Heritage Cooking
Exploring food and cultural roots through cooking
Welcome to Rooted in Foods
As a descendant of German and Scottish settlers in southwest and Southern Illinois, I use cooking to connect with my heritage. By bringing traditional and family recipes to life, I tell the stories of my roots. Join me as we explore the fascinating world of food, family, and heritage.
German and Inspired Recipes
Use Leftover Roast for German Frikadellen
Similar to our American hamburgers, German frikadellen are flat and pan fried. They are also a close cousin to our meatloaf because they have a variety of herbs and spices and use milk, eggs, and breadcrumbs as a binder. Ingredients Use Up Leftovers Traditional frikadellen use up leftover meat, traditionally veal or lamb, but beef…
German Potato Salad – Kartoffelsalat mit Speck
I grew up calling this recipe “German potato salad”. As I’ve learned more about German regional cuisine, I’ve realized they, too, have many ways of making potato salad. I’ve also learned that potato salad recipes can cause quite the stir among German communities online! Even with the variations, there are two basic styles. In the…
Gurkensalat – German Cucumber Salad with Dill
I grew up eating this cucumber salad with creamy dill dressing never knowing that it has a strong connection to my German heritage.
Global Flavors at Home
Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken
Churrasco is a Brazilian barbecue technique that involves cooking meat on long metal skewers over high heat. The meat is typically only seasoned with salt which allows the natural flavors of the meat to shine through. While this lemon garlic chicken recipe is far from the traditional, it was inspired by a handful of frango churrasco…
Sweet Cornbread with Coconut
We have discovered a new favorite – sweet cornbread with coconut. Bolo de Fubá, a traditional Brazilian cornmeal cake known for its moist texture and subtly sweet flavor, was the inspiration for this dish. I served it alongside a black bean stew and it offered a sweet balance to the savory and slightly spicy stew….
Brazilian Black Bean Stew
This year on our live broadcast cooking show, The Davises Eats, Chili and I decided to traverse the globe and share the flavors of some favorite cuisines. More importantly, we use these flavors in foods we already cook at home while being mindful of supporting our local growers and producers. January was all about Brazil,…
As a tourism educator, food writer, and self-proclaimed food nerd, I created Rooted in Foods to be your resource for exploring cultural roots through cooking. Whether you’re seeking heritage-inspired recipes, modern twists on vintage classics, or simply want to learn more about food history, I’m here to guide you.
Rooted in Foods is more than just a recipe collection; it’s a journey. I believe that food is a powerful connector, bridging generations, cultures, and traditions. That’s why I share personal stories, expert insights, and a mix of traditional and contemporary recipes. Together, let’s cook, learn, and connect.
Heritage shapes who we are
Our heritage is a narrative that transcends history, weaving a tapestry of our ancestors’ experiences. Heritage is found in the stories told by grandparents and in the traditions that shape our celebrations. It is the invisible thread that connects us to our past, informs our present, and guides our future. Heritage is what makes us … us.
Family History
What’s In A … Nickname?
Nicknames are often a shortened version of a given name or, frequently with men, a surname. My close friends and family call me “Nik”. Everyone else calls me “Niki”. My mom calls me “Nicole” when I’m in trouble – still. Sometimes, she throws in my middle name for good measure. Thankfully, I haven’t heard that…
Snow and Ice Storm Echoes of a Winter Past
January 6, 2025. Today, we woke up to two inches of snow on the ground. That wouldn’t be too bad except for the massive ice storm that came through yesterday. Our fluffy snow was sitting on top of an inch or more of solid ice. Ice is sitting heavily on trees and power lines. We…
How a School Project and a Bible Sparked My Genealogy Journey
I didn’t know I wanted to go ancestor hunting until my sophomore high school French teacher threw a family tree project my way. At 15, I was already a self-proclaimed history nerd, so the history part of the assignment had me hooked. But when it came to actually putting together a family tree? Total blank….
