Magnus Nilsson gave a talk and book signing today at the American Swedish Institute and when asked how he compiled the recipes from his cookbooks, he said they created a website where people could comment and upload recipes. And he said that everyone’s grandmother lied.

They all uploaded “The best recipe for pickled herring that’s been in the family for years.” and the recipe exactly matched the recipe published in a 1940s Swedish cookbook, down to the number of peppercorns.