While I have some Scandinavian heritage (Lithuanian and Swedish on my Mom’s side), I had never HEARD of this before! How about you – any idea what a smorgastorta is? I’ve learned that it is a layered sandwich which is usually filled with somewhat creamy fillings and then FROSTED with a cream cheese and sour cream/crème fraiche blend. Decorations include veggies and solid version of whatever the filling is made of. I came across this authentic version first… I LOVE the idea that the recipe from Saveur shows you how to bake a round of whole wheat bread – so your sandwich can actually be presented as a cake! Love the idea, but the “fishy” fillings would not be appreciated by half my family – in their blood or not, an entire generation does NOT like seafood, with the possible exceptions of shrimp and tuna fish… So this vegetarian version offers some more neutral offerings, using artichokes, cheeses, and spinach spread... Of course, you could make it ‘American’ and go with one layer of ham salad, another of egg salad, then chicken salad… probably what I’ll end up going for [sigh]. Personally, I think any of these would be a great ‘tada’ for any gathering!