This collection of recipes from Russia, Eastern and Central Europe encompasses a vast area of cooking, with dishes from Poland, Germany, Romania and many other countries. The recipes have been divided into regions and use many down-to-earth ingredients. All the famous dishes are included, from borsch to goulash, Black Forest gateau and many more. Over 185 dishes are covered, including soups and starters, meat and poultry, fish dishes, vegetables, grains and pasta, desserts and bakes, with over 800 step-by-step colour photographs. Every recipe has been tested and adapted to suit the modern kitchen.

Lesley Chamberlain is a writer, linguist and traveller. Her acquaintance with Eastern Europe began with a year in Russia as a Reuters correspondent. Since 1991 she has been a judge for the International Longhe Ceretto Prize awarded to books on food and wine.