The Russian Heritage Cookbook: A Culinary Tradition in Over 400 Recipes

by Lynn Visson

Among the splendors of tsarist Russia, from art and architecture to literature and music, resides its cuisine—an art in its own right that has delighted and nourished all levels of society for hundreds of years. Based on favorite family recipes passed down through generations, collected by the author from the private collections of the old Russian émigré community of New York City, The Russian Heritage Cookbook represents the achievements of an entire culinary heritage—one which previously existed only in the memories of the cooks themselves, or written on yellowing scraps of paper.


Now available in paperback, The Russian Heritage Cookbook brings together hundreds of recipes for classic dishes, making it the essential cookbook for Russians and non-Russians alike. Lynn Visson covers everything from elegant zakuski and flavorful pirogs to refreshing drinks and delectable desserts, and includes sample menus ranging from High Tea to an Easter buffet, showcasing the sumptuous meals that have delighted generations. From borscht and bliny to beef stroganoff and black bread charlotka—and multiple versions of flavored vodka, of course—these authentic recipes, accompanied by useful introductions, provide the perfect overview of the best Russian cuisine. 

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Food, Russia

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

About the author

A writer, interpreter and academic who holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University, Lynn Visson is an American of Russian background who is herself married to a Russian. Since 1980 she has been a staff interpreter at the United Nations. She has edited and translated several books and has written numerous books and articles on Russian language, literature and culture, including a Russian and Uzbek cookbook, and a work on simultaneous interpretation from Russian into English. Several of her works have been published in Russia. Dr. Visson travels frequently to Russia and has been involved in numerous exchange projects. Above all, she is interested in cross-cultural relations and in the problem of Russians and Americans who are trying to live in, understand and "translate" each other's cultures.

Reviews

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like cuisines from many other cultures, Russian cooking emphasizes what food is available. This book gives over 300 recipes for traditional Russian dishes. The author has used several other Russian cookbooks as references. Easy to follow recipes.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had some interesting historical facts about Russian cooking and how during the early 1800s Russian people wanted to gentrify their tables by way of France and its cuisine. Also, very nostalgic for me to read, brought back memories about foods I haven't made since my mom passed away. I also liked the way the author included variations of the same dish. This inspired me to begin cooking more ethnically again.

[Sheri Maxey-Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An informative, well researched cookbook. I can not wait to try many of the recipes.