Let’s catch up a bit on how my vacation has been going. Last time I wrote, we had just arrived in Tuscany—and let me tell you, it was a heart-warming experience. And I mean that quite literally. The heat was something else, and at times it felt like we were melting away. Luckily, we had a pool, plenty of ice, and some fans to save us from total defeat.

But despite the heat, Tuscany was wonderful. We managed to see quite a few cities, and each of them was special in its own way.

The first city we explored was San Gimignano, an old town that seemed perfectly built for summer. The narrow streets offered shade, and a light breeze made walking around surprisingly pleasant. What made it even more charming was the fact that cars weren’t allowed in the city—unless you had a very special license. Not even the locals could drive in. Instead, the city had huge parking lots at its entrances. The result? A city that felt calm, relaxed, and almost like stepping back in time.

Next, we went to Lucca, a city not too far from Pisa. If you enjoy architecture, this is the place for you. Lucca was designed like a fortress and is still surrounded by massive city walls. It also had no shortage of beautiful cathedrals, each one worth a stop.

And then, of course, there’s Pisa. You can’t visit the region and not see the famous leaning tower. Naturally, we gave in to the cliché and took the classic tourist photos of “holding up” the tower. Sometimes, you just have to.

Of course, no vacation of mine goes by without something happening. The day after our Pisa trip, our vacation home—and in fact, the entire village—suddenly lost power. And just as we were in the middle of making dinner, too. For a while, everything stopped, but eventually, the lights came back, and life continued as usual.

Sadly, every trip has to end at some point. On our last day in Tuscany, we visited a place that’s very special to us. I’ll keep the details private, but I can say that it was the perfect ending to our time in Italy.

As I’m writing this, though, the story doesn’t stop here. I’m already on my next adventure: the annual trip to Sweden. This time, however, it’s completely different from before. I’m traveling alone, at least for a while—and here’s the kicker: I’m doing it with my bike. But more on that in the next post…

The summer travel season has long begun, and I honestly couldn’t even tell you what I’ve been up to. Why? Because the blog was offline for a while! My provider decided to move, and with it went my ability to share any updates. So here I am, playing catch-up, and we’re already deep into this year’s summer adventure.

As is tradition, I’m spending the summer traveling through two countries. It might not be a surprise to anyone that Sweden is once again on the list, but before heading north, our first stop was further south — Italy.

I’m not entirely sure what convinced us to travel to Italy during peak heat season, but surprisingly… we haven’t melted yet. It’s warm, yes — but not the brutal summer heat I was bracing myself for (so far).

Our journey began in Cison di Valmarino, a charming little village tucked away in the Italian mountains. But before we get to that peaceful slice of heaven, let me tell you about the journey getting there.

We drove all the way — yes, drove — and split the trip into two long days. And as with any long trip, something always happens. Not even 24 hours in, and I already had a tick. That’s a personal record. Since everything we needed was buried deep inside our suitcases, we had no proper way of dealing with it. So naturally, I ended up in a local doctor’s office to get it removed. A fun start to the trip. After that, though, everything went smoothly, a lot of sitting in the car, but worth every mile once we arrived.

Once we made it to the village, we finally got to slow down. Cison di Valmarino really is as picturesque as it sounds — small, quiet, and with a mountain view that belongs in a postcard. The next day we started exploring, and I also couldn’t help but cook some Italian pasta bolognese, because why not?

After that warm-up day, we got moving. We went hiking, of course, with our dog Loki in tow. He wasn’t too thrilled about the heat, and for a while we ended up carrying him, but he quickly found his hiking spirit again and wanted to walk. Good boy.

One of our favorite parts of Cison was the Via dell’Acqua, or the “Way of the Water.” As the name suggests, the entire trail follows a small stream, which made it perfect for hiking in the summer heat. It was cooler, and Loki had the time of his life splashing around in the water. At the end of the trail, we were rewarded with yet another beautiful mountain view, totally worth the walk.

On our final full day in Cison, we planned a little day trip to Lago del Mis, a stunning lake surrounded by dramatic mountains. We were expecting to be blown away by the views, and we were, just not in the way we imagined. The weather had other plans. The mountains were completely covered in clouds, and the rain made sure we got the full “misty lake” experience.

Despite the fog and drizzle, we made the best of it. We found a cozy restaurant with a lake view and enjoyed the atmosphere from the warmth of indoors. And we’re glad we did, because one of the locals there recommended a nearby waterfall, the very one that feeds the lake. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the day.

That wraps up the first leg of our Italian journey. We’re now in Tuscany, and so far, it’s everything you’d expect, beautiful, sunny, and maybe just a touch hotter. But more on that in the next post…

It’s been a while—almost six months, actually.
I didn’t plan to vanish, but then again, I never really plan these things. I took a bit of a break from posting, though not from baking. The truth is, writing these posts takes time and energy, and I’ve learned not to force it.

This blog has always been a passion project, and I like keeping it that way. That means I post when I feel like it, not on a schedule. Sometimes life gets in the way. Sometimes I just don’t feel like writing. And sometimes I bake something lovely and forget to take photos. You know how it is.

You might notice the site looks a little different now. It’s nothing dramatic, but I wanted to give it a bit of a refresh. The old layout was… functional, but not exactly user-friendly. Especially when it came to finding specific recipes. I’m still working on that part—there will eventually be a better system for browsing. For now, consider it a work in progress.

Despite the radio silence here, I haven’t been idle in the kitchen.
There’s been a lot of baking. Cookies, cakes, muffins—you name it. Some new things, some improved classics. One of them is the Prinsesstårta I mentioned a while back. That recipe finally made it into a post, though not without some delays (and a very late Easter appearance).

More recipes are on the way, all of them sweet. I seem to always circle back to sugar, no matter what I plan.

I can’t promise I’ll post regularly going forward, but I will keep sharing things when I can. When there’s a recipe worth sharing, or a story that fits. Until then, thanks for sticking around—or for simply stopping by.

Grab a slice of cake while you’re here. It’s good to be back.

Also take a look at my late Easter post:

A Late Easter & A Very Swedish Cake

Yes, I know—it’s late. But here we are anyway. Easter came and went, and this year I finally decided to take on the iconic Swedish Prinsesstårta. I’ve wanted to make it for ages, and I figured Easter was the perfect excuse. Surprisingly, it wasn’t as tricky

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Here are the new recipes:

Swedish Cinnamon Rolls – Kanelbullar with a Twist (Literally)

Sweden doesn’t play around when it comes to fika—and these cinnamon-swirled beauties are at the heart of it. Soft, fragrant, slightly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet, these Kanelbullar are basically comfort food shaped into delicious knots. This recipe is a little more involved, but trust

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Chocolate Chip Muffins – Soft, Sweet & Perfectly Chunky

There’s something about muffins that feels cozy and low-key fancy at the same time. Especially when they’re packed with melty chocolate chunks and that perfect golden muffin top. These chocolate chip muffins are soft, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet. No fuss, just good vibes and

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Chocolate Chip Cookies – Chewy, Chunky & a Little Too Good

Sometimes you just need a chocolate chip cookie. Or twenty. These ones are chewy in the middle, a little crisp at the edges, and packed with chocolate chunks that melt into little puddles of joy. It’s a small effort, big reward kind of recipe—aka my favorite kind. If

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Marble Bundt Cake – with a Little Magic

There’s something very comforting about marble cake—maybe it’s the swirl of chocolate and vanilla, or maybe it’s just the perfect excuse to have two cakes in one. Either way, this week I tried a new recipe for a Marble Bundt Cake, and the twist? It starts

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Banana Bread – Soft and Simple

It’s banana bread time again—which, let’s be honest, is any time bananas go spotty and start whispering from the counter: “Hey… bake with me.” I gave in (again), and I’m not mad about it. This recipe is soft, not too sweet, and super easy. It’s

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Yes, I know—it’s late. But here we are anyway.
Easter came and went, and this year I finally decided to take on the iconic Swedish Prinsesstårta. I’ve wanted to make it for ages, and I figured Easter was the perfect excuse.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t as tricky as I expected. At its core, it’s just layering. Sponge cake, raspberry jam, custard, whipped cream, and that beautiful marzipan dome. Sounds easy enough—until you start, of course.

Like most of my cakes, this one didn’t come together without a hiccup or two.
The first issue? Whipped cream.
Or rather, heavy cream that refused to turn into whipped cream. It just wouldn’t cooperate. After several minutes of frustration, it turned to butter instead—so, round two it was. Thankfully, the second batch came out perfectly fluffy.

Then there was the marzipan. I tried using powdered sugar to stop it from sticking to the countertop, but mine was too clumpy to do much good. So there I was, peeling sticky marzipan off the surface and trying not to swear at it. Cornstarch saved the day.

And lastly—the color.
I ran out of yellow food coloring halfway through, so my Easter Prinsesstårta ended up a bit... pale. I considered going with green, but something about Easter called for that soft yellow hue. In the end, it was only slightly yellow, but honestly? It was still lovely.

A Royal Treat: Baking the Swedish Prinsesstårta

If there’s one cake that truly knows how to make an entrance, it’s the Swedish Prinsesstårta. Bright green, filled with layers of custard, jam, and whipped cream—this cake doesn’t just look royal, it tastes like it too. This weekend I decided to take on the challenge

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If you want to give it a go (and you should—it’s worth it), I’ve linked the full recipe at the bottom of the post. Perfect for Easter, or really any Sunday that could use a showstopper.

Yipee! Today is Kanelbulledagen, or as we like to call it in English, Cinnamon Roll Day. And just like last year, I couldn’t resist the temptation to whip up a fresh batch of cinnamon buns. But, let’s just say things escalated—in a delicious way.

For context, I’m flying solo this weekend. So naturally, I thought I’d make just a small batch of cinnamon buns to celebrate. Well, let me tell you: a “small” batch turned into 38 cinnamon buns! Yup, you read that right—38.

You might be wondering, how does one even accidentally make that many cinnamon rolls? Let me walk you through my cinnamon-scented misadventure. The recipe I used worked great—maybe a little too great. I may have slightly overestimated how much dough I needed. Picture this: the dough rising above the edges of the bowl like a fluffy dough monster, threatening to take over my kitchen. I couldn’t help but laugh as I realized my weekend alone was about to get a whole lot sweeter... and carb-heavy.

But here’s the thing—this little mishap actually turned out to be great practice for something very exciting: my upcoming trip to Sweden this fall! I’m going with my whole family, and trust me, we’re quite the flock. So knowing I can effortlessly (okay, maybe accidentally) bake 38 delicious cinnamon buns is actually kind of a win. I’ll be feeding an army in Sweden, and thanks to my Kanelbulledagen “test run,” I know I’m more than prepared.

Kanelbulledagen isn’t just a day to indulge; it’s a celebration of Swedish culture and comfort. In Sweden, the cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) is a staple of fika—the beloved coffee break tradition. It’s not just about the coffee or the bun; it’s about taking a moment to pause, connect, and enjoy a sweet bite of life. So even though I’m swimming in cinnamon buns over here, I think I’ve tapped into the real spirit of the day.

And who knows, maybe this was the universe’s way of ensuring I’m fully prepared for the Swedish fika frenzy that awaits me in the land of lakes, forests, and—you guessed it—cinnamon rolls.

So, here I am, surrounded by 38 cinnamon buns, sipping my coffee, and wondering how many I can freeze before I lose my mind. But hey, if anyone needs a cinnamon bun to celebrate today, you know where to find me!

Our culinary adventure continues as we introduce a fresh and inspiring addition to our blog—Creative Cooking. This new series is designed to ignite your imagination and transform your kitchen into a playground of flavors, textures, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, our Creative Cooking series will encourage you to experiment, innovate, and create delicious dishes that are uniquely yours.

Discovering Culinary Creativity

In the spirit of exploring new culinary landscapes, Creative Cooking is all about breaking free from traditional recipes and embracing your inner chef. Each recipe in this series offers a flexible framework that you can adapt and customize to suit your tastes, dietary preferences, and available ingredients. From protein-packed bowls to vibrant smoothie creations, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to elevate your everyday meals.

Unleashing Your Inner Chef

The essence of Creative Cooking lies in its versatility. It provides you with a variety of options for each component of a dish, allowing you to mix and match ingredients as you please. This approach not only makes cooking more fun but also encourages you to try new combinations and discover exciting flavors. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the recipes you can expect:

1. Creative Taco Bowl: A hearty and nutritious option that can be tailored with different proteins, grains, vegetables, and toppings. Whether you prefer the robust flavor of ground beef or the plant-based goodness of tofu and beans, these bowls are a canvas for your culinary artistry.
2. Creative Pasta Bowl: Elevate your pasta game with this adaptable recipe. Select your favorite pasta, proteins, and vegetables, then choose between a simple olive oil and Parmesan dressing or a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always mouthwatering.
3. Creative Stuffed Peppers: These customizable stuffed peppers are perfect for showcasing your creativity. Choose from a variety of grains, proteins, and vegetables to create a colorful and satisfying meal that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
4. Freestyle Smoothie Bowls: Start your day with a burst of creativity by crafting your own smoothie bowl masterpiece. Mix and match bases, fruits, and toppings to create a nutritious and visually stunning breakfast that’s as delicious as it is fun to make.

Join the Creative Cooking Journey

As we embark on this new series, I invite you to join us in the Creative Cooking journey. Make your unique creations, experiment with new ingredients, and most importantly, have fun in the kitchen. Cooking is not just about following recipes; it’s about expressing yourself, discovering new tastes, and enjoying the process.

Stay tuned for our upcoming posts in the Creative Cooking series, where we will dive deeper into each recipe, offering tips and ideas to help you unleash your inner chef. Let’s embark on this flavorful adventure together and transform our meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Happy cooking!

Creative Taco Bowl

Difficulty: Servings: 4 Estimated Time: 30 minutes

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Creative Pasta Bowl

Difficulty: Servings: 4 Estimated Time: 45 minutes

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Creative Stuffed Peppers

Difficulty: Servings: 4 Estimated Time: 50 minutes

The Culinary Lens with MattiMatti

Freestyle Smoothie Bowls

Difficulty: Servings: 2 Estimated Time: 15 minutes

The Culinary Lens with MattiMatti

Smoothie bowls are a fantastic way to start your day or recharge after a workout. They're versatile, visually appealing, and packed with nutrients. Here’s a guide to making your own freestyle smoothie bowls, allowing you to mix and match ingredients to your heart’s content!

Looking for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences? These customizable stuffed peppers are the perfect solution! Packed with a mix of grains, proteins, veggies, and cheese, they offer endless possibilities to suit your culinary creativity.

Welcome to another installment in our series of creative recipes designed to inspire your culinary adventures! Today, we're diving into the world of pasta bowls, where you can mix and match your favorite ingredients to create a delicious, customized meal. Whether you're craving something light and fresh or rich and creamy, this pasta bowl recipe offers endless possibilities.

Welcome to our new series of recipes designed to ignite your culinary creativity! Today, we're diving into a versatile and customizable dish that everyone will love: the Taco Bowl. Perfect for any meal, this recipe allows you to mix and match your favorite proteins, bases, vegetables, and toppings. Let's get cooking and explore the endless possibilities of your new favorite meal!

As our Ireland trip draws to a close, I can't help but reflect on the fascinating experiences and cultural delights we've encountered. The only thing left for the rest of our week is to go through the exams. Even though they seem easy, this course has offered great insights into the culture and economy of Ireland.

When I last wrote, I mentioned our visit to the Jameson Distillery. That was last week, and it certainly deserves more attention. The visit was fantastic compared to the farm tour. Not only did we learn about the rich history of Jameson, but we were also educated on how Irish whiskey is made. The tour concluded with a whiskey tasting, where we sampled different varieties, each showcasing unique techniques we had learned about earlier. After the tasting, we headed to the bar for our complimentary drink. Although we were both a bit tipsy afterward, it was a surprisingly manageable experience. If you are a whiskey lover, the Jameson Distillery is a must-visit. It's a great way to discover new whiskey flavors and gain insight into the production process.

This week started with a culinary challenge: making a no-bake cake. Predictably, I faced some difficulties again. This time, the absence of a mixer was the issue. I needed to whip cream by hand, which meant sitting there with a whisk, furiously beating the cream until it became fluffy. Despite the struggle, I managed to make it work, and the cake turned out to be a success. However, I had to wait until the next day to taste it, as it needed to rest overnight. Today, I finally got to try it, and I must say, it was worth the effort. The cake was delicious.

As we prepare to wrap up our time in Cork, I feel grateful for the experiences we've had and the people we've met. From exploring the city to learning about Irish culture and even tackling unexpected culinary adventures, this trip has been unforgettable.

More than a week has passed since I arrived in Cork, and it's been quite the adventure. After resolving the host-family dilemma and moving in with a new family, I spent the rest of the week with them. The new family was super nice and provided great insight into life in Ireland. One key takeaway? Small talk is very important here, unlike where I live.

Even though the new host-family was great, my friend and I decided it would be better to live on our own. We moved into a nice student accommodation last Saturday. This decision proved to be excellent as we got to explore the city more closely and weren't bound by our host-families' schedules. We’ve thoroughly explored the city, and today we stumbled upon a fantastic doughnut shop called "Off Beat," with the most delightfully decorated doughnuts. They were absolutely to die for.

We also had some culinary escapades, like making a delightful mushroom risotto. Of course, it came with its difficulties, as the recipe was too small for both of us. I had to make some on-the-fly changes to a dish I had never made before. In the end, it all worked out and tasted delicious.

Now, since we're here for the economics course, let’s talk about that. I have to say I’m a bit disappointed. The course is very underwhelming and quite easy. With two years of business economics and general economics in my background, I expected the course to delve deeper into how to manage and create a business. Instead, we are learning basic English and haven't touched on the topic of economics as a whole. We’re also learning ways of communication mostly used in Ireland. We briefly touched on the concept of doing business, but it was very superficial.

So far, we’ve created a company that could work in Ireland, but without any economic details. Given our prior experience of running a simulated company with every important organizational body, this felt like a letdown. We finished the company project within a week. In other words, I was really expecting more from the course.

We also have company visits, which could have been interesting and informative. However, the first visit was to a farm producing buffalo mozzarella, which offered little in terms of economic education. The second visit is to a whiskey producer. While more interesting to me personally, it still lacks the educational value I hoped for. It's baffling that we couldn't visit companies like Apple or PayPal, which are closer to Cork and would provide genuine insight into the workings of a major corporation.

For now, I see this more as a vacation filled with culinary and cultural discoveries. In that regard, it's been great. From delightful doughnuts to delicious home-cooked meals and from learning about Irish small talk to exploring the beautiful city of Cork, there's much to enjoy.

A new adventure begins as I find myself traveling once more, this time to the charming city of Cork, Ireland, for a three-week escapade. But this journey comes with a twist: I’ll be attending the Cork English College to study economics. By the end of this trip, I hope to earn a certificate in the basics of business economics, specifically focusing on how to manage a business.

Today marks my first day in Cork, and traveling with my class turned out to be less challenging than I anticipated. However, as one might expect, the journey wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. For starters, I must confess, flying is not my favorite activity. The cramped spaces, the turbulence, and the whole idea of being miles up in the sky don’t sit well with me. But, with some deep breaths and a bit of self-pep talk, I managed to get through the flight unscathed.

Upon landing in Cork, I was picked up by my host family and driven to their home. This is where the real adventure began. Stepping into their house, I was greeted by a peculiar smell that immediately set my nerves on edge. Things only got worse from there. Every room I was shown seemed to be in desperate need of a deep clean. The bedroom and bathroom were particularly horrifying – the shower looked like it hadn’t seen a scrub in a long while, and the bed... well, let's just say it had seen better days.

After a few frantic phone calls and a mini nervous breakdown, I managed to secure a hotel room until the college could arrange a new place for me to stay. Crisis averted, I checked into my temporary home, reveling in the cleanliness and comfort that the hotel provided.

Despite the rocky start, I’m optimistic about my time here in Cork. The city has a lot to offer, and I’m excited to explore its vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and, of course, its culinary delights. Plus, I’ll be diving into my economics studies, which should be quite interesting.

Venturing deeper into Sweden's illustrious history, our journey led us to the enchanting Drottningholms Slott, a bastion of royal heritage and architectural splendor. Here, amidst the grandeur of the palace, we embarked on a voyage through time, tracing the footsteps of Sweden's esteemed royal family.

Stepping through the hallowed halls of Drottningholms Slott, we were transported to an era of opulence and majesty. Delving into the annals of Swedish royalty, we immersed ourselves in the rich tapestry of tales and legends that shrouded the palace walls, gaining newfound appreciation for the nation's regal legacy.

As our time in Stockholm drew to a close, we reluctantly bid farewell to the city's vibrant streets and historic landmarks. With hearts filled with cherished memories, we embarked on the journey back home, carrying with us the echoes of Stockholm's allure and grandeur.

Navigating our way to the airport, we found ourselves once again navigating the labyrinthine streets of Stockholm, a testament to the city's maze-like charm. Despite the occasional detour, we eventually found our way, guided by the lingering magic of our Stockholm adventure.

As our journey through Stockholm comes to an end, we reflect on the myriad wonders we've encountered along the way. From the regal halls of Drottningholms Slott to the tantalizing flavors of Swedish cuisine, Stockholm has left an indelible mark on our hearts. Though our time here may be fleeting, the memories we've created will endure, serving as a timeless reminder of the city's rich history and unparalleled charm. Until we meet again, Stockholm, may your legacy continue to captivate the hearts of all who wander your storied streets.

Embarking on another day of exploration in Stockholm, our journey led us through the winding streets of Gamla Stan, the city's enchanting old town. From narrow alleyways to picturesque vistas, each corner held a new surprise waiting to be discovered.

Our first destination was the historic heart of Stockholm, Gamla Stan. As we wandered through its cobbled streets, we marveled at the quaint charm of the old buildings that seemed frozen in time. Venturing deeper, we encountered the city's narrowest street and stairway, a testament to its rich history and architectural marvels.

Our stroll through Gamla Stan was punctuated by the enticing aroma of delectable treats wafting from food stalls and the allure of quaint souvenir shops lining the streets. After indulging in a hearty meal at a local restaurant, where a ginormous chicken sandwich stole the show, we continued our exploration to Maria Berget, a lookout point offering breathtaking views of Gamla Stan and beyond.

The following day beckoned us to Östermalms Saluhall, Stockholm's renowned market hall, a paradise for culinary enthusiasts. Here, we immersed ourselves in a sensory feast. An array of delicacies ranging from succulent meats to freshly baked pastries and irresistible sweets.

Eager to share the delights of Stockholm with our loved ones, we embarked on a quest for Easter treats to gift our family. Despite our efforts, the search proved fruitless, but the experience of exploring the vibrant markets left a lasting impression.

As evening descended, we sought solace by the tranquil shores of a nearby lake, just a stone's throw away from our apartment. Here, amidst nature's embrace, we found respite from the hustle and bustle of city life, reflecting on the day's adventures and anticipating the journeys yet to come.

From the timeless charm of Gamla Stan to the culinary delights of Östermalms Saluhall, our exploration of Stockholm unveiled a tapestry of experiences, each more captivating than the last. As we bid farewell to another day of discovery, we eagerly anticipate the adventures that await us in this enchanting city. Stay tuned as we continue our journey through the vibrant streets and hidden gems of Stockholm, uncovering its treasures one step at a time.