WINNER OF THE 2023 JAMES BEARD AWARD FOR BEST BAKING AND DESSERTS BOOK
“A joy and an education. Irina Georgescu has disentangled the strands woven into Romanian cooking and identity and she has done so deliciously, through glorious cakes, pies, strudels and doughnuts. Cook, eat, learn.“
– Diana Henry
“I am such a huge admirer of Irina Georgescu in general, and of this extraordinarily impressive and important book in particular. A must-have, not just for enquiring bakers but, crucially, for all those interested in the context and evolution of culinary culture.”
– Nigella Lawson
A Meticulously Researched Celebration of Romanian Baking
Tava is more than just a baking book—it's a journey through centuries of diversity and the melding of cultures that define Romania’s cuisine today. Irina Georgescu masterfully shares the story behind dishes that represent the identity of various cultural communities across the country.
The title Tava, which means "tray" in Romanian, serves as a metaphor for presenting an entire culinary landscape to the reader.
Discover a Rich Array of Recipes
This beautifully written and photographed book features:
- Armenian pakhlava
- Saxon plum pies
- Swabian poppyseed crescents
- Jewish fritters
- Hungarian langoși
- Plăcinte pies
- Alivenci corn cake
- Strudels and fruit dumplings
Additionally, you’ll find:
- Rice or pearl barley puddings
- Donuts and gingerbread cookies
- Chocolate mousses
- Meringues in custard sauce
- Coffee ice cream
Each recipe comes with its own story, connecting the past with a present that readers can experience when traveling through Romania.
Comforting, Homely, and Accessible
The recipes in Tava are:
- Easy to follow
- Rich with heritage and tradition
- Designed to encourage you to embrace both the unfamiliar and the familiar
This book offers readers a chance to enjoy the comforting and homely feel of Romanian and Eastern European baking, all while exploring the glamour of famous pastry shops from the region.
Tava is written with integrity and deep respect for Romania’s rich culinary heritage, making it an essential addition to any baker’s collection.
