Fika: The Swedish Way

A bestseller in Sweden since it first appeared in 1945, when it was published as Sju sorters kakor (Seven Kinds of Cakes), this book offers an appealing mix of traditional and contemporary baking that is essential to fika, the convivial Swedish coffee break, when a modest sweet treat is expected and enjoyed.

Although compact in form (222 pages, 6.25" x 8"), the book offers more than 250 recipes for the likes of sweet doughs, rusks, Danish pastries, cakes, tray bakes, Swiss rolls, cookies, individual cakes and tarts, full-size cakes and tortes, as well as a few fried items and candies.

There are many classic Swedish treats here, including Princess Cake, Lenten Semlor buns, and sätofta cookies studded with dried currants. But you'll also find some Swedish twists on goodies from the wider world: lingonberry macarons; California drops made with chopped nuts; even chocolate cupcakes filled with dulce de leche. Lots of fun.

Hardcover. Color photographs throughout. Most measurements are in metric and by weight.