BUDMO!

With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, time-honoured heritage, and warm hospitality, Slavic cuisine is having a moment. In 2019, Georgian food was named cuisine of the year by a leading hospitality consulting firm, and the interest in Eastern European and Caucasian cuisines has only continued to rise. And yet for many American home cooks, the dishes and flavours of the former Soviet Republics might seem as far off as Siberia until now.

Meaning cheers! in Ukrainian, Budmo! is the first cookbook to celebrate classic Slavic recipes with a modern, creative twist. Presented by Ukrainian-born, California-based chef, blogger, and culinary instructor Anna Voloshyna, bright flavours and vibrant ingredients sing from each plate. A gorgeous magenta pkhali comes alive with roasted beets and a tangy pomegranate molasses.

Borscht is reinvented with green sorrels and semi-soft eggs. And Voloshyna even shares a personal recipe for her Ukrainian grandmother s duck roasted to a delicious crispy-brown perfection. These are the dishes that are perfect for gathering your favourite people with, and each one is bound to uncover the mouthwatering flavours and traditions of this endlessly fascinating part of the world.