Customer Reviews

Estonian Tastes And Traditions (Hippocrene Cookbook Library)

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I wanted authentic recipes from Estonia to pass on to my children who do not speak Estonian - this book is it - I have compared several recipes with those of my mother's, nothing comes closer than this book - very pleased!!Estonian Tastes And Traditions (Hippocrene Cookbook Library)

This book is great for all aspects of Estonian cooking. I am an Estonian-American 1st generation living in Australia. I have tried for years to do the 'Kringel", festive raisin bread, and all have been sorry attempts. This is the only book that has taken me through it step by step, and this Easter it was terrific. Exactly as my mother used to do. The same with the other receipes, although there are various American additives used which are not available overseas, ie 'Knorr aromatic seasoning'. , 'Old Bay seasoning'. I either do not use it, or use something else. So far it has not proven to be a great obstacle, only a slight irritant.

This is a great introduction to not only Estonian cuisine, but also its culture. Ms Kärner has wisely included a bit of Estonian history and cultural traditions along with her extensive recipes. What I most like are her introductions with each recipe explaining the whys and wherefors of it. The recipes are a mix of traditional and contemporary Estonian dishes, using ingredients that are readily found at the market (even saffron and cardamom, which one used to have to diligently hunt for). All the favorites of mine that I grew up eating are there along with new ones that I would love to try.

This is also great for you Estos out there who have no one to show you how to make our most traditional and beloved dishes and long for a taste of home. This is the recipe book for you--and for anyone out there who would love to learn about an up-to-now little known country, its culture and its cuisine. "Head isu!" (Bon appetit!)

P.S. For those wanting to learn much more about Estonia, check out the DVD "The Singing Revolution", also found on Amazon.

I've tried several recipes from this book, all successful and authentic-tasting. I disagree with the reviewer who found the recipes americanized: they are as close as you can get. I lived in Estonia for several years and live with an Estonian now, and the results seem great to both of us! A good buy if you like this kind of food (not for everyone!).

This is a great book. I like the variations in recipes as all Estonians cook a little different from one another.
Worth the buy. Now I don't have to count on my memory.

The book was not easy to find elsewhere , Amazon came up trumps , the book arrived speedily and was in excellent condition , all in all a wonderful service . thank you Amazon

The book came timely and in condition promised. I was very happy with the service.

I expected authentic Estonian recipes; what I got was an Americanized version of recipes cooked by the author's relatives. Would like to see a better book with pictures, more authentic ingredients and some better history for each recipe. This was not it.