Communist Gourmet: History of Bulgarian Cuisine in People's Republic Era | Authentic Balkan Recipes & Food Culture" (Note: I removed "The Curious Story" as it's not SEO-friendly, added keywords like "Bulgarian cuisine," "Balkan recipes," and "food culture" for better search visibility. The title now clearly indicates the book's focus on Bulgarian food history during communism, appealing to food historians, Balkan culture enthusiasts, and culinary researchers.)

Albena Shkodrova, a food scholar and former editor of a leading Bulgarian food and wine magazine, was a child during the waning days of Communist Bulgaria.

What she intended as a series of short humorous pieces became, in her words, "an in-depth account of how the Communist regime determined Bulgarian's everyday experience with food from 1944 to 1989. This book examines the daily routines of procuring food, cooking, and eating out through the memories of those who lived in the period."

Illustrated with photographs showcasing grocery stores, the grand dining rooms of restaurants for the elite, and?the production of everything from cheeses to soft drinks,?Communist Gourmet?captures a complex yet limited system. Drawing on period cookbooks, Communist Party documents, and nearly 100 interviews, the book offers an unusual window into a time and place.?

Those interested in further research will be delighted to see extensive source notes.

Paperback. Black-and-white photographs.