Bah humbug! Winter weather makes me so grumpy. If you, like me, need a pick me up in the dead of winter, might I suggest that you pick up Olia Hercules’ cookbook Mamushka? The author writes that she is determined to dispel the misconception that the Ukraine is cold and joyless. Boy does she ever! From the gorgeous blue cover to the vibrant photographs inside, Mamushka is a visual treat. And that’s just the window dressing. Mamushka is a delightful exploration of familial culinary traditions, filled with anecdotes and recipes that are, frankly, crazy amazing (see: Moldovan Giant Cheese Twist). I want to make everything in this cookbook – all the golden fried dough stuffed with cheese, all the colorful soups, all the homemade noodle-y dishes. I shall eat all of those things with people I love and then I’ll take a nap. Be gone winter gloom! 

Find it easier to prop up a tablet on the counter while you cook? Check out an eBook copy of Mamushka through the Library by using Hoopla.