A follow-up to the successful 'The ScandiKitchen' (published September 2015), this new book from Bronte Aurell features over 60 recipes for cakes, bakes and treats from all over Scandinavia. From indulgent cream confections to homely and comforting fruit cakes and traditional breads, sweet buns and pastries. FIKA is a Swedish word meaning to meet up for a cup of coffee or tea over something delicious. It is also the word for the delicious treats themselves. Swedes traditionally stop twice a day for fika: taking a much-needed break from the daily grind. People fika with family, colleagues, friends, children and even go on fika dates. HYGGE (pronounced hue-guh) is a word that originated in Norway but is now mainly used in Denmark. It means 'a sublime state of cosiness you feel when you are with loved ones and nothing else matters'. Hygge can be enhanced by the addition of a log fire, a good film, a cup of something warm and a sweet treat...hence the ideal combination of the two terms. Chapters are divided into Biscuits and Cookies, Tray and No bakes, Everyday Fika, Little Fancy Cakes, Celebration Cakes and Bread and Batters. This beautifully illustrated, authentic guide is a celebration of Scandinavian baking in all its glory. It is evocative of cosy days shared with friends, slowing down and taking the time to enjoy simple, homemade, wholesome pleasures - encouraging a lifestyle to aspire to. With features on special Scandi winter celebrations, their baking traditions and how to bring fika and hygge into your life.

Discover the essence of hygge as revealed by Brontë Aurell, Danish owner of London’s ScandiKitchen in this honest and thoughtful guide, featuring some of her favourite recipes. Hygge is in the zeitgeist, but what is it, how do we bring hygge into our lives and why are we so captivated with this Danish word? According to Brontë, it is really not complicated and doesn’t involve spending vast amounts of money on candles or blankets… in its purest form it is simply about appreciating life. Explained in 12 entertaining chapters interspersed with recipes, you will learn first about the origins of the word hygge and then how to embrace it. Essays include: Hygge and Happiness; Hygge and Baking; Hygge and Time; Hygge and Stress; Hygge and Soul; Hygge and Nature and Hygge and Your Home. Hygge is a completely psychological and emotional state of being. Whether it’s going for a walk or sharing a cake with friends, when you carve a pocket of time in your day to appreciate and experience the moment, hygge can be found.

Brontë Aurell, owner of the ScandiKitchen Café in London, brings her famous flair to over 65 Scandinavian-style recipes that perfectly capture the joy of summer eating. In the warmer months we crave food that is lighter and nourishing. Scandinavians do summer food so well – wholesome, flavoursome, simple yet sumptuous to look at – it is the essence of ‘lagom’ or balance, with everything in moderation. For some Scandi balance into your summer meals try tempting breakfasts such as Cinnamon Bun French Toast. Sharing plates such as Smoked Mackerel Rillettes with Rye Crisps are ideal for grazing, while satisfying larger plates include Danish Plaice with Remoulade. All-important cake and fika include a Midsommer Strawberry Cake, and a classic Sourdough Rye is on offer in the breads chapter. Delicious desserts include a Swedish Mess with Cloudberries. Also included are Brontë’s fascinating insights into Scandinavian summer traditions and celebrations.

Brontë Aurell, owner of the ScandiKitchen Café in London, brings her famous flair to over 65 Scandinavian-style recipes that perfectly capture the joy of summer eating. In the warmer months we crave food that is often naturally lighter and nourishing. Scandinavians do summer food so well – it is wholesome, flavoursome, simple to make and sumptuous to look at. In Scandinavian culture, eating well is all about ‘lagom’ or balance – everything in moderation. Try the tempting breakfast ideas such as Blueberry Porridge. Sharing plates such as Smoked Mackerel Rillettes with Rye Crisps are ideal for grazing, while satisfying larger plates include Herbed Pork Tenderloin with Hasselback Potatoes or Danish Plaice with Remoulade. The all-important cake and fika recipes include a Midsummer Strawberry Cake and Skinny Lemon Muffins. A classic Sourdough Rye Loaf and Seeded Crispbread with Dried Nettles are on offer in the breads chapter, and tempting desserts include a Swedish Mess with Cloudberries, plus there are some refreshing summer drinks to sip, such as a traditional aquavit cocktail. Also included are Brontë’s fascinating insights into Scandinavian summer traditions and celebrations.

“A festival of beautiful bakes and stunning photos.�  Review of ScandiKitchen: Fika & Hygge, Good Housekeeping Magazine. Let Brontë Aurell of The ScandiKitchen Café show you how to celebrate your Christmas Scandi-style by sharing her delicious recipes and family traditions with you. Anyone who has ever been in Scandinavian in December will know that Scandinavians really love Christmas. From huddling up in candlelit snowed-in cottages to consuming glögg at every opportunity, Christmas is peak-hygge season all over Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Everything reverts back to tradition once Advent Sunday has come along. From saffron scented bakes to ‘gingerbread spice in everything!’, Christmas is the time to break the never-ending darkness with edible treats and joyful feelings. Scandinavians visit friends and families taking along something home baked to share. They have Jul-Smörgåsbord parties where old and young celebrate with a spread of traditional dishes and delicacies. Everything they do for Jul is centred around food, tradition and home comforts. Join Bronte and feel the warmth, even when it’s cold outside!