Danish Food Champion

Rasmus Kofoed, owner of restaurant Geranium here in Copenhagen, won the highly acclaimed title as the world's best chef at the international competition Bocuse D'or a few days ago. His win places Danish cuisine and gastronomy at the top of the international food scene.

2010 was a good year for Danish food, with Noma winning the coveted title as the world's best restaurant in April. With the Kofoed's win and new title as the world's best chef, 2011 appears to continue the stride.

A visit to Geranium this year is definately on my wish-list!

Pesto

A good way to spice up a pasta dish or sandwich is to add a little pesto. You don't need any fancy tools or that much time - just a couple of minutes, actually.

Ingredients

Basil
Olive oil
Pine nuts
Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano if you want to be really specific)
Garlic (1 or 2 cloves depending on how strong you want your pesto)

Nip a big bunch of basil leaves from the plant and chop them briefly, before adding them your kitchen mortar. Throw in a handful of pine nuts, olive oil and grind some cheese on top. Finely chop your garlic and add as well. Mix all the ingredients together with your pestle until you have lovely, smooth paste. Voila!

2011 projects

I don't do New Year resolutions - I do projects and ideas. Unlike a resolution, a project or idea is easier to change or alter, as the year progresses. After having given it some thought, here are my projects and ideas for the coming year:

• Complete a half-marathon (already signed up for the B.T. half-marathon in Lyngby in May)
• Go on an adventure/visit a new country (my mother and I have plans to go to Nepal and Tibet in November)
• Roskilde Festival! (haven't been there before, if you can believe it..)
• Blog about the Danish Frk. Jensens Kogebog, the Danish equivalent of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking
• Do something with my thesis (am not sure yet whether to publish it or turn it into a lecture - or maybe do both)
• Find a new job

Stay tuned for more..