“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” This oft-quoted maxim from celebrated gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, succinctly describes the connection between foodways and identity.

First published in 1986 and now back in print, The Minnesota Ethnic Food Bookexplores the rich landscape of food and cultural heritage by describing  the traditional foods and foodways of many of the state’s ethnic groups. Well-researched and thoughtfully written essays describe the meals and customs that help families maintain ties to their past and sustain a rich sense of ethnic heritage in their day-to-day lives.

More than 150 authentic recipes, collected from home cooks across the state, impart the ethnic flavors of Minnesota. Included are recipes for everyday tables—such as Swedish meatballs, Creole chicken, and Hmong stir-fried chicken and vegetables—as well as foods for special occasions—including Greek artichoke pilaf, German sauerbraten, and Danish custard cream layer cake. The result is a carefully researched, warm, and fascinating book that is all about people, foods, and enduring values.