From
Dill to Dracula
A
Romanian Food & Folklore Cookbook
by
A.M. Ruggirello
Genre:
Nonfiction, Cookbook
Romania—a
hidden gem of Eastern Europe—is better known for its brush with
communism than its cuisine. But, just because it’s hidden, doesn’t
mean it’s forgotten. Filled with lush ingredients, many picked
fresh from the field, you’ll find a traditional Romanian plate
loaded to the brim with vegetables and lean proteins, never lacking
in flavor.
And nestled in those hidden hills and winding
landscapes, lies a culture as rich and decadent as their meals.
Journey through the countryside with over 80 recipes as unique as the
people who have been perfecting them for centuries, all the while
learning about the folklore and traditions that have steeped Romania
in mystical mystery for so long.
Readers Roost Review
From the moment I started reading, I knew that I would love this book. I enjoyed learning about the history and culture of Romania as well as looking at all the beautiful pictures. The author even provides a brief history of the real Dracula, which it would be best not to read before dinner as it might put you off your feed.
The recipes are simple enough that even me, the sort of "chef" that Gordon Ramsay would dub a donkey or worse, can make them without messing them up. I see no reason to ever buy pre-made hummus again. Making it myself was simple and satisfying. Plus, there are recipes for pickling, which is something that I've started experimenting with.
Romanian cuisine is similar in some ways to Lithuanian, which is part of my paternal heritage. I imagine there is some similarity between all East European cuisine. This is a subject that I would enjoy researching.
If you love to cook and enjoy learning about various cultures, I highly recommend this book. I can't think of any criticisms, so I will end this review with a five-star rating and let you get on to purchasing the book and trying the tasty dishes featured therein for yourself.
~Cie~
Ash
(who writes as “A.M.”) wears many hats, though she favors the
dark gray cable knit beanie from Amazon, most. A descendant of
Romanian immigrants, she grew up in a family that fostered all forms
of creation, the guiding force which led her towards her careers as
an author + blogger, book
designer + graphic artist,
and certified
nutrition + lifestyle coach.
She
lives in Beer + Cheese Land, Wisconsin with her real-life
superhero husband, loud-mouth + drool-bucket coonhound,
and I’m-allergic-to-myself cat,
but frequently spends a fortnight (or two) in the fictional world
of Skyrim (add
her on the PlayStation Network: supersmaaashley).
She
considers herself a designer by nature, a writer at heart, and
always wanted to make video game walk-throughs as a child. (Hint: she
still does.) Her favorite color is chartreuse, and she has an
undeniable attraction to moss (not of the Kate variety).
$25
gift card to Fabko.com for the purchase of Romanian goodies
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