Slavic Kitchen Alchemy: Nourishing Herbal Remedies, Magical Recipes & Folk Wisdom

by Zuza Zak

Overview

Steeped in ancient wisdom, magic and folktales, this illustrated scrapbook of Slavic lore offers natural remedies, beauty and cleaning products, healing recipes and wellbeing rituals that will appeal to modern witches and natural healing fans.

This book is infused with the Slavic wisdom and folk healing passed on to Zuza Zak by her two Polish grandmothers. It's a beautifully illustrated treasure trove of the old ways of Eastern Europe, full of little rituals and remedies to make your life gentler, sweeter and more joyful, and it's a precious object in its own right – your own notebook of practical wisdom. Season by season, the book gently guides you to a more natural Earth-focused rhythm, creating the right atmosphere for your body and mind to thrive.

Discover:

• Natural remedies for physical and mental wellbeing, such as Broad-leaved Plantain for Cuts and Grazes, and a Chamomile Bath for Relaxation and Optimism;
• Beauty products, such as an Oat Bundle Skin Cleanser for Gentle Exfoliation or a Lilac Body Oil for Improving Your Skin and Your Intuition;
• Rituals to honour the passing year, such as creating a Sage Cleaning Spray for Ritual Spring Cleaning or weaving Wildflower Wreaths for a Midsummer Celebration of Freedom;
• Nutritious recipes such as Elderflower Cake for Immunity and the Sheer Joy of it, or Wild Summer Pierogi for a Joyful Afternoon of Dumpling Making and Great All-round Health;
• Craft activities, such as painting eggs and dying clothes, to boost creativity, mindfulness and access to the flow state
• Folktales and mythology to connect to nature and ancient symbolism.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786786722
Publisher:	Watkins Media
Publication date:	10/10/2023
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	86,821
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Zuza Zak learnt the art of cooking from an early age, from her beloved grandmas. In her previous writing (Polska, Amber & Rye and Pierogi), and her food-focused PhD at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies (UCL), Zuza explores food in the context of identity, society and culture, using storytelling to delve into cuisines and their cultures. Having worked in TV for 8 years, Zuza is especially keen on promoting her work through this medium. You can currently see Zuza across Europe and the Middle East presenting Polish food in Food Network Finds: Poland. During the Polish launch of Polska, Zuza took part in a live breakfast TV broadcast – Dzień Dobry TVN – watched by millions of Poles.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Beautifully written and thoroughly researched, this book has so much heart and soul that the very act of reading it feels deeply healing, nourishing and transformative."
— Alissa Timoshkina, author of Salt & Time


"This is a book that will enrich your life with folk tales, ancient wisdom and slavic culture and history we know so little about. A book to read and learn from and a book to cook from. Certainly, the book I have been waiting for to live more consciously and intuitively and more in tune with nature and traditions. A book with a lot of soul."
— Regula Ysewijn, food writer and author of seven books including Oats in the North, Wheat from the South.

Editorial Reviews

"This is a wonderful read. I really enjoyed getting a view on how my Slavic sisters’ and brothers’ practices. The recipes, both nourishing and nurturing, are a great addition. But most of all, I love the folktales and stories that bring the past to the present. This was such a feel good book, that I found myself smiling and coming back to different sections repeatedly over the next few days. I’ll continue to do that over time as this one really hit home with me!" - NetGalley review

"Absolutely loved this book, from the author's personal story and history in how this book came about to the journey the book takes you on.From season to season from herbs and recipes to use them in the author clearly and creatively laid out everything in this book, not missing anything you may need to complete recipes and understand Slavic culture. Even giving advice about rules to follow and avoiding things that could hinder your journey through the book and recipes. This book was a whole package of goodness and that is hard to find in a book like this." - NetGalley review

"Whether you’re an aficionado of natural healing or simply someone intrigued by the allure of Slavic folklore, this book is a must-have addition to your collection . . . a masterpiece that will enchant and enlighten all who have the pleasure of perusing its pages." - NetGalley review

From the Publisher

10/01/2023

Polish author Zak (Amber & Rye) connects with her Slavic ancestry and folklore to provide holistic recipes for well-being. The book is organized by season and opens with an introduction that sheds light on the historical and cultural context of its cuisine. Each chapter opens with additional information related to the season, incorporating family lore and Slavic customs and traditions. The book is a wonderful mix of home remedies, cleaning solutions, crafts, rituals (there is one for "letting go," featured with instructions on making a candle), and, of course, delicious recipes. Readers will find instructions, ingredients, and components for creating everything from a sage cleaning spray to lilac body oil to oat and barley pancakes with cinnamon butter. There is even a history of the pisanki, a Polish decorated egg that is commonly made for Easter, as well as a rye chain craft. Each craft, ritual, or recipe explains the desired health outcome (a pine bath decoction for a good night's sleep; a mirabelle plum jam to relieve stress). VERDICT A timely guide for anyone who needs some practical magic in their life.—Whitney Bates-Gomez

Library Journal