Falling Cloudberries by Tessa Kiros

Falling Cloudberries is not yet available in the U.S and I hope this changes soon, because this is one of the most wonderful cookbooks I've come across in a long time. It is an absolute joy to hold and read- the design incorporates personal artifacts, fabrics and family photos, and gives you the feeling that you're taking a peek into the author's journal. I mentioned in an earlier post that every recipe I've tried has been a complete success; something you're not always guaranteed with a lot of other beautiful books.

Tessa's parents are Greek Cypriot and Finnish, and she has lived and worked all over the world, which makes for an incredible collection of memories and recipes. From her chapter of Finland comes Cardamom & Cinnamon Rolls, a really gorgeous combination that I will come back to again and again (and will probably post about all by itself soon). Her chapter on Greek dishes includes Prawns with Lemon, Peri Peri, Garlic & Feta- an incredible combination of flavors that is outstanding dinner party fare, but easy enough to prepare on a weeknight. The recipe for Olive Oil Bread from her chapter on Italy has become a staple; it's a lovely loaf with a fine crumb and a subtle flavour...great baked in a pan for sandwiches or as a baguette to accompany your favorite dishes.

The admiration, love and respect she feels for the people and countries mentioned really shines through on every page and is an integral part of this book. The opening lines to her recipe for Tom Ka Gai, "I just wouldn't cope with not knowing how to make some version of this soup", struck me with its passion. Haven't all of us felt that way about a dish? Shouldn't we?

If and when you have an opportunity to read and create from this book, please do. I promise you that you won't regret it.

Comments

[OsloFoodie]

Hey Moira, just want to welcome you to the blogging world ... have fun!

[Moira]

Aw, thanks for stopping by and wishing me well! You could always send me some of those fab brownies you made as a blog-warming gift...

[Dawn]

Moira, thanks for posting on my site & welcome fellow New Englander! Your site is gorgeous! You have me very interested in Falling Cloudberries. Will you post any of the recipes for us? I would love to try the cardamom & cinnamon rolls. My mouth is watering just thinking about them!

[Moira]

Hi Dawn,

I'm so glad you stopped by! We New Englanders from down south have to stick together...coffee milk or Del's lemonade, anyone?

Thank you for your sweet comments. I will definitely post soon about the cardamom & cinnamon rolls and include the recipe. They really are so very good (and good for you, I keep telling myself).

[celiaK]

hi Moira, got here via Rowena's blog - and what a find! Your blog looks so professional. Anyway, you got me so intrigued by this cookbook. I think I'll rush down to my local Waterstone's and get one. cheers!

[Moira]

Hi Celia,

I'm so happy that you clicked over from Rubber Slippers...Rowena has such a way with words, doesn't she?

I'm pleased to hear that you'll be getting Falling Cloudberries; it's really such a fantastic book. I'm looking forward to picking up Tessa's first book, Twelve. I was thinking today how fabulous it would be to interview her- she's lived such an interesting life. Hmmm, I wonder....

Let me know what you think when you get it, and thanks for stopping by!

[viv]

I own a copy of "Falling Cloudberries" and it is the most beautiful cookbook I have ever seen in terms of photography and the recipes are extremely appealing and for the most part, simple. I used to buy Delia Smith books, but got tired of shopping for 20 weird and wonderful ingredients that I didn't have for each cake! Thank goodness for Tessa K's Milk Tart, it's so quick and simple!
It should be mentioned that Tessa K's recipes are from Finnland, South Africa, Greece, Italy and Cyprus, plus at the back there's a "Suitcase of recipes" which are recipes she has picked up on her diverse travels.
You'll enjoy it!

[Chris]

Thanks for posting your critiques regarding "Falling Cloudberries". I am a Greek Cypriot from the southern part of the island living in the USA for the past 1,000 years. I saw the article in Cyprus Airways' SUNJET Magazine and thought how beautiful it looked and the recipes sounded interesting. I will surely buy it by your comments... thanks! Chris

[Tammie Barker]

Hello - No comment, but a question: Would you like to receive a review copy of Tessa Kiros' brand-new Apples for Jam, publishing for the first time in the U.S.? No cost or obligation involved, just hoping you might consider a review on your site.

Best wishes,
Tammie Barker
Publicist
Andrews McMeel Publishing