By Rosie Olenick and Debora Hagel

From the author...As you browse through this book you will find many simple and colorful dishes prepared with home produced products. The abundance of fruit and vegetables add life and distinction to Polish and Ukrainian cuisine. The dishes not only enhance taste, but also portray elegance and grace to any table.
As a youngster growing up, farming was our livelihood.  We produced all our own grains, vegetables, some fruit, pork, beef and poultry.  The wild filled any gaps, providing us with many, many berries, nuts, mushrooms, fish and some meat.  I believe the "freshness" of our food certainly played a big roll in rich taste of many of our dishes.  We were very much "self made", producing our own products then turning them into "processed foods". In the book, you will find I have used some "store bought" products, which will change the taste as well as preparation of the dishes.  I have incorporated in the book a numbe of traditional tips and customs followed by my family.  Menus for both Ukrainian and Polish Christmas and Easter are supplied for your enjoyment.