LOZHKA

I couldn t love this book more Diana Henry Just as you would tuck into a bowl of Alissa s quince borscht or linger over her boozy chocolate and smetana layered trifle I promise you will want to do the same with this deeply felt gem of a book Polina Chesnakova In Lozhka award winning writer and co founder of CookforUkraine Alissa Timoshkina celebrates Eastern Europe through one of its most humble and powerful symbols the spoon Blending soulful recipes with rich storytelling she brings together history memory and cooking in a portrait of the region that is both deeply comforting and strikingly contemporary From herb scented soups and hearty grain stews to pillowy dumplings and custard soaked desserts each dish carries a sense of meaning memory and belonging Drawing on a wide range of traditions including Ukrainian Jewish Tatar Hungarian Polish Slovak and Roma among others Lozhka reveals a borderless cuisine shaped by resilience and generosity Vibrant vegetable forward and full of smoky tangy and creamy flavors these recipes are made for today s kitchens while honoring centuries of tradition More than a cookbook Lozhka is a journey through kitchens cultures and shared histories an invitation to slow down gather around and savor