Fresh from Poland: New Vegetarian Cooking from the Old Country

Many of us think of pork dishes and sausages when we think of Polish cooking, but this marvelous new cookbook will change minds with nearly ninety delicious vegetarian recipes based on recipes handed down by author Michal Korkosz’s mother and grandmother.

He starts with an introduction to his story and a Polish kitchen as well as a section on what one needs in a Polish pantry. This is followed by sections on Breakfast; Soups; Breads and Baked Goods; Main Dishes; Side Dishes; Pierogi and Dumplings; Desserts; and Preserves, Jams, and Pickles. Each section begins with a short essay about the Polish heritage of that group of foods.

Most recipes include a paragraph on Michel’s personal feelings about the dish. The recipes are well written and easy to follow, and they are of great variety and unexpected for a typical American audience. The book is filled with glorious, mouth-watering color photos of the finished dishes and also some instructive photos where needed, such as the section on pierogis. Do not miss the recipes for creamy sauerkraut soup or stuffed tomatoes with millet, cinnamon, and almonds.

There is something for everyone in this book, and even the most ardent carnivore will find satisfaction here.