More Almonds, Please!

Image via the Almond Board of California

I don't need an excuse to eat more almonds (our love affair is already quite public), but maybe you do.

Well, here it is: According to a study conducted by scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, almonds have 20% fewer calories than previously thought. Using a new method of calorie-counting that takes digestibility into account, a one-ounce serving of whole almonds was found to be 129 calories rather than 160.

But you know what hasn't changed? The taste. Almonds are just as sweet and nutty as ever. No matter what the calorie count, I will keep on eating almonds raw, toasting them, and mixing them into my fruit crisps. Now I just may be eating more of them!

Swedish Cinnamon Roll Showdown

While in Stockholm last week, I went on a mission to find the best cinnamon rolls, better known as Kanelbullar, in the entire city. After asking several Swede friends of mine, including a local restaurant critic, I was told two places–Cafe Saturnus and wait for it...7-Eleven. Yes, that's right. I just said 7-Eleven.

So, off I went. Luckily it wasn't too difficult of a mission, as there is a 7-Eleven just around the corner from Cafe Saturnus (and just about every other destination in Stockholm).


At Cafe Saturnus, the bakers have been making kanelbullar since 1960 and by now, they've perfected their recipe. The roll was HUGE, the dough was not sweet at all, had lots of coursely ground cardamom throughout, was moist in the center, yet crispy and chewy on the outside. It had just the right amount of cinnamon filling, with a nice thin glaze, topped with tons of course sugar. If I had to make one suggestion, a tad bit more salt in the dough would have made it the best cinnamon roll in the world.

The 7-Eleven kanelbullar (surprisingly!) wasn't bad at all. It was quite moist, but lacked the changes in texture that a homemade cinnamon roll has. It had a nice amount cardamom in it's dough, but I didn't love the variety of cinnamon they used–too strong. There was no glaze, but it did have a good scattering of course sugar on top. For just 16 SEK, and the convenience of being available 24 hours a day, I can't complain too much.

The verdict:  Cafe Saturnus won. (Thankfully, right?!) And if you are in Stockholm anytime in the next 50 years, I suggest you make a trek to have a kanelbullar as big as your head. You'll be a bit overwhelmed by their size, but then, you'll look down at the sparrows at your feet and realize you have no crumbs to share–because you just ate an entire bun yourself!

How to Beat a Heat Wave

It seems like just yesterday I was fantasizing about summer. Well, the wait is over! It's as hot as it's ever going to be. In a few days I leave Scandinavia behind, where it has been perfectly cool and lovely...to come home to New York, where it's blazing hot. Ugh. I really don't think I'm ready for the city heat.

But...my plan to beat this year's summer heat wave is with ice cream. Or gelato. Or sorbet. Or granita (with a little booze mixed in for a fun slush!). You get the idea. Just like me, I suggest you eat lots of it this summer, too.

What's your favorite hot weather treat? I'm always looking for new ideas (and excuses to eat sweets!).