

Just mix the ingredients together in a mixer to make a smooth paste to your desired consistency. If you like a bit of crunch you can roast some almonds and chop them into the mixture.  In most shops (atleast here in Finland) you can find ready made almond paste....but even then I like to make it softer with milk...so I feel it's better to use almonds or almond flour.

If you want to make the traditional buns you can find the recipe here Fastlagsbulle

Superfood Salad

This is probably one of my all time favourite salads on a day when you really want to feel healthy. I've had this many years ago abroad and after that decided to try it at home. You can add and deduct some ingredients according to your liking but this is my version of Superfood Salad. I just love how colourful and pretty it is...not to forget how tasty it is. You could add dressing if you like but I prefer mine with just a squeeze of lime...this way you also don't take away any health and diet benefits from this. I eat this quite often and suggest you try it too.

Spinach 50g
Quinoa 1dl or 160g
Beetroot 100-150g
Butternut 100-150g
Pomegranate 50g
Soy Beans 50g
Green Peas 50g
Sunflower Seeds 20g
Sesame Seeds 1 tbsp
Pumpkin Seeds 20g
Alphalpha 20 g
Chili 1/2
Coriander 15g
Lime 1/2
Sometimes I also add in some other ingredients like: mint leaves (5-10g) and red onion or even half an avocado (this makes it more filling).

The only things that need cooking are the butternut, beetroot and quinoa. I used black quinoa and just cook it according to the instructions on the package.
The butternut you buy will most probably weigh more than needed for this salad but I always dice the whole butternut and roast it in the oven or sometimes I've even boiled it this way it's more vibrant but the taste is more bland. The rest can be used for roasted butternut in your breakfast yoghurt like in my recipe Roasted Butternut with Yoghurt and Dukkah or you can use it as a puree or for soups or just as a side dish for fish or meat.
The beetroots take a while to cook....so on days you don't have time I know you can buy ready cooked ones in Finland (but not the ones pickled in a glass jar...they taste different).
During the winter season I just use frozen peas and soy beans but when peas are in season make sure to use those.

To keep the salad colourful I recommend that you don't toss everything in
with the beetroot or everything will turn a bit pink. I just layer and sprinkle everything on top of the spinach.

                                   You have to admit, This really does look pretty and tempting!
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Fast and Easy Thai Chicken Curry

When it's cold outside I often tend to want to eat soups or spicy stuff. Yesterday I couldn't decide on if to make Ramen or Thai coconut Chicken soup so I had bought ingredients that would go both ways. Since I had enjoyed Ramen yesterday it was time for some Thai food today. I made this really simple Thai curry that will be ready in a jiffy and would use up all my leftovers cause I really don't like to throw food away.
I even had the chicken ready from yesterday so this was faster than getting fast food. It's probably not the prettiest or most sophisticated of my curries but this is my fast version when you just want something in a rush and still be fulfilling.

2 cloves of garlic
1/2 - 1 chili
1 stalk of lemongrass
15g ginger
1 lime (zest and juice)
2 stalks of spring onion
5 mini patty pan courgettes (140g)
40g Haricot verts green beans
30g shitake mushrooms
400ml coconut milk
2tbsp fish sauce
2 chicken fillets

I even ended up chucking in the rest of my pickled radishes :D

Coriander
Dried and sliced Coconut

serve with rice