Tomorrow will be the longest day of the year for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere.  The sun will be directly over the Tropic of Cancer, marking the first moment of Summer.  In far northern climes, like Scandinavia, this is a day of rejoicing and enjoying the long, long days.  We can celebrate our increasing good health and decreasing girth as we follow the Fasting Lifestyle with a Norwegian breakfast and a Swedish dinner.

Nordic Breakfast   297 calories    11.7 g. fat       15.5 g. protein     34.8 g carbs      PB                           This is based on a recipe from the Fast Diet book, but I always thought it looked like a puny amount of food.  So wrong! This will fill you up, even without the smoothie! If you insist on the smoothie, you will add another 84 calories.

3 slices of Finn Crisp crackers                                                                                                                                    2 oz smoked salmon                                                                                                                                               2 Tbsp whipped cream cheese                                                                                                                          2 rings red onion, thinly sliced                                                                                                                                  ½ cup raspberries                                                                                                                                                        1 oz apple                                                                                                                                                              blackish coffee  or blackish tea or lemon in hot water                                                                      NOTE: no smoothie

Carefully spread the cream cheese on the crackers. Divide the salmon among them. Arrange the onion rings atop the salmon. Slice the apple and pour your hot beverage. Skip the aquavit.

Lamb Patty with Swedish Cucumber Salad     299 calories    17.2 g fat     0.5 g fiber                   20.8 g protein        12.6 g carbs    68 mg Calcium        GF          The inspiration for this meal is from Craig Claibourne’s International Cookbook, long a family favorite.

1 4-0z lamb patty, available at markets or make your own using 90% lean lamb                             2 cups sliced cucumbers                                                                                                                                           1 Tbsp sugar                                                                                                                                                              2 oz white wine vinegar                                                                                                                                           1 tsp cold water                                                                                                                                                     salt and freshly ground pepper                                                                                                                        ½ tsp dill

Combine the sugar, vinegar, water, salt, and pepper in a 3-cup container. Slice the cucumbers, spread them out on towels and pat dry. Stir the cukes into the liquid, wetting all the slices. Chill for at least one hour.  Add the dill now, or sprinkle it on top when you serve. HINT: the cucumber salad is enough to serve two. Cook the lamb patty by grilling or baking or pan-frying in a non-stick pan. Season to taste. Plate the lamb with the cucumber salad for the simplest of hot-weather treats.