Bakeland

A quirky, beautifully photographed collection of delicious and creative Nordic baking recipes inspired by nature.

From the Danish concept of hygge (or “coziness”) to the Swedish fika (or “coffee break”), when it comes to enjoying the good things in life, the Nordic countries tend to know best. And dessert, Bakeland reveals, is no exception. Written by Marit Hovland, the Norwegian graphic designer, baker, and photographer behind the popular Instagram account and blog Borrow My Eyes, this gorgeous recipe book is a remarkably innovative and delicious homage to the beauty of the world around us that will delight lovers of baking, crafting, nature, and all things Scandinavian.

With 50 tempting dessert recipes and 140 stunning color photographs, Bakeland is as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the tastebuds. Focusing on purity, season, and quality, Hovland offers a sweeter, more playful approach to the New Nordic cuisine trend made popular by chefs like Magnus Nilsson. Her belief that “inspiration can be found everywhere” shines through in each of her culinary creations, which replicate the most striking aspects of the natural world. From chocolate sea shells to edible butterflies and pinecone-shaped gingersnaps, Bakeland takes readers on an artful, tasty trip through nature in Norway, season by season. But better yet, these clever confections taste as good as they look, and each recipe is detailed, precise, and easy to follow, with no special equipment required. With step-by-step, illustrated instructions and an emphasis on simplicity, Hovland’s approach to baking is as accessible as it is delectable.

Marit Hovland is a Norwegian graphic designer, photographer, and cookbook writer with a passion for baking and nature. She shares photos of her recipes, nature photography, and other hobbies on her website at borrowmyeyes.com, and with her more than 18,000 followers on Instagram at @borrowmyeyes.

Trine Hahnemann is a Danish chef, food writer, and author of internationally acclaimed The Scandinavian Cookbook, which has been translated into six languages. Her stories and recipes have appeared in the Guardian, Fine Cooking US, the Observer Food Monthly, Good Housekeeping, and many other publications.