The increasing drought problem also meant worry for the dedicated mushroom pickers in the country, looking out in hope for any little bit of rain that would mean a decent haul from their favourite forest spots. Then there is the cleaning, pickling and drying, and of course the frying, the creamy sauces and the rich soups. And yet again the issue arises of national preferences how to serve. Agnieszka Bielawska and Elżbieta Krajewska consider.