Food and Cooking of Finland

The spellbinding landscape of Finland -- illuminated in its northern parts by the summertime phenomenon of the midnight sun -- is dominated by more than 187,000 lakes and 179,000 islands, and is largely covered with vast expanses of unspoilt boreal forests. Wild meat, seasonal berries, indigenous vegetables and freshwater fish abound and, combined with traditional cooking methods such as baking, casseroling and pickling, have resulted in a healthy, hearty and seasonal cuisine. A fascinating introduction provides an insight into the people, landscape, history and culinary customs of this magical land, and includes an informative reference guide to some of the most common ingredients as well as a typical menu of the dishes that would be included in the classic coffee table spread. More than 60 delicious recipes offer a tantalizing taste of both historical and contemporary Finnish cuisine, melding authentic ingredients and techniques with intriguing influences from France and the Mediterranean as well as neighboring Russia, Sweden and, to a lesser degree, Norway. Five distinctive chapters contain irresistible recipes for appetizers and side dishes; fish and shellfish; meat; desserts and baking. Highlights of the recipe collection include age-old classic favorites such as Crayfish Soup, Baltic Herrings with Caper Butter and Cloudberry Mousse, as well as more recent adaptations such as Reindeer Pot au Feu, Estonian-influenced Salmon Soup and Russian-inspired Easter Bread. Packed with more than 300 specially commissioned, inspirational pictures and delicious, easy-to-follow recipes, as well as cook's tips, variations and nutritional information, this unique new book is a must for anyoneinterested in learning more about this ancient and exciting cuisine.