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Bakeland: Nordic Treats Inspired by Nature
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.
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.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2018
27 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 2, 2018
Arranged by season, these recipes recreate in edible form the natural treasures of Scandinavia. Hovland has an eye for tiny wonders as well as large ones: her almond cookies are shaped like siskin eggs, while the icing on hazelnut cookies depicts clouds drifting past a window. Each treat is a work of art, requiring craft skills like stenciling and sponge printing as well as baking prowess. With its clear instructions, gorgeous photographs of Norwegian landscapes, and step-by-step illustrations of the more intricate procedures, this is an outstanding cookbook for the ambitious home baker.
See my full review at Foreword.
See my full review at Foreword.
January 8, 2023
I ordered this book for my daughter and myself from our local library, and it just came in yesterday, finally after waiting three weeks. But the wait was worth it! If I could give this a rating of more than five stars, I would. It is a gorgeous book with the most beautiful photos of the most wonderful-looking baked goods ever!!! My daughter and I want to make every single recipe!!! (She explains how to do it step-by-step). Even if you don't bake, I think you will enjoy this book for the stunning photographs! Can you tell I love this book?! I have to purchase it!
May 10, 2018
Absolutely one of the most beautiful baking books I've ever seen. Really more of an art book for those who like to look at cookbook. Gorgeous full page photos of each dessert as well as several pages of instruction and inspiration for each. Full disclosure I may never make one of these recipes (I'm too lazy) but I wish I could eat them all.
December 14, 2018
What a gorgeous book! Many of these recipes are better suited to someone with skills and practice with pastry decorating (I do not), but quite a few are simple enough even for me. With beautiful, inventive recipes and great photo styling, I think this book is a real winner!
April 3, 2019
An absolutely beautiful book.
June 29, 2019
This is hands down, one of the most beautiful baking books I've ever come across. Everything is made from basic ingredients, which makes my job of veganizing the recipes way easier. The author uses inspiration from her own nature photography to craft ever recipe and the result is this work of art. This book has inspired me so much, I'm especially excited to play around with the Mint Glazed Hazelnut Cookies (45), Chocolate Cake with Passion Fruit Filling (63), Chocolate Wood with Barries and Nuts (126), and Spice Cake with Cinnamon Almonds (131)!
September 12, 2018
Wow this book is great. Easy to read and follow. Although the baked goods are beautifully garnished, often with simple things, the garnish could be left off. Most of use would be hard pressed to find all the wild flowers she candies and uses. Delish and different. I love that the recipes are smaller batches. I love that the ingredients are in grams and cups. I will be looking to buy this book at a second hand dealer because I love it so much, and I haven't purchased a cookbook in a long time
December 22, 2018
This cookbook is a jaw-dropping feast for the eyes. It's all food, but presented in clever, bright, and engaging ways. I went through this book twice just to look at the many color photos. While I did read some of the author's text, it will take another look before I can focus on the recipes and get past being intimidated by the effort that I imagine goes into creating such beautiful food.
September 26, 2018
This cookbook is full of really interesting recipes and absolutely stunning photography. It really gives you a good snapshot of Nordic flavor profiles for sweets. Some of the flavors were a bit surprising too. It's a good addition to a diverse cookbook collection.
May 2, 2018
An absolutely beautiful book with original, whimsical ideas. I don't see many home bakers tackling these projects, but the ideas are still lovely. Plenty of macaron recipes for macaron lovers too.
May 13, 2018
This belongs in an art gallery. It's SO gorgeous.
June 16, 2018
I think the skill level for this one is probably advanced beginner/intermediate level baker. It's beautifully photographed!
August 1, 2018
This is a beautiful cookbook. Interesting to read as well as creative food recipes.
September 1, 2018
This book is gorgeous, however, only 2 or so of the ideas called to me to bake them.
October 23, 2018
Visually and delectably stunning.
December 12, 2018
A beautiful book and yummy recipes. Going to try a few
January 4, 2019
A dreamscape of beautiful baked delights!
February 5, 2019
Absolutely gorgeous book full of beauty and deliciousness--but I probably won't make a single recipe.
February 20, 2019
The photos in this book are gorgeous and the author is clearly a baking genius. I might give a recipe or two a go, but they're intricate.
May 17, 2019
Simple recipes to follow and really easy ways to decorate to look like nature. Can't wait to try the birch cookies
March 23, 2022
This is an incredibly beautiful book! And so creative - I liked that you could take the recipes at face value and have delicious treats plain. Or, you could incorporate her decorating ideas and have something really next level, or apply her decorating ideas to something else - even that you didn't bake. I loved the seasonal groupings, and her macaron decorating skills are amazing. The recipes are very clear, and she's realistic with the timing, but most of these are somewhat advanced. Macarons are not generally easy to make, and this book has several recipes. There are a few that are easier (filled chocolate shells, and the ice cream cakes) but most of these are for someone who is more comfortable in the kitchen.
This is a stunning book loaded with creative ideas. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy baking.
This is a stunning book loaded with creative ideas. Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy baking.
August 28, 2020
Beautiful photographs, and the recipes seem relatively accessible, even though the decorations may not be. Am I going to paint and glaze cookies to look like a birch tree? Probably not, but I will be trying the cardamom buns!
September 10, 2019
Aspirational designs combined with recipes that seem doable. First up for me are the coconut oatmeal cookies and the rosemary cupcakes with lemon cream. The photographs and designs are exquisite.
September 27, 2019
Wow, this one is super pretty. If you're into presentation and decoration, get it.
December 24, 2019
This is probably visually the most stunning cookbook I have ever seen. Desserts inspired by the beauty of Norwegian nature, following the cycle of seasons.
February 13, 2021
The most beautiful cookbook of things I will never make.
December 4, 2021
Beautiful pictures, lovely inspiration, and such incredibly clever decorations.
December 5, 2022
The decorations are OTT and I love it. My favourite is definitely the birch bark cookies. I'm looking forward to trying them.
December 19, 2024
Beautiful photography. Lovely to flip through even if you don't try the recipes.
May 5, 2025
An absolutely gorgeous book. I may not be much of a baker, but I appreciate the beauty and creativity of all the recipes. Worth checking out for the photography alone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews