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Nordic Kitchen stories

Inspired by family recipes

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About Nordic Kitchen Stories

Hello, and welcome to Nordic Kitchen Stories! I’m Louise, and I live in Buckinghamshire with my husband and our little dachshund, Dora. My love for good food comes from my Swedish mum, who taught me to appreciate fresh, quality ingredients. Growing up, every meal was all about using produce straight from our garden or picked up from the local greengrocer. We’d have fish from the market and meat from the village butcher—it was just how we did things. I’ve always been adventurous with food and eager to try new flavours.

Each summer my brother and I so looked forward to spending time with our grandparents and extended family and friends in Stockholm. Our days were filled with boundless outdoor adventures, from cycling to swimming and fishing in the tranquil countryside and the Stockholm archipelago. The excitement of smoking the day’s catch for dinner was an unforgettable tradition. My grandmother (Mormor) was a remarkable baker, my earliest food memory is when I was about five years old, baking cinnamon buns with her. In the midst of chaos, I managed to create delicious, fluffy, golden swirls showered in crunchy sugar nibs.

One day, I stumbled upon the idea of starting a blog. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been interested in food. Cooking, for me, is a great joy. Fortunately, my passion for food has also become my profession as a food creator. Throughout the years, I have been an integral part of the food industry, working as a caterer and private chef. Currently, I find great satisfaction in recipe development and creating celebration cakes and sourdough bread. Recently, I’ve also discovered a new passion for food styling and photography. Every image featured on this website and Instagram is my own creation unless specified otherwise.

Louise Hurst

“I hope Nordic Kitchen Stories blog inspires you to try new flavour combinations and ingredients. Here, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of family recipes, intermingled with my personal creations, made with a touch of love and a pinch of nostalgia. I am happiest in my kitchen, baking, cooking and devising new recipes for my family and friends”.

Image by Marta Wasielewska




Can we talk about Switchel? While I love making sh Can we talk about Switchel? While I love making shrubs in summer, I’m very much a switchel drinker in the winter months. It’s like a warming, spiced ginger beer but alcohol-free and vinegar-based. Raw apple cider vinegar, honey, root ginger, and a touch of chilli for a little kick. Perfect for Dry January or anytime you want something satisfying that’s not booze. 

📌Shake the bottle before pouring.

Who’s making it? 

#Switchel #NonAlcoholicDrinks #AlcoholFree
For my first post of the year: Brothy beans with m For my first post of the year: Brothy beans with miso-charred Brussels. Fiery, comforting, and very welcome, the perfect antidote for the extreme temperatures.

~ Gently cook 2-3 finely sliced shallots in 3 tbsp oil + salt for 12–15 mins until deep golden & sticky (stir lots at the end).
~ Add 2 tbsp oil & 2 cloves of garlic, sliced. 1 large jar white beans with their liquid, 500ml chicken/veg stock, Parmesan rind + black pepper. Simmer 8–10 mins until slightly thick.
~ Fry 2 handfuls of finely sliced Brussels sprouts in olive oil on high until charred. Blend 2 tsp white miso, 2 tsp butter + 1 tbls lemon juice then stir through the sprouts.
~ Finish the beans with 2-3 Tbls grated Parmesan plus a squeeze of lemon, adjust seasoning, remove the Parmesan rind.
~ Serve topped with miso Brussels + extra Parmesan and a drizzle of chilli oil or sliced chilli.
Save & share 🤍

#brothybeans #comfortfood #winterbowls #plantforward #seasonalcooking
2025 hasn’t been the easiest year, but it has been 2025 hasn’t been the easiest year, but it has been generously seasoned with moments of joy…The publication of my book, sourdough and celebration cakes baked and shared, nourishing meals that kept us steady, a restorative escape with family in the Stockholm archipelago, my son’s wedding beneath the Menorcan sun, and the unexpected pleasure of new friendships found here.

Here’s to 2026 — brighter days and new adventures.

#seasonaleating #homecooking #bunssweetandsimple #comfortfood #learnsomethingneweveryday
As the year comes to an end, thank you so much to As the year comes to an end, thank you so much to everyone who’s been here and supported me, and a warm welcome to all my new followers - very happy to have you here. 
With the winter solstice now behind us, we can look forward to brighter, longer days ahead.

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and the very best for 2026.

God Jul 🌲

#christmasseason #Julafton #winter #winterseason
I’ve finally got around to making my Christmas wre I’ve finally got around to making my Christmas wreath. I never really have a plan; I just knew I wanted to bring in soft reds this year. With my door nicely sheltered from the elements, pepper berries work beautifully. Thanks to @flowerfields.cookham for the foliage🌿

Photos 2 + 3 
And my current Christmas hobby: needle-felting Jultomtar (Christmas gnomes) 

#christmaswreath #wreathmaking #christmasdecor #festivehome #naturalchristmas #handmadechristmas #seasonaldecor #softreds #pepperberries #scandichristmas #jultomte #sustainabkechristmasdecor #sustainablechristmas #needlefelting #christmascraft #slowchristmas #creativechristmas
Decorating the Christmas tree on Lucia Day has bec Decorating the Christmas tree on Lucia Day has become a quiet tradition in my house — a saffron bun in hand while I wrestle with tangled fairy lights! If you caught my stories, now saved to highlights, you’ll have seen me shaping these as I went.

Saffron buns are traditionally eaten today, fragrant and gently sweet, but I’ve broken ranks and added an almond filling — rich, nutty and entirely worth the deviation. You can shape them like this (page 94) or as in the book; either are delicious with a cup of coffee as the afternoon light fades.

The recipe is from my book Buns, sweet and simple — written for days exactly like this, and I think a great Christmas gift for those who love to bake or want to learn. 

#luciaday #saffronbuns #christmasbaking #homebaking #yeastedbuns #bakingtraditions #scandibaking #winterbaking #bunsweetsimple #almondfilling #nordickitchenstories 

Glad Lucia🕯️
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