Presents a collection of recipes and culinary history. From Scotland and Austria to India and Thailand to Mexico, Norway, and West Africa, this book includes recipes that represent each culture's culinary traditions. It provides information on the origin of each recipe and its ingredients.

Recipes are easy enough for home cooks of any level to master, and include everything from Jewish Matzoh, Eastern European Rugelach, and Sweet Irish Soda Bread to Russian Meat Piroshki, Italian Pignoli Cookies, and Chinese-Style Almond Sponge Cake. This book is accompanied by an hour-long DVD in which Patent provides hands-on instruction in making strudel, pretzels, cannoli, kransakake, and much more.

Acknowledgments.The Bakers and Their Contributions.Introduction.Ingredients.Equipment.1. Fried Sweet Pastries and Doughs.2. Flatbreads and More.3. Savory Pastries.4. Sweet Pastries.5. Savory Yeast Breads and Pies.6. Sweet Yeast Breads.7. Cookies.8. Cakes, Tortes, Pies, and Other Desserts.9. Basic Recipes.Index of Recipes by Country or Region.Index of Mail Order Sources by Company.Index of Mail Order Sources by Specialty Ingredient. Bibliography.Index.