Olia HerculesSummer Kitchens: Recipes and Reminiscences from Every Corner of Ukraine

I have cooked my way through most of the recipes in the author's first cookbook "Mamushka," so was excited to hear that she was coming out with anther one. Beautiful photographs, rich text, interesting stories that paint a picture of the culinary diversity of Ukraine, and of course many interesting recipes. I'm an American of Ukrainian heritage so grew up eating Ukrainian food. I also lived for many years in Ukraine and traveled extensively throughout the whole country. Ukrainian food is much more than potatoes and cabbage (though who doesn't love potato varenyky/pierogies and the braised cabbage recipe in this cookbook is to die for). That said, the food of Ukraine varies by region and is influenced by other ethnic cuisines. The author does a wonderful job bringing the richness of the culinary culture to light. Can't wait to try out all the recipes.

This is a great book, very interesting cultural commentary about Ukrainian traditions and food. Fabulous food, very healthy and wholesome - from an agricultural people who appreciate beautiful fresh fruits and veggies. Highly recommended as a gift!

This cookbook is so much more than a cookbook. I am Ukrainian but I learned so much about the rest of the country beyond my region. The book is filled with personal anecdotes and wonderful descriptions of the food and how it pertains to the region. Beyond making me want to cook, it also made me want to travel and discover the rich Ukrainian culinary traditions for myself! The photography is also stunning. You will hardly be able to continue as each photo is better than the one before. This book is such a wonderful capsule of the summer kitchen tradition that made me smile when I saw familiar recipes and read about similar happening from my own childhood. The roast chicken was delicious and I can't wait to cook more of Olia' s recipes. I highly recommend that everyone pick up this book!!

I loved the author's first book, Mamushka, so decided to splurge on this one as well. It is equally well-written, beautifully designed, and the recipes are unique and fabulous. Even though Ukraininan cooking is pretty meat-centric, I found it quite easy to adapt several of the main course recipes to our vegetarian household with great results. I especially enjoyed learning how so many things get pickled and preserved, and nothing goes wasted in this cuisine. It is a very close-to-the earth tradition.Most of all, I love how the author gives the reader a window into unknown or forgotten worlds. The book really succeeds in recreating that so the reader can experience a little taste of them. (sorry for the pun, but it fits.)

I got this book because I was a huge fan of the author's first book, Mamushka, and loved the quaint Ukrainian summer kitchens from my time living there -- so was intrigued by the concept. This book seems to have more narration, with many pages devoted to stories, history and cultural commentary. Lush full page photography throughout makes you feel like you are right there with the locals, in the hot, humid and abundant Ukrainian summer. A gorgeous coffee table book for inspiration, which I enjoy opening up and perusing from time to time. The reason I knocked a star off is that most of the recipes were a little "out there" for me, whereas I found the recipes in Mamushka much more accessible and more in line with the simple flavors I remember from living in Ukraine. I cooked many of the recipes in that book, but I have yet to find a recipe in this one which I actually want to cook. There are some some ingredients I have never heard of and don't have access to in an urban area of the U.S., and some of the flavor combinations don't appeal to me. I'm sure it's all for authenticity with a slant towards uniqueness, but I wish there were some more simple and classic recipes that are known throughout all Ukraine as opposed to more localized. Just my impression, I could be wrong on this. Regardless, a book that is effective in its goal, I believe, of paying authentic tribute to Ukrainian summer kitchens and cooking.

I loved the book. It has not only the delicious recipes, but also warm vibe, personal author’s stories, authentic photo works and full of genuine love for Ukraine! I adore the design of the book and big thanks for the photos inside, makes me miss home even more ❤️

Olia is a great chef and writer and this book is yet another masterpiece. Full of beautiful pictures, nostalgia, and yes, delicious recipes that work this book takes you on a culinary trip to Ukraine. Olia has done major research having collected recipes from different parts of the country. Some of the dishes were long forgotten even in modern Ukraine, it feels good to see then rediscovered again.The recipes in this book, for the most part, do not require crazy ingredients and the results are delicious, even if some work is required to make them (I am looking at you, varenyky).

I bought this book and Kaukasis because I really loved some recipes of Olias that I found. I decided I wanted to try more out and support an incredible Ukrainian chef/author. Great instructions, photos and wonderful variety of dishes to remind you of back home in Ukraine.

This is such a beautiful and well written book, I just wish I had noticed that this is the US edition! I have no idea how big a quart is!

Wonderful photos, recipes and stories that combine to showcase the beautiful county andcullinary diversity of Ukraine! A great gift for those interested in Heritage recipes!!

This book is so beautiful. Olia writing is approachable and even cozy and I feel as though we are just friends cooking together every time I pick it up. I love the photography so much, and the recipes are all amazing, honest and inspired.

Beautiful book, read it cover to cover before trying a recipe (which have all been fantastic so far). Already a staple reference in our house.