Mmmmm....have a Semla!

The Semla was originally eaten only on Fat Tuesday as the last festive food before Lent. Nowadays you'll be able to buy a Semla as early as in the beginning of January. The Semlas above are baked by my good friend Caroline.

Chocolate & Banana Fudge Muffins

2 egg
2 dl sugar
50 g melted butter
1/2 cooking oil (not olive oil)
100 g 70% dark chocolate
1 ripe banana
2 dl flour
1 dl cacao
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Whip egg and sugar until fluffy and white. Add melted butter, oil and melted chocolate. Add a mashed ripe banana. Mix the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and fold carefully in the egg and butter mix. Pour into muffin forms. Oven: 175° C for about 15 minutes

Pumpkin Pie

A delicious pumpkin pie, spiced with ginger and cinnamon. Serve this pie with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with a little cinnamon or cinnamon-sugar.

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree, canned or fresh
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup evaporated milk, undiluted
2 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 unbaked pastry shell (9-inch)

Preparation:
Combine pumpkin, sugar, salt, spices, and flour in a medium mixing bowl. Add eggs; mix well. Add evaporated milk, water, and vanilla; mix well. Pour into pastry-lined pie pan. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 350° and bake about 35 minutes longer, or until center is set. photo: gettyimages