"Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are." This oft-quoted maximum 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 Book explores 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 flavours of Minnesota. Included are recipes for everyday tables--such as Swedish meatballs, Creole chicken and Among 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 careful researched, warm, and fascinating book that is all about people, foods, and enduring values.

Tracing the intertwined roles of food, ethnicity, and regionalism in the construction of American identity, this textbook examines the central role food plays in our lives. Drawing on a range of disciplines_including sociology, anthropology, folklore, geography, history, and nutrition_the editors have selected a group of engaging essays to help students explore the idea of food as a window into American culture. The editors' general introductory essay offers an overview of current scholarship, and part introductions contextualize the readings within each section. This lively reader will be a valuable supplement for courses on American culture across the social sciences.