Samarkand: Recipes & Stories from Central Asia & The Caucasus by Caroline Eden & Eleanor Ford is a love letter to the city of Samarkand. A magical place with "sky-blue mosques, sand-colored minarets and fluted domes, ceramic tiles and mosaic surfaces dazzling with floral motifs and geometric patterns" that make you long to wander and find yourself lost in this compelling land.

Generations of ethnic groups have traveled through Samarkand and have all left their culinary mark behind. This special title shares travel essays, vibrant photography and recipes that are little known in the West that have been adapted for the home cook. In Samarkand, you will will find yourself immersed in learning details of the various groups: Uzbeks, Tajiks, Russian, Turkis, Koryo-Saram, Jewish, Caucasus and Afghan and mesmerized by the colorful replications of native fabrics and textiles that introduce each chapter. 

A pantry of essentials are set forth outlining the ingredients used in the dishes. My full attention is engaged reading through the pages of recipes - Tajik Bread Salad, Chicken Shashlik with Pink Onions and Pomegranate, and Buttered Rice under a Shah's Crown - all stunningly beautiful and spark my desire to head to the kitchen. The Breads and Doughs chapter with the beautiful Non Bread that is marked with a intricate design before being fiercely slapped onto the side of a red hot tandoor oven to bake and the Uzbek Pumpkin Manti with Sour Tomato Sauce are pure artistry. Thanks to my collection of eccentric kitchen tools, I can make both of these easily (minus the tandoor oven). Have no fear instructions for creating the dishes without these tools are given. Be sure to read our interview with the authors to learn more about this title.

We're delighted to offer 3 copies of this book in our giveaway for EYB Members in U.S.  One of the entry options is to answer the following question in the comments section of this blog post:

What dish from your travels have you recreated at home?

Please note that you must be logged into the Rafflecopter contest before posting or your entry won't be counted. If you are not already a Member, you can join at no cost. The contest ends November 3rd, 2016.