Rose Petal Jam: Recipes and Stories from a Summer in Poland Hardcover – October 1, 2011

Although I first found this book while browsing cookbooks, I must say that this is more of a memoir and travelogue than a true recipe book. Yes, there are some recipes included, but there are not that many and some instructions and measurements are vague. I’m not saying this is a problem, but if you buy this book for its recipes, you might very well be disappointed. Buy it for the lovely feelings that come over you as you read the words and look at the pictures.I think this is a very nice book for gifting to someone of Polish decent; someone who cherishes their Polish heritage. And, it is very much a “coffee table book”: It is artistically laid out; there are very many photographs, both new and old; the writing is thoughtful and thought-provoking, with the stories, history and information very interesting to read; the content of the book—the combination of the pictures and the words—is often very poignant. There are even ribbons woven into the binding—of course, a red ribbon and a white one!About the recipes: As an example of the flexible instructions: The recipe for rose petal jam is to gather 3-4 large handfuls of the wild rose “Rosa canina” and place them in a stone mortar, slowly pour in about a pound of sugar and crush with the pestle to create a paste. In a way, that “loose”, open attitude is exactly what’s wonderful about Babcia’s (Grandma’s) recipes, but in another way, it won’t be helpful to a new cook. There are 53 recipes in this book of 320 pages, and they are not arranged in any particular order.About the pictures: The new photos are vibrant and sharp. The very old photos are exactly what you would expect. Then there are some pictures that look to be copied from photos from the 60’s and 70’s: If you don’t take them for what they are—reproductions from that time seem to be dull in color and a bit fuzzy—you might also be disappointed.I am very happy to have run across this book. I’m very happy to have purchased it. And I hope the editors at Tabula Books follow through with their intent to make this book the first in a series of four about Poland. The next in the series should be “Sugared Orange Zest – Recipes & Stories from a Winter in Poland”. I’m looking forward to it.

This cookbook is not just a cookbook, it’s a travel log and beautiful story of a woman returning to her homeland and her memories being touched and revived through the food of her grandmother and other family members that she admired while growing up. Having a similar life story to the author and being very close to my grandmother like her, I was actually moved to tears reading her stories reminiscing about the good old days of childhood, such sweet and happy memories that hit an immigrant like me in the heart especially hard! I have since purchased this book for several of my friends as gifts, since it beautifully depicts Poland through recipes, stories and gorgeous photos throughout the whole book. If you’re Polish and already know most of these recipes I highly recommended getting this book as a way to pass on your culture and roots to your children. And if you’re not Polish born you will be an expert cook of delicious meals when you’re done with this book! I just wish that her second book Sugared Orange would get printed again so I can buy it and start trying more of her grandmother’s recipes!

This is one of my most favorite culinary books. It is more than just a recipe book. It tells a story of Poland. It tells a story of culture and family and history. The photos are stunning. The recipes are tried and true. There aren't many Polish cookbooks. Most of the Polish cookbooks are spiral bound from old polish communities and churches. This is a beautiful, hardcover cookbook that is worth every penny....just buy this book, you will not be disappointed.

I caught sight of this book by chance as a facebook ad. What a buy it has been!I laughed, I cried, I remembered and I now cook!I left Poland at the age of seven but my roots will always be there and the spirit of my homeland flows in my veins.I have tried many recipes from this book and have been delighted by the results.I found myself modifying various methods and ingredients according to my taste but its the food I love and remember.It has been my dream to cook the food of my homeland and now I am living the dream. This book comes highly recommended.I give it four stars because sometimes the timing and instructions to the cooking process needs to be modified slightly but all round a gem!!!Look out four a further three books coming soon!

Fell in love with this book. Reminded me of my mother.

I have discovered that book by sheer accident and loved it from the very beginning. It has great stories and authentic Polish recipes for food that I ate in Poland and I still cook today for my family in US. Great pictures of dishes and Polish landscapes complement this book. They make this book look like a photo album, but at the same time they add even more authenticity to it. Just by looking at photos of various dishes you want to try them right away. Similarly, you want to go to Poland to see places shown in the book. It is by far the best Polish recipe book I have seen in years. Since I bought one copy for myself, I also bought multiple copies of this book for various gifts, including wedding gifts for couples of Polish descent. I cannot wait for another book by Beata Zatorska and Simon Target.

This book is full of history of author and the polish countryside. Wonderful read and I'm looking forward to make meals for friends family

This book was surprisingly large. It is filled with gorgeous photographs, recipes and memories. If you or someone you care for is longing for or interested in Poland just BUY this stunning book! I was so pleased I immediately ordered the winter version.

Without doubt 'Rose Petal Jam' is the most beautiful and seductive books on Poland of recent years. The title describes the type of jam lying in wait at the centre of the delicious Polish doghnuts known as 'paczki'.The recipes, nostalgic reminiscences, rich writing and eloquent photography make this the perfect book to overturn all the silly grey misconceptions people have of this wonderful and picturesque country. The recipes are authentically Polish and not simply vaguely 'remembered' after long exile abroad. The authors travelled the length and breadth of the country gathering material and photographing the glorious summer landscapes. The still transitional present is leavened with some lovely period and family photographs.Of course at Christmas time the importance of the Polish family is ever-present - a force that holds this society together with affection and love. The apalling history of loss meant the family was often the sole refuge from oppression. Here in Poland the family at Christmas is to be warmly embraced not fled in anguish.The photography is superb and the large format book production is substantial and of the finest quality on soft, matt paper(the dust cover is in embossed 'lace') with a silk marker ribbon. I can think of no finer gift this Christmas or New Year for anyone that has the faintest connection with Poland.By the way, I should know as I have written a published book on the country myself, live in Warsaw and am in no doubt as to the high qualities and authenticity of this infectiously lyrical book. I cannot wait for the other three volumes to come covering Winter, Spring and Autumn.No I have never met the authors for the cynics among you...Just love the book and realise how much discriminating work, travel and thought that must have gone into it!

Absolutely beautiful book!! Wonderful recipes and history. Stunning pictures.

Book is an easy read and reminds me of my own childhood growing up in Austria, recipes from Central Europe are all very similar. But sadly a lot of the recipes in this book have not been proof read and checked as there are ingredients, and method that do not match up in a few of the recipes. But it is still a nice read with lovely pictures.

A truly beautiful and thought provoking book. Partly biographical with an account of life in Poland ( with lovely recipes) from an era beginning before the second World War. Sad partings, hopefulness and inevitable regrets followed by the author's eventual return to her Grandmother's home in Poland all contribute to an absorbing life story. The rose petal jam recipe really does work and is delicious, 'though a fairly large size pestle and mortar would be helpful.

I bought this for my Polish mother in law... she loved it as she read through the various recipes of her childhood with tears in her eyes.