Title:	Smörgåsbord: The Art of Swedish Breads and Savory Treats
	Author:	Johanna Kindvall
	Published:	September 26, 2017, Ten Speed Press
	No. of Pages:	176
	Cover Price:	$17.86 Hardcover, $11.99 Kindle

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It seems that when The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was first published and became an overnight bestseller, people became interested in all things Scandinavian, including food. Smörgåsbord: The Art of Swedish Breads and Savory Treats is Johanna Kindvall’s second book of Scandinavian recipes, this emphasizing everything you could need to know in order to set up a scrumptious and authentic Swedish smörgåsbord. Of course, the most popular and well-known aspect of a smörgåsbord is the incredible variety of open-faced sandwiches, and this cookbook not only includes ideas for toppings, but recipes for good sauces which can be used on almost any sandwich you decide to assemble. Other essentials for your smörgåsbord are jars of herring, an assortment of Scandinavian breads, and several condiments. Fish is usually included, as well as sides like Red Cabbage with Prunes (Yum), and Creamed Kale.

Although the term smorgasbord is often used interchangeably in the US for a buffet, Kindvall sets us straight as to where the term came from “(The word smörgåsbord is composed of two words: smörgås (open sandwich) and bord (table),” and what a real smörgåsbord is composed of. After reading the book, it will be very clear that an American buffet isn’t anything close to a Swedish smörgåsbord.

Some of the recipes in this cookbook will take some getting used to – they are quite different from traditional American cooking, but no less exciting. Some of the best recipes are Smoked Salmon Salad with Horseradish, Christmas Sausage, and Hot Smoked Salmon. There is also a chapter with excellent Scandinavian breads.

Kindvall is also an accomplished illustrator, and uses her talent throughout the book; the illustrations are delightful. It is a bit disappointing, however, that there aren’t real pictures of the finished recipes. The book is well-organized, and the notes of Scandinavian holidays are worth reading. If Scandinavian food is what you’re craving, this is the perfect cookbook.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.