MY FAVORITE COLLECTION OF DISHES

Over the years I have collected, modified and created recipes steeped in tradition from my homeland in Sweden to my home in Texas. From preparing the perfect piece of seafood fresh from the Gulf of Mexico to the comfort of a warm, buttered piece of dense Swedish bread, my love of food and cooking has been a lifelong adventure that began with my mother, Ilmi. My mother 's cooking influenced me heavily and hers was influenced by both Swedish and Estonian cuisine. Thankfully she and I still enjoy sharing recipes and creating together.
I stayed in the United States after receiving a swimming scholarship to study at University of Houston. In 1984, after receiving a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, I worked at several restaurants in the Houston area before working in the recreational boat industry for many years in both Texas and Florida. I still continued to create dishes and cook for friends and family. Learning to cater meals at small gatherings and free-lancing to help out other restaurant owner/chefs in the industry kept my skills fresh. Though my profession is currently that of a Realtor, my happy place is in the kitchen-creating for friends and family.
This collection literally comes from my kitchen drawer. A place where my favorites recipes are kept-scribbled down on a napkin, taken from a magazine and modified, printed, written or passed down from from family and friends. I hope you enjoy this collection.

Born in Sweden, Peter Hakansson moved to the US in 1978 to swim for University of Houston after receiving a scholarship. After receiving a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management he pursued a career in the restaurant business for a number of years. He has always had a love of cooking and entertaining and this book is culmination of ideas and experiments in the kitchen. Peter has lived most of his life in Texas, but also spent time in Florida, therefore many dishes have a southwest likeness.