I received a free copy of Slavic Kitchen Alchemy from Net Galley. Zuzana Zak has a Polish background and learned herbal medicine through her grandmother's and mother. Included in this book are stories of Slavic gods, folklore, herbal remedies and food recipes. I found it interesting to read since my grandparents were from the Slavic region. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in herbal medicine and folklore

Drawn in by the beautiful cover and illustrations in the book. I picked up this book to read the small snipets of Slavic folk stories. I was hopefully there would be more, but enjoyed the book anyways.

loved learning about slavic kitchen, i plan to purchase this book. it was so many new things to learn and as a slavic person who tries to connect with my heritage, it will be of a big help

"Slavic Kitchen Alchemy" by Zuza Zak is a delightful and enchanting journey through the heart of Slavic culinary traditions, blending history, folklore, and gastronomy into a tapestry as rich and diverse as the Slavic regions themselves. Zak’s passion for Slavic cuisine shines through every page, making this book much more than a simple collection of recipes; it's a cultural odyssey that invites you to explore the soul of Eastern Europe through its food.

Zak has a unique way of storytelling, weaving tales of her own experiences and ancestral lore with the practicalities of cooking. This approach brings each recipe to life, offering not just the how-to but the why behind traditional dishes, imbuing them with meaning and history. The recipes range from hearty comfort foods to delicate pastries, showcasing the versatility and depth of Slavic cooking.

What sets "Slavic Kitchen Alchemy" apart is its focus on the alchemical aspect of cooking: the magical transformation of simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Zak explores the symbolism and ritual significance of certain dishes and ingredients, offering a glimpse into the spiritual side of Slavic culinary practices. This aspect adds a layer of depth to the book, making it a fascinating read even if you're more interested in culture than cooking.

The book is beautifully presented, with stunning photography that captures the essence of Slavic cuisine. Zak’s writing is warm and inviting, making you feel as if you're being guided by a friend rather than just following recipes. It's accessible to cooks of all levels, with clear instructions and tips for sourcing or substituting ingredients that might be unfamiliar to those outside Slavic countries.

In sum, "Slavic Kitchen Alchemy" by Zuza Zak is a treasure trove of culinary delights that will appeal to foodies, history buffs, and anyone curious about Slavic culture. It’s a book that not only teaches you how to cook but also enriches your understanding of the traditions that have shaped these dishes over centuries. Whether you're looking to recreate the flavors of your Slavic heritage or simply explore new culinary landscapes, this book is a heartwarming and insightful companion.

Thank you NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for this arc!

4/5 stars

This is a really lovely collection of stories, recipes, and illustrations. I love how it was broken down into seasons, and even though I live in Canada and wouldn't be able to easily get some of these ingredients I enjoyed learning everything it talked about. I have Polish ancestry so this was double fun! A lovely read

This is such a charming collection! Nurturing and inviting and charming all at once. Beautiful stories to bring the recipes to life and invite us all back into a more intentional presence of mind in the kitchen.

My great grandparents came to this country from Poland in the early 1900s, so when I saw this lovely little book that, while called “Slavic“ is primarily Polish I grabbed it. The author learned most of the info from her babcias (grandmothers). Interspersed with the recipes for food, beauty products, and herbal remedies are also folktales and myths.

I will say that the vast majority of the recipes for remedies and beauty products are not practical, unless you live in the forest in Poland, simply because the herbs and plants used are not available in any way. However, I did still enjoy reading about them, and learning some more of the folklore from my Polish heritage.

Thank you to NetGalley & Watkins Publishing for this advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

So much more than I expected! I really liked how this book was broken down into seasons and all sorts of helpful tips for your home and health. The illustrations were lovely.

Slavic Kitchen Alchemy provides delightful insight into Slavic folk practices, from stories to herbal remedies.

As someone who is exploring natural remedies and folk magic, I really appreciated Zuza Zak’s knowledge and traditions that have been passed down to them from their ancestors. And as someone with Polish ancestry, I feel much more connected to my own ancestors through this work.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Great book, definitely recommend if you are wanting to expand/ explore your kitchen skills

This was a great book! I loved the combination of recipes with the beautiful art and the photos. Lots of interesting folk stories and personal stories were included and made this such a fascinating book.

Book Review: Slavic Kitchen Alchemy: A Treasure Trove of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Delights

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars (if I could give it more, I would!)

Are you ready to embark on a journey into the enchanting world of Slavic wisdom and folk healing? Look no further than Zuza Zak’s magnificent creation, Slavic Kitchen Alchemy. This beautifully illustrated book is a true gem, offering a delightful blend of ancient remedies, natural beauty and cleaning products, healing recipes, and wellbeing rituals that will captivate both modern witches and natural healing enthusiasts.

Steeped in the rich tapestry of Slavic lore, this book is a testament to the wisdom passed down to Zuza Zak by her two Polish grandmothers. It serves as a treasure trove of the old ways of Eastern Europe, brimming with rituals and remedies that will infuse your life with gentleness, sweetness, and joy. Slavic Kitchen Alchemy not only imparts practical wisdom but is also a precious object in its own right—a personal notebook that holds the key to unlocking a more natural, Earth-focused rhythm in your life.

From the moment you lay eyes on the cover, you’ll be captivated by the sheer perfection that it exudes. The exquisite illustrations found within the pages of this book are nothing short of breathtaking. Each image brings to life the essence of Slavic folklore, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Slavic Kitchen Alchemy is thoughtfully organized into four chapters, corresponding to the seasons. This structure provides an easy-to-follow guide through the year, allowing you to align your body and mind with the natural rhythms of the Earth. Within each chapter, you’ll discover a plethora of information that is both informative and engaging.

Each season comes alive with a cornucopia of recipes for natural remedies, nourishing foods, beauty products, and much more. The author’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that every aspect of these recipes is carefully explained, making them accessible to both beginners and seasoned practitioners.

But this book goes beyond mere recipes. It beautifully weaves history, holidays, folk traditions, stories, and even crafts throughout. As you delve deeper into its pages, you’ll find yourself immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Eastern Europe.

There are few books that warrant an unreserved recommendation—Slavic Kitchen Alchemy is undoubtedly one of them. From cover to cover, it radiates excellence and beauty. Its illustrations transport you to a world where magic meets practicality, where ancient wisdom intertwines with modern delights.

Whether you’re an aficionado of natural healing or simply someone intrigued by the allure of Slavic folklore, this book is a must-have addition to your collection. Its five-star rating is well-deserved and falls short of capturing its true brilliance. Slavic Kitchen Alchemy is a masterpiece that will enchant and enlighten all who have the pleasure of perusing its pages.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

Astounding Book

The author provides some background information on why she wrote this book, and provides suggestions on how to use this book. She discusses plants, stating that all plants have medicinal properties, and she discusses five rules of foraging, which are:
1. Know exactly what you are picking.
2. Only take a small amount.
3. Pick quality.
4. Ask for permission.
5. Leave all rare species alone.

The author provides recipes many remedies, states that when you have an ailment, look upon this book as your old, wise Slavic aunt, who wants to help you with the treatments that her mother or grandmother passed on to her.

The author provides recipes for each season of the year. For example, the are the sage cleaning spray for ritual spring cleaning, oat bundle cleanser for gentle exfoliation, the purifying herb bundle for incense cleansing, and others. The are recipes for spring.

This is such a fantastic book. The author includes a simple candle making recipe for rituals, meditation and contemplation. I am particularly excited see a very different ritual for honouring your ancestors.

This was a very enjoyable read. I feel this book is perfect for beginners, as well as for advanced practitioners, who could benefit from kitchen alchemy from another country's view and practice. Highly recommend.

Slavic Kitchen Alchemy absolutely has something for everyone. Even if you are not of Slavic descent, you will find parts of this book that will delight and entertain you. The illustrations and photos are wonderful and correspond with the stories, recipes, and folklore beautifully. As the seasons change, so does the information that Zuza Zak provides for you to make the most of each. She unwraps the old ways and serves them to you on your grandmother’s dishes with a lovely cup of herbal tea.

Thank you to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for the eArc in exchange for my honest review.

Slavic Kitchen Alchemy by Zuza Zak is a Treasure! It's chock full of grandmother magic, tradition, folklore, herbs, spells, and recipes. You can use many things in this book daily. Even if you're not interested in magic. This book is a bounty, and has something for everyone. There are recipes for health, beauty, and food. I found the history of the old ways fascinating. I will add this treasure to my witchy collection. This book would make a beautiful gift this season.

An absolutely stunning book! Beautifully illustrated while communicating wisdom generations old. I just loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was attracted to this book as it was flagged up by one of my favourite food writers Olia Hercules on her Instagram account.
Based on wisdom form her grandmothers and own research she selects remedies, rituals, recipes and crafts that will enhance the life we live today. There is an excellent balance between the sections and as I read a great deal of Urban Fantasy the details on Slavic gods was of great interest and filled in some gaps I had on that pantheon.
I will be foraging for some of the ingredients for her natural remedies and having tried the elderflower cake I can recommend its scrumptiousness.
A beautiful book with superb illustrations it is a joy to read.
My thanks to the publishers Watkins and Netgalley for sharing this ARC with me, all views are my own.

This is a lovely book filled with herbalism, stories and crafts for all the seasons. It’s beautifully presented and a pleasure to read with lots of ideas that I’m looking forward to trying. I really enjoyed learning about the folklore.

Summary
Slavic Kitchen Alchemy helps people find ways to add simplicity, peace, and ritual to their daily lives. Zuza Zak makes it clear she isn’t trying to idealize the old days when the reality of life was often a struggle for survival, instead she’s selecting those things that can help enhance our lives today. Her inspiration came from her two grandmothers, but is also backed by her own personal research. 
The book is filled with things to create in your kitchen, such as natural remedies, foods for wellness, and even beauty products. However, it also includes seasonal crafts, rituals, and folktales and mythology. While the author’s focus is on folk-healing rather than magic, she does include rituals that might be seen as a type of magic. She’s also very clear that folk medicines are meant to complement and not replace modern medicine.
Because it is broken down by seasons, it is easy to locate activities and foods appropriate to the time of year.

My Thoughts
This is the most beautiful book I have picked up in a long time! The illustrations were outstanding! There are lovely photos included as well.

My favorite parts of the book were the crafts and the stories. The inclusion of the Slavic gods and goddesses was also intriguing to me because I haven’t read much about them elsewhere. The two crafts I would very much like to experiment with myself are the egg dyes and the natural fabric dyes. The pictures make them seem irresistible.

Foragers and those who enjoy working with herbs will adore this book! It opens up a world of possibilities.

There are folk remedies and foods that look exceptionally interesting. Some of the ingredients are a bit harder for me to locate where I am or are only accessible via foraging, which isn’t something I can easily do. However, some recipes include things I grow in my garden, such as peppermint for peppermint oil, or things I could possibly grow in my garden. I’d never even heard of black radishes, but am going to see if I can find seeds.

Recipes for the foods, herbal treatments, and beauty products are all clearly written and appear easy to follow. I can’t wait to try making the dark rye sourdough bread! The author has written several cookbooks and knows how to make recipes accessible to her readers. Though I haven’t tried to make any of the recipes in this book, I have made things from the author’s Amber and Rye cookbook and found the recipes worked as they should.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for sharing this book with me.

What an utterly charming and beautiful book. I’ve read an awful lot of folklore and customs books but this one really stands out.
It’s beautifully written and laid out, with gorgeous illustrations. Full of Slavic Folklore, customs, remedies and recipes celebrating ‘The Old Ways’.
I will be pre-ordering this book as it’s a must-have as a hard copy to keep on my shelf to refer back to and enjoy throughout the four seasons.