swedish food

The Swedes are fiercely devoted to almond paste- and whipped cream-filled semla. (One king died after gorging on them.) And the day before Lent is game time for feasting before the fast.

First rule of smörgåsbord: Pace yourself. You've got to make your way through dozens of dishes — fish courses, ham, cheeses, warm entrees. And don't forget dessert. Or should we say desserts?