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3.29.2009

The Scandinavian Cookbook Review and Salmon Burgers with Rye Focaccia






Those of you that know me , know that Scandinavia is no stranger to me. In a way through Certain Someone its like a second home. But even prior to meeting Certain Someone , I have relatives there in which I got to visit. My first visit to Stockholm , I feel in love. So how fitting my love has a beautiful summer home, by the sea, which I cant wait to go back and visit. I have yet to explore the other Scandinavian countries. I'm eager to see Denmark and Norway.One day.
I was so so happy to get a copy of The Scandinavian Cookbook by Trina Hahnemann (Andrews McMeel Publishing,LLC), through the The Library Thing Early Reviewer Program. If you don't know about this ,please check it out. As all my books on Library Thing are cookbooks, that's what I normally snag based on my profile. But they have all types of genres available, and the competition is tough. This is my second review for them.
The Scandinavian Cookbook is a big gorgeous book by the Danish chef Trina Hahnemann.In her first English cookbook, she breaks the book down into seasons and months so the reader truly understands the cycle of life in Scandinavia.Winter is long with little light and summer leads into those White Nights with the sun not going down until midnight or after. Its a beautiful corner of the world with a simple straightforward and delicious approach to cooking. Flipping through the gorgeous photographs by Lars Ranek one gets a visual Smorgasbord of fishes, pastries, vegetables, breads drinks, and just about anything else you can think of. I long to go back and make the Kartoffelkage (a choux pastry with marzipan, cocoa, and filled with cream). Of course she shows you how to make smoked salmon. With the seasonal approach all the dishes presented look so healthy, wholesome and appetizing.A nice balance.


I chose to make a simple Rye Focaccia and Salmon Burgers form the month of April because I had most of the ingredients on hand. I confess,I was out of capers, and really regretted it. Nevertheless the burger was fantastic. And the Rye Focaccia was outstanding and very simple to put together. The burger was basically fresh salmon chopped into a mince with green onion , capers, eggs, and breadcrumbs. I garnished mine with sprouts , rather the chives and capers. And I cheated with mayo out of jar rather than her homemade dressing with homemade mayonnaise,and creme fraiche.The focaccia which was to make 4 burgers, could have been stretched to six or even eight in my opinion. I was really hearty and I couldn't stop nibbing throughout the day. What I love about this book is that there are basic recipes and components I can carry over into other seasons and dishes. Naturally I am submitting this into BYOB.
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18 comments:

kayce. said...

wow... it looks delish!!! i haven't had good salmon in awhile and i might just try this recipe. :))

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

That looks really good! I love the idea! Perfect for the warmer days...

Cheers,

Rosa

Toni said...

I've only had salmon burgers which I've gotten pre-made at Trader Joe's. Needless to say, this looks like a MUCH better idea!!!

Nina Timm said...

Wooooo, I like the alternative burger and this one rocks!!! Well done!!!

The Caked Crusader said...

You've made an amazing job of that focaccia - stunning!

Anonymous said...

Hi Courtney!
Your burger looks great, but that Kartoffelkage sounds so naughty! ;)

Núria said...

Soooo good! I bet that Salmon over there is the best one in the world! And I agree, Sweeden is a great country :D

That bread and the salmon burguer look awesome Courtney. Buen provecho!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

You know I live a good salmon burger anytime!!

Peter M said...

C-town, it's noon-time over here and I have a huge craving for these...with or without capers!

Laurie said...

How fun to review cookbooks Courtney! This dish looks yummy, it would be great for lunch today! :

The Duo Dishes said...

Salmon burgers and salmon patties are two fish 'cakes' that we really enjoy. A really lovely sandwich you've created.

Sandy Smith said...

Masterful, Courtney! This focaccia looks spectacular!

Darius T. Williams said...

The burger really does sound good too!

Deborah said...

I have a Scandinavian bread book, and really need to make more from it! This book sounds great, as do the recipes you've made!

~~louise~~ said...

I was here the other day eyeing this Salmon Burger when I got distracted by the Library Thing. Oh Courtney, thank you so much for bringing it to my attention. I've been staying up nights trying to enter all my books. I looked for you too but alas, it's going to take me a while to learn to navigate. Anyway, thanks again.

I have a few Scandinavian cookbooks from times past. None have this recipe. I think I may just have to give it a try. I know mine won't look as enticing as yours but I bet it will taste amazing!!!

Jude said...

Sounds like a great cookbook, especially since I know next to nothing about Scandinavian cuisine.

Proud Italian Cook said...

Scandinavia looks so beautiful, I always use to watch the PPS cooking show from there on Sundays, but its no longer on. :(
I was just saying I wanted to try making salmon burgers, how did you know? Thanks Courtney!

Jeanne said...

Rye focaccia? Salmon burgers? OK, it's nearly midnight and now I'm drooling as if I never had dinner!

I've never been to any Scandanavian country, but would love to. Mmmm, maybe a little fodie tour in the summer ;-)