![]() That is to say, fika is such a normal tradition that it’s just a thing that people do without thinking about it. But then you will talk to Swedes who have left Sweden, and it’s something that they really miss. I think the Swedish attitude towards coffee seems special to those of us outside of Sweden because it’s so focused on taking a break and enjoying the good things in life. In our modern world where everything is fast, and most often our “coffee breaks” are drinking a cup of coffee in front of our computer screens, making time to actually take a break and slow down is a really special thing, and probably something that most of us should be doing more of. Johanna: I never thought the ritual around coffee breaks was that special until I came to NYC. And for Swedes the coffee break is essential. It’s when you catch up with your colleagues at work, meet an old friend or hear the latest news from your next door neighbour. The idea is that you get a short break to focus on something else. After the break you can continue with whatever you were doing, and in my opinion more efficiently. ![]() I think it’s part of the way people live in Scandinavia, work is important but if you want to do it well you value your coffee breaks, social life and long vacations. And there is no shame in it! Its just natural. What are your personal favourite and most nostalgic recipes in the book?Īnna: I am always going to have a thing for kardemummabullar (cardamom buns). This is one of the most iconic Swedish baked goods, and it’s not one that I have a lot because it takes a long time to make. On the flip side, my other favourite is for the complete opposite reason: chokladbollar, which are also quite iconic and you will find in any Swedish cafe, are super easy to whip up, so it’s my go-to recipe when I need something for fika and don’t have a lot of time. Johanna: Kardemummabullar (cardamom buns) is surely my most favourite recipe in the book. It reminds me of my grandmother, who always had them ready when we came to visit. Today I always make half the batch as buns (like my grandmother did) and the other half as a braided wreath. The wreath feels special and a welcoming treat when having friends over for coffee. I’m also very fond of our Anise & Hazelnut Biscotti which are not at all Swedish, but a great staple to have around. The book will definitely make you want a cup of coffee and a snack, so be prepared to start baking as soon as you finish flipping through the pages.It was also the first thing Anna and I baked together when we met for the first time in 2012. The final chapter of the book focuses on more savory breads, which can be used to make sandwiches or pair with savory ingredients for a more filling, but no less traditional, fika. There are recipes for every mood, as well, whether you want to make a simple batch of cookies to serve to a crowd or a more elaborate cake for a special event. ![]() The recipes are straightforward and easy to follow along with, even if these particular dishes have never been a part of your current coffee-break traditions. The recipes in the book are illustrated with drawings, rather than with photos, and the drawings give it a very charming feel. After a bit of history, the book jumps into the recipes, starting with traditional recipes and moving into more modern ones. ![]() The introduction covers the basic ingredients and techniques used in the book, offering suggestions for Swedish ingredients that are specifically called for, but that might not be easy to find at your local grocery store. Swedes have been drinking coffee since the 1600s, while the idea of fika itself dates back more than a century and is very well-ingrained in Swedish culture, whether you take your fika at the office or at home. The book begins with a history of Swedish coffee and the tradition of fika. Fika: The Art of the Swedish Coffee Break explores some of the most beloved recipes that are associated with fika – or coffee breaks – in Sweden, perhaps inspiring you to make the most of your own coffee breaks in the future. Sweden is a country with a very high coffee consumption rate and a well developed coffee break culture. It also presents the opportunity to have a little snack, whether you’re having your coffee break between breakfast and lunch or between lunch and dinner. It gives you a chance to refresh your mind, taking it off of your work for a few minutes, and to recharge your batteries. It’s nice to take a coffee break at some point during your day.
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