Two of our titles have won in their respective categories for the United States in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards! Congratulations to The New Ukrainian Cookbook for winning Best East European Cuisine Book and to The Iraqi Family Cookbook for winning Best Arab Cuisine Book!
The Gourmand Awards are held every year and judges choose winners from various countries for each category. The winners from different countries then compete for "Best in the World," which is where our two titles now stand!
Published in September 2012, The New Ukrainian Cookbook includes classic Ukrainian meals, such as Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls) and Chicken Kyiv. Author Annette Ogrodnik Corona explores the cuisine of her ancestors while scattering quotes, poems, historical facts, illustrations, and folklore among her recipes. Ukrainian cuisine is one of the most varied and rustic cuisines in the world, due to its country's range of historical influences.
The Iraqi Family Cookbook was published in July 2012 and includes a collection of recipes from generations of author Kay Karim's family, as well as all the regions of Iraq. This book serves as a tribute to her homeland's cuisine and includes interesting side bars, notes, family anecdotes, and a guide to spices and ingredients. Iraqi cooking dates back 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia and this healthy diet rich in vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains is considered the world's oldest cuisine.
We wish both authors the best of luck in the next step of this contest!