Although I first found this book while browsing cookbooks, I must say that this is more of a memoir and travelogue than a true recipe book. Yes, there are some recipes included, but there are not that many and some instructions and measurements are vague. I’m not saying this is a problem, but if you buy this book for its recipes, you might very well be disappointed. Buy it for the lovely feelings that come over you as you read the words and look at the pictures.
I think this is a very nice book for gifting to someone of Polish decent; someone who cherishes their Polish heritage. And, it is very much a “coffee table book”: It is artistically laid out; there are very many photographs, both new and old; the writing is thoughtful and thought-provoking, with the stories, history and information very interesting to read; the content of the book—the combination of the pictures and the words—is often very poignant. There are even ribbons woven into the binding—of course, a red ribbon and a white one!
About the recipes: As an example of the flexible instructions: The recipe for rose petal jam is to gather 3-4 large handfuls of the wild rose “Rosa canina” and place them in a stone mortar, slowly pour in about a pound of sugar and crush with the pestle to create a paste. In a way, that “loose”, open attitude is exactly what’s wonderful about Babcia’s (Grandma’s) recipes, but in another way, it won’t be helpful to a new cook. There are 53 recipes in this book of 320 pages, and they are not arranged in any particular order.
About the pictures: The new photos are vibrant and sharp. The very old photos are exactly what you would expect. Then there are some pictures that look to be copied from photos from the 60’s and 70’s: If you don’t take them for what they are—reproductions from that time seem to be dull in color and a bit fuzzy—you might also be disappointed.
I am very happy to have run across this book. I’m very happy to have purchased it. And I hope the editors at Tabula Books follow through with their intent to make this book the first in a series of four about Poland. The next in the series should be “Sugared Orange Zest – Recipes & Stories from a Winter in Poland”. I’m looking forward to it.
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Reviews with images
A beautiful book
It’s a beautiful book with a feel that no detail was overlooked. The writings, photographs, recipes...they awaken your soul and senses. The book was much larger and weightier than I expected, but it was the size that encouraged me to slow down, and sit and enjoy the stories and pictures. For the recipes, so far we have made the beef goulash, and it was delicious! I hope to order the sequel book.
Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Rose Petal Jam is a delight
Reviewed in Australia on January 26, 2019
Chopinist
A Collector's Gem and a Gourmet's Delight
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 22, 2011Joan Levert
Absolutely gorgeous book, filled with lots of interesting recipes ...
Reviewed in Canada on February 16, 2018