by Luda Kopeikina (Author)
From Russia with a Toast: a family cookbook with toasts, traditions and superstitions presents a unique and delicious view into the cuisine of Russia from the perspective of a Russian family that immigrated to the US in the early 1980s. It includes classic recipes such as Borshch and unusual Zakuski (starters) such as Herring in a Fur Coat. The book contains many wise and inspirational toasts since Russians find any excuse to celebrate life by sitting around a table laden with food - eating, drinking, talking and laughing. They often laugh at themselves and the toasts capture this spirit of joy. The book also includes a sampling of deeply rooted Russian traditions and superstitions. Traditions such as the bread and salt custom, a tea ceremony and banya (Russian sauna) visits in the winter time provide a unique view into a fascinating culture.