Recipes from a Slovenian Kitchen

Book excerpt: Slovenia is a small country with dramatic contrasts - from an alpine climate in the north, through the wineproducing hills of Stajerska, to the sub-Mediterranean region in the south. These geographical features lend varied regional emphasis to the cuisine, which is characterized by simple country fare, often enhanced by the dishes of the surrounding countries - Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. The many tempting recipes in this book include the nutritious and tasty Chicken Noodle Soup, the peppery spices of Millet-Stuffed Turnips, and Poppy Potica, a traditional sweet bread. The dishes tend to incorporate generous amounts of carbohydrate and fat to support the peasant diet, but have been adapted to suit a modern, healthy lifestyle, while staying true to the sustaining and wholesome fare of the country.