Heritage Cooking
Exploring Flavorful Narratives
At Rooted in Foods, we believe food is more than what’s on the table—it’s a connection to family, culture, and community. Our mission is to celebrate local ingredients, honor the traditions that shaped us, and share stories that bring people closer together. Through recipes, storytelling, and a love of cooking, we highlight local producers, explore food heritage, and embrace the flavors that connect past and present. We hope to nourish both kitchens and communities with food that feels rooted, real, and meaningful.
Global Flavors at Home
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Spätzle: A German Comfort Food That Connects Me to My Roots
Spätzle isn’t a dish that I grew up eating. My German grandma never made it — at least not after I was born — probably never. She was born when being German-American was looked down upon and even dangerous. As a result, she denounced her own heritage long before I was born. When I was…
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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…
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Breads | Breakfast | Recipes | Sweet Treats
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….
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
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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…
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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…
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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….
