BALTIC

Simon Bajada, Hardie Grant Books, $55

“Pink desserts, silvery and golden fish; orange pumpkins, seeds from white to black”… sounds like a fairytale banquet, but these are the culinary colours you’ll find alongside the Baltic Sea. Baltic showcases the food of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia, putting a fresh spin on classic techniques and produce. Awardwinning food and travel photographer Simon Bajada has turned his lens on gems such as Curd Chocolate (cheesecake encased in a chocolate shell; sigh); Curd Pancakes with Sour Cream and Blackcurrant Jam (Lithuania); Hakklihakaste (a deconstructed shepherd’s pie); Rye and Carrot Pies (Latvia); and Salmon Cured in Beer with Poppy Pancakes. A beautiful volume that’s sure to fuel your wanderlust. I’d hop on a plane for the Curd Chocolate alone. A delicious Christmas gift.