Hungarians believe that love, music and food are the three ingredients essential to happiness. Charlotte Biro

{HISTORY}

Can a cookbook literally save your life? Yes indeed. Chariotte Slovak Biro (1904-1995) is here to prove it. Imprisoned, after attempting to escape from Communist Hungary along with her husband, the only possession Charlotte had with her in the prison camp was a handwritten book containing three generations of her family recipes. Because of that heirloom, she was sent to the prison kitchen to cook and thankfully made it out of the camp alive. As soon as Charlotte had her independence, she moved to America to reunite with her two daughters who had managed to flee Hungary before Charlotte and her husband were imprisoned.

The recipes in this cookbook are the ones from Charlotte's handwritten book - the food of her ancestors carefully recorded for what would turn out to become a valuable lifeline during a horrendous event. Adapted to American kitchens and American measurements, this book covers a wide range of traditional Hungarian cuisine that includes everything from soup and salads to baked goods and desserts.  In addition to traditional ingredients, Charlotte also includes some newer American favorites that have augmented some of the cultural recipes like the use of Velveeta cheese in Cheese Souffle. But other than a few creative augmentations like that, this cookbook features only whole, fresh ingredients with no convenience foods or prepackaged shortcuts.

The beginning of each chapter offers a brief introduction to Hungarian culture providing context for this unique style of regional cooking while also incorporating some of Charlotte's personal stories and sentiments. 

All the traditional favorites of Hungary are here including Hungarian Meatballs, Paprika Chicken, Potato Pancakes, and Strudel alongside an array of other interesting recipes including Mayonnaise Without Oil, Hungarian Egg Fritters, Serbian Goulash, Pancake Souffle, Potato Doughnut with Ham Filling, Mixed Kugelhuff Coffee Cake, Wood Shaving Cookies, Turkish Slice, Crackling Biscuits, Sacher Torte, Snowballs in Vanilla Cream and so many more! 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

- May 1981 Edition, 5th Printing 

- Contains 192 pages including detailed index

- Includes 200 recipes

- Illustrated throughout by Graphic designer and illustrator Linda Robertson

- Paperback

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition. Both the interior and exterior are in clean bright shape with no cooking spots, stains or notations. The back cover contains three wrinkles. the spine is tight. All pages are intact.

{SIZE}

Measures 8" inches (length) x 8" inches (width) x .75" inches (thickness) and weighs 14 oz

{OTHER COOKBOOKS BORN FROM TRAUMATIC TIMES}

You might be surprised how many cookbooks have been born from traumatic events. Find more fascinating stories from such experiences with Cucina Magra Cucina Sana, Joy of Cooking,  Breads and Coffee Cakes with Homemade Starters.

 {LEARN MORE ABOUT CHARLOTTE'S STORY}

Charlotte Biro participated in an oral history project that's available online at the United States Holocaust Museum. Listen to her complete interview here.