Product Description

In the old Ukraine, cuisine was a highly developed art form. Traditional cookery, here evoked in an assortment of menus and recipes, reflected the productivity of a rich farming and sheepraising region, celebrated the festivals in the church calendar and marked important family milestones - births, christenings, name days, betrothals, weddings and commemorations of the dead. In addition to instructions designed for the modern kitchen, 36 drawings illustrate the correct technique for filling dumplings and cabbage rolls and the artistry involved in baking the famous Ukrainian Easter "paska" and wedding breads. A reference section and note on sources may be an aid to scholars and all concerned with the preservation of Ukrainian culture. "Festive Ukrainian Cooking" is also an account of traditional Ukrainian culture as perpetuated in family rituals and celebrated with food and drink. Working from original sources in Ukrainian, Russian and Polish, Marta Pisetska Farley arranges these recipes as they were enjoyed throughout the year, beginning with the Christmas season and ending with dishes made with wild mushrooms gathered in the fall. Chapter introductions describe the folkways associated with major holidays and family events and the symbolic and celebratory role of food appropriate to each.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #111494 in Books
• Published on: 1991-04-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

Customer Reviews

Fascinating insight into the food and culture of Ukraine.
I couldn't wait to get cooking! Vereneky's, Borsch - my favourites - they tasted every bit as good as my Ukrainian Father used to cook for me.

The section on Christmas Eve told of the same traditions and recipes that I remember from Christmases past.

Name days, Easter, feasts and celebrations throughout the year are all covered with traditional recipes and accounts of the traditions that occur at these times.

A great variety of recipes to keep trying including pastas, breads, cheesecakes,tortes, meat and fish dishes. Be prepared to spend time preparing the foods and you will be rewarded. There are some delicious recipes to try (such as "Short White Torte") as well as some that the English palate will not find so enjoyable. Pesonally, I think I might give the "Veal Tongue with Garlic Mayonnaise" a miss!

I wanted a book that would tell me more about the culture of Ukrainian festivals as well as the food cooked at these times. This book delivers both - the most original birthday present I've ever received.