Polish people the world over love their sweet endings, and desserts are a significant part of traditional Polish cuisine. As simple and inviting as a warm chestnut cookie, or as elegant and regal as a tall mocha torte, classic Polish dishes are rich in heritage and in flavor. This collection is dedicated to the legacy of desserts that those of Polish descent may remember from childhood and to the preservation of the heritage of classic recipes. Close your eyes and let your mind explore the aromas of decadent chocolate, rich vanilla, bright lemon zest, fresh yeast of dough rising in the oven, or the blend of ginger, honey and raspberry in one delectable bite. Let your taste buds imagine the comfort of a warm donut filled with sweet jam; the fluffy, light sweetness of a crime cake favored by Pope John Paul II; or the delicacy of a sweet cheese-filled crepe topped with fresh berries. Those are the flavors that millions of Poles around the globe grew up with. Those are the flavors that this book preserves for our sensory pleasure, for the delight of our parents, and for the amazement of our children. Each dessert in this book has been chosen for its flavors, for its traditions, and for its ability to be successfully prepared.

With great care taken to preserve their traditional roots, each dish has been updated for the modern kitchen and tested until perfected. Peter T. Zeranski and Laura C. Zeranski co-authored the critically acclaimed Polish Classic Recipes (Pelican Publishing, 2011), treasured by Poles the world over. The husband-and-wife team are eager to preserve the heritage of dishes that may be losing their traditional roots with the passing of older generations-dishes they have been cooking, serving, and eating for decades. Peter Zeranski was born in Europe to Polish parents. He is a retired marketing executive and small business consultant. His family's love for Polish cuisine and traditions is showcased in The Art of Polish Cooking (Pelican Publishing, 1968), the iconic cookbook written by his mother, Alina ?era'ska.

Laura Zeranski learned to cook Polish dishes from her mother-in-law as she took over preparing Sunday dinners and special holiday meals. After four decades of perfecting traditional Polish recipes, she has become an expert in adapting the cuisine to modern home kitchens. A retired health care records professional, Laura has consulted with clients throughout the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. The couple, who also love ballroom dancing, resides in Alexandria, Virginia. Photography has been a key part of Bob Rock's life and thirty-five year career as a senior executive in the printing industry. The owner of Bob Rock Photography & Digital Imaging, he also enjoys portrait, landscape, and macro photography. Rock took great delight in making these desserts appear as wonderful as they tasted, which made this project especially enjoyable. He resides with his family in Northern Virginia.