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.
Latest Musings
Fresh Zucchini Rice Salad
This fresh zucchini rice salad salad uses seasonal summer ingredients found at our local famers markets along with with brown and wild rice. We use Southern Illinois Cahokia Rice in most of our rice dishes. The cashews provide a nutty crunch. Cahokia Rice Supporting local and regional businesses is important because, in doing so, we…
Use Local Ingredients for this Greek Inspired Salad
Mediterranean flavors and simplicity are at the heart of this Greek inspired salad. The recipe combines capers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions with creamy feta cheese and briny capers. This salad comes together very quickly using locally sourced, fresh ingredients. A very good friend shared this recipe with me; he made me promise to never, ever…
Christmas Tree Spritz Cookies
Let me introduce you to delightful Christmas tree spritz cookies! They always made an appearance at our holiday gatherings when I was a kid. Add some food coloring and splash in flavored extract to give the cookies festive cheer. Let’s not forget the sprinkles! History of Spritz Cookies Rooted in German and Scandinavian cuisine, spritz…
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
52 Ancestors Reboot
This isn’t so much a recipe or genealogy post, rather a “let’s get this 2022 party started” post. When Amy Johnson Crow launch her 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks writing challenge in 2014, I jumped at the chance to share my family research with, well, a small audience. That was about three months after I…
American with German Heritage
More than a million Germans arrived in the United States between 1845 and 1855 [1]US History, Irish and German Immigration, and many more came after that. They were fleeing political strife and economic hardship. Even so, many had enough money to travel to the Midwest in search of farmland. That’s exactly what my family did,…
Wild Game and Root Vegetables
I have always enjoyed participating in Amy Johnson Crow’s 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks challenge. This year, I’m putting a food heritage spin on the 2020 themes and writing monthly instead of weekly. Week 3 of this year’s 52 Ancestors challenge is “Long Line”. This, like many of the weekly themes, can be interpreted in…