A rainy autumn day with oven-baked salmon and hollandaise sauce turned into a story of morning writing peace, candle shopping, and a long walk that brought both strength and inspiration. Here is the whole day in words – and the recipe that adds flavor to the evening.
Läs det här på Svenska Regnig höstdag med ugnslax och hollandaisesås
Rainy autumn day with oven-baked salmon and hollandaise sauce – from morning calm to evening meal
Saturday morning. The aroma of coffee met the quiet while my keyboard clicked away. My morning writing time is sacred – a private bubble before the house wakes.
My husband appeared, camera ready. He wanted to head out right away, but I was deep in my words. He went alone. Ten minutes later the sky broke open. Rain poured down. I listened to the drumming on the window and smiled – sometimes the sofa wins. He returned soaked, laughing, with no pictures in the camera.
Flavors that prepare a rainy autumn day with oven-baked salmon and hollandaise sauce
After a shower I set the table with crayfish and shrimp – Friday’s untouched plan turned into Saturday luxury. The cat stayed outside, so we ate in peace.
I saved the shells. They sizzled in a pot with onion, garlic and carrot until the kitchen filled with the scent of sea and spice. Water went in, then a slow simmer – creating a deep, rich stock. Not everyone loves the smell, but the taste is worth keeping.
How I make the seafood stock
- Sauté the shrimp and crayfish shells with coarsely chopped onion, carrots and garlic until lightly browned.
- Add enough water to cover.
- Simmer for at least 30 minutes, skimming off any foam.
- Strain and use the stock right away – or freeze for soups and sauces.
Searching for a bike – and candles for the dark season
With the stock on low heat we headed to town. Lillkillen and my niece joined us. The goal was a bike at Biltema, but no luck – they had stopped selling bikes.
We continued to Ikea, where we happily stocked up on candles. After spending about five hundred kronor, the car smelled of vanilla and cinnamon – autumn evenings secured. At Citygross I thought of a pizza party, but my niece declined and didn’t want anything else. She probably ate well when she got home, because she didn’t eat a thing here. My brother picked her up later.
A little tech help and local news
Before they left, my younger brother and I chatted about life. He helped adjust the TV so I can now watch Västnytt, the regional news, instead of Stockholm news. For half a year I hadn’t realized that was possible, so I kept watching the wrong region and feeling slightly annoyed. He also set up several movies on Netflix for cozy autumn evenings.
Long walk with cows as our audience
When the house grew quiet, my husband and I put on our shoes again. Only a few drops of rain fell as we walked. The paths here are like a map of possibilities: a village turning into open fields, cows chewing thoughtfully, small streams glittering. Woodpeckers and buzzards sailed above us, but none landed in my husband’s camera lens.
An hour later my hip began to protest, warning me that tonight and tomorrow I might feel it more than I’d like. Sometimes the body reminds me to listen.
Tips for perfect oven-baked salmon with a kick – rainy autumn day with hollandaise sauce
Toward evening I sank into the sofa again. I watched a film with just enough suspense to keep me hooked, even if it was a little more thrilling than I usually prefer.
And tonight, as Sunday settles like a soft blanket over the house, I’ll cook oven-baked salmon with hollandaise sauce. Just the thought makes me hungry.
Oven-baked salmon with a little heat
- Place a whole salmon fillet in an ovenproof dish. Season with salt, pepper, fresh dill and a pinch of chili.
- Bake at 175 °C (about 350 °F) for around 20 minutes, until the fish is just done and still juicy.
Temperature tip: Use a thermometer for perfect results. The ideal core temperature for oven-baked salmon is 52–56 °C (125–133 °F):
- 52 °C – slightly rosy and very juicy.
- 54–56 °C – fully cooked but still moist.
Remove the fish at about 52 °C; the temperature will rise a few degrees as it rests.
Quick hollandaise sauce for a rainy autumn day
- Slowly melt 150 g (about 5 oz) butter.
- Whisk together 3 egg yolks, 2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp white wine vinegar over a hot water bath until thick.
- Add the butter in a thin stream while whisking. Taste with salt and more lemon if desired.
Shortcut: If you’re worried the sauce might split, put the egg yolks and seasoning in a food processor and let the melted butter drizzle in. Almost as luxurious, with less risk.
Questions for you, dear reader
- What does your perfect rainy autumn day look like?
- Do you have a favorite recipe for a cozy Sunday meal?
- What motivates you to head out for a long walk, even when the rain is near?
Reflection
The rain offered calm, while the day filled with movement – in words, in steps, and in the scents of the kitchen. I see how these small moments carry an entire weekend and give it light.
Between the lines – my voice
I’m drawn to what truly nourishes me: writing, slow cooking, walking where nature opens wide. In these simple actions I find the real rhythm of my life.
AHA – between the lines
Simplicity is enough. A rainy autumn day can hold as much meaning as a long journey in our motorhome, if I only dare to stay inside it. In that quiet wisdom I feel fully alive.
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Read more
More recipes from my blog
– Swedish National Food Agency’s advice on fish and seafood
– More about Hollandaise sauce at ICA
Yesterday has already settled into history, tomorrow is waiting further ahead. But right now – this is where life happens. – Carina Ikonen Nilsson
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