Russia is a vast country, so its cuisine is inevitably a melting pot of myriad cultural and geographical influences, combining indigenous traditions and local ingredients with imperial extravagance and modern influences to form a varied and delicious eating experience. In this unique celebration of Russian food a fascinating introduction provides a comprehensive guide to the history, landscape, and geography of the country, together with information on the classic ingredients used in Russian homes and restaurants. The recipes offer a taste of this rich, varied, and culturally diverse cuisine. The foundations of Russian cooking lie in the peasant food of the rural population, with a combination of plentiful fish, poultry, game, mushrooms, berries and honey. Rye, wheat, barley, and millet inspired a plethora of delicious breads and pancakes as well as the legendary Russian drinks: kvass, beer, and vodka. With more than 300 beautiful, specially commissioned photographs, this evocative and inspiring book captures the essence of Russian cooking, while the 60 recipes offer a vibrant and intense Russian eating experience that is a must for anyone wanting to explore new, exciting cuisines.