A few weeks ago I went to a book signing and talk by Trine Hahnemann at Books & Company in Hellerup. It was her one and only book signing in Denmark despite having had a wider international book tour since the launch of the book. I am a big fan of Trine and before this evening our only contact had been via email. I loved listening to her speak.She gave a wonderful introduction to the history of baking in Denmark (which you can read about in her book). I loved to hear about her inspirational grandmother and her growing up years on a commune and how these things had impacted on her love of baking and its importance in everyday life. She also spoke a little about her experience on the Great British Bake Off this summer, how much fun Sue Perkins is but the thing that struck me was how humble she was about her appearance and how amazed that her Twitter account went crazy after it was aired. More people watched her in that episode that actually live in Denmark! As she joked, if only 10% of those viewers buy her book she will be a happy lady!But what about the book? Firstly it is in English (and currently there is no Danish version) so very accessible. The photography is very Danish and evokes a real feeling of hygge. You feel warm and cosy just reading the recipes and looking at the pictures. All the recipes appear to be fairly straighforward, don’t be put off by the use of yeast in a lot of the recipes and also more unusual flours. I chose to make the Orange spelt cake. There seemed to be a lot  of stages to the recipe, which, before I advanced my baking skills a little, might have put me off unnecessarily. I did get all my ingredients weighed out etc to be more organised but the cake took around 25 minutes to put together from start to putting in the oven, which I don’t think is too bad for an impressive cake like this.

With the orange syrup poured over the hot cake and quickly absorbed, this cake was deliciously gooey and had a lovely orange flavour without being overpowering.

I am looking forward to baking it again and delving back into the book for more cosy cakes to help the winter seem less gloomy. If you would like to get hold of a copy you can visit Amazon*.*I am part of the Amazon Associate scheme.

I hope you enjoyed my interview with Trine Hahnemann before Easter. In that interview I promised to review one of her books and I am delighted to have been sent a review copy of her new book translated into English, The Nordic Diet.

I really enjoy The Scandinavian Cookbook, both for its photography and recipes and, at first glance The Nordic Diet is equally pleasing. But the ethos behind the book is what grabbed me. Trine argues that the Nordic Diet shares the same lauded values as the Mediterranean diet, with its concentration on seasonal and local produce packed with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants, it is just the types of produce are suited to a different climate.

The introduction covers the fundamentals of a typical healthy Nordic diet  and also how to live a healthier lifestyle (and by default lose weight, which is something that will appeal to many). The ingredients of the Nordic diet are explained and throughout the book there are entries about the key ingredients, many of which may be slightly lesser known or less consumed outside Scandinavia.

But this aside, even if you treat this as simply a cookbook it doesn’t disappoint, I didn’t see any recipe that was overly complicated and they all look delicious and attractive. I have bookmarked a far few to try when of course the seasons allow – as is the Nordic Diet way. If you want to embrace the Scandinavian way of eating, this book is the best place to start.