What can I say. I was lucky a second month in row to obtain a copy of Falling Cloudberries: A World of Family Recipes by Tessa Kiros through Library Things Early Reviewer Program. This has to be the most beautifully designed and written cookbook I have come across in awhile. Both travel memoir and cookbook, Tessa offers up a wealth of recipes from various chapters in her globetrotting life between Finland, South Africa, Greece, Cyprus , and Italy. Half Finnish and Half Greek-Cypriot, Tessa recollects memories and recipes from her grandfathers in Finland and Cyprus. It took me a long time to decide what to prepare from this book. Both the savory and sweet recipes are mouth watering. With some new life changes and diet changes,I gravitated to the Greek sections, as the flavors of the Mediterranean are perfect for one trying to reduce salt intake. Cherished family photos , drawings, and honest non slick styling capture the essence of the food.This book will have a place of honor in my vast collection of cookbooks.

This has to be the favorite of what I tried out so far. Hollowed out array of Zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, stuffed with rice, and the vegetable pulp, and slowly roasted with potatoes in lemon , Olive oil and tomato juices. The uncooked rice is mixed with the ground beef and pork and seasoned with mint, paprika, salt and pepper and the vegetable pulp. Potatoes are quartered , and all is placed in a baking dish with tomato juice, water, and olive oil and slow baked for 1 1/2 hours. Served warm or room temperature.Its generous recipe that feeds 6-8, and I reduced it , but still ate off for days. Perfect for a family or easy but filling entertaining. It ‘s presence makes quite a statement on a any table.

A simple dinner of a whole chicken , spatchcocked, and broiled in lemon juice, olive oil, butter,and oregano. First browned in skillet , then placed in a broiler, the chicken cooks in a reduced time while full of flavor.

Here are some highlights of the various regions Tessa covers:

Lingonberry or Cranberry Jam

Sipis Strawberry Cake

Finnish Mustard

Taramasalata

Bougatsa

Octopus Stifado

Tava (Cypriot Baked Lamb and Potatoes with Cumin and Tomatoes)

Pita Bread

Loukoumades ( Deep Fried Honey and Cinnamon Syrup Puffs)

Mastika Ice Cream

Prego Rolls

Barbecued Spare Ribs

Milk Tart

Olive Oil Bread

Fried Mozzarella and Anchovy Filled Zucchini Flowers

Baccala with Red Onions

Chicken, Coconut, and Cashew Curry

Caramel Ice Cream

Ludi’s Chicken