A Taste of Latvia (Hippocrene International Cookbooks)

Traditional Latvian cuisine relies upon staples such as dairy products, porridges, pork, potatoes, rye bread and cottage cheese. This book presents over 100 easy-to-follow recipes, all adapted for the North American kitchen, for classic Latvian dishes like piragi, dumplings, and potato pancakes, along with specialties like "Courland Sour Porridge," "Sauerkraut Soup," "Pike-Perch with Green Butter," and "Gooseberry Dessert." Among the chapters included are: Salads, Breads and Piragi, Soups and Porridges, Pancakes, Egg Dishes and Cheeses, Potatoes, Meat Dishes, Fish Dishes, Desserts, Drinks, and Holiday Foods. Interspersed throughout the recipes are Latvian folk songs (dainas), poetry, mythology, information about local customs and holidays, historical accounts, and photographs that will provide the reader with a unique perspective on Latvia's rich history and cultural traditions. Complete with dozens of b/w photographs.