The Aroma of Czech Cuisine - by Denise Mazal Resnerova (Paperback)

About the Book

"With my cookbook, The Aroma of Czech Cuisine, I am proud to showcase the national Czech food, or as we call it, "Staroéceskâa kuchynée" (recipes of our grandmothers). Throughout the book, notes and mini stories accompany the recipes, unfolding a myriad of facts about Czech culture, recipe origins, folklore, history, and Czech influence in the United States. As the founder of Little Gretel, a Czech restaurant in Boerne, Texas, I am devoted to my craft and to putting smiles on the faces of anyone who takes a bite out of my delectable Kolaches. Since 2009, I have been serving the Boerne and surrounding communities by integrating my traditional Czech culinary skills into the wonderful Texas culture. All the recipes included in this book have been prepared and served in my restaurant for over a decade. These recipes exhibit the finest of Czech culinary tradition and impart the humility of Czech culture by passing down the ability to take simple ingredients and make miracles"--

Book Synopsis

Explore the rich tapestry of Czech food with award-winning chef Denise Mazal Resnerova's enchanting cookbook, The Aroma of Czech Cuisine. From the heart of Prague to the charming streets of Boerne, Texas, Resnerova offers us the quintessence of Staročeská kuchyně--the recipes of grandmothers, passed down through generations. These recipes, developed to perfection by Resnerova, are an integral part of the Texas Hill Country and have been savored at Little Gretel, her renowned Czech eatery in Boerne, Texas.

With The Aroma of Czech Cuisine, Denise Mazal Resnerova embarks on a culinary journey infused with notes and mini stories that unveil the essence of Czech culture and its enduring influence in the United States. The book delves into folklore, uncovers recipe origins, and traces the historical threads that bind Czech cuisine to its cultural heritage.

Whether you are a seasoned chef or a curious food enthusiast, The Aroma of Czech Cuisine promises to open the door to local Czech culture and transport you to the heart of Czech gastronomy, where every dish is a celebration of flavor, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the Czech people.

Review Quotes

Chef Denise is the consummate professional whose passion for cooking is contagious. Her kolaches are legendary in South Texas, absolutely delicious. This immensely talented chef also has a heart of gold and a beautiful gift of smiling with her eyes.

-- Tanji Patton, Executive Producer for Goodtaste

Chef Denise Mazal honed her skills in renowned kitchens from Prague to Paris to Munich before introducing her fabulous kolaches and Czech cooking to Boerne, Texas at her restaurant, Little Gretel. She loves sharing her culinary adventures and food stories with students. Fostering a love of the culinary arts that transcends borders and languages, she has become an inspiration to a new generation of food storytellers, weaving a delicious thread in the Texas culinary tapestry.

-- Chef Johnny Hernandez

I was told about Little Gretel from the moment I moved to San Antonio. The wursts, schnitzels, and fermented krauts were a warm reminder of my childhood growing up in Wisconsin. However, the real star of the show was Denise, orchestrating the whole evening from start to finish, and being around her you truly understand the pride she has for her restaurant staff family and the people and cuisine she represents so many miles away. I am a better chef because of her leadership and friendship.

-- Chef Steven McHugh

Not only is Denise Mazal an exceptional chef, teacher, and an encyclopedia of Czech cuisine but an extraordinary person. I am looking forward to utilizing this book as a roadmap for deliciousness!

-- Chef Andrew Wisseman