A.M. Ruggirello - From Dill to Dracula: A Romanian Food & Folklore Cookbook

{introduction}

First thing's first: I can't begin to express how grateful I am that you've picked up my little Romanian cookbook in the sea of others. So, before we go any further on this journey together, I have one very important thing to say to you:

Mulumesc

{Thank you}

This book has become a true labor of love, but let me go back to the beginning... I grew up a child of Romanian immigrants, the first of my family born in the U.S.A. Having left Romania during the height of communisms asphyxiating grip, the filter of which they viewed their country was left with a film of grime, heartache and never-ending poverty. They moved to America to escape, finding amnesty and opportunity. Romania sunk into the past, a memory tarnished by Nicolae Ceauescu and his regime. As a child, I wasnt taught Romanian, because there was no need to use a language associated with a country Id never have a relationship with. Any mention of Romania was met with an unintentional harsh tone and a short explanation. And it wasnt because I asked, but because of the struggles and difficulties Id be responsible for conjuring up with my question.

I grew up largely disinterested in Romania because my parents werent interested in reliving their childhood experiences. As I aged, I realized my parents responses werent part of Romanias fault, they were a casualty of communism, human greed. As an adult, I longed to reconnect with my roots, to uncover the beauty of a country best known for crippling oppression and the fictional Dracula (though I will admit, I am captivated by the very real Vlad epe). I embarked on this cookbook adventure with the hopes of outshining the negativity and, through it, offer a glimpse of a country often overlooked or shrouded in the paranormal, through the beauty of its rich history and richer cuisine.

In writing this cookbook, I was taken on a journey through the land of my ancestors, recognizing the beauty behind the facade, the strength behind the pain. It's as much a cookbook as it is a love letter to Romaniafrom the foods Ive grown up enjoying, to the truly magical landscape and customs that make it unique.

Romania may have never been my physical home, but it has found a special place in my heart and, through this cookbook, I hope it finds a place in yours, as well.