Have you ever tasted lefse, fleischkeukle, tacos, pizza or curry? Most likely you have tasted at least one of these foods even though all of them originated in other countries. During holidays in particular, you may enjoy recipes your grandparents or their grandparents enjoyed. Food goes beyond providing nourishment for the body. Food also helps nurture family traditions and connects us with other cultures. Food can help different groups of people understand and appreciate each other’s differences. We invite you to enjoy this recipe collection from around the world, which also is a sampling of the cultures found in North Dakota. We thank our old and new friends for contributing and testing the recipes.

Many people grow tomatoes in their traditional or container gardens. With a good year, you may want to preserve some tomatoes to enjoy during the winter. The recommendations in this publication take into account numerous tomato varieties, including those described as meaty, solid, firm and with few seeds, and the recommendations also allow for various growing conditions. If you do not want to follow these instructions, freezing is a safe alternative

You don’t need to have a gourmet kitchen to be a good cook, but having some kitchen equipment essentials can make cooking a breeze. From Cooking 101 (Week 1) Quick and Easy Menus, Recipes and Tips for Singles and Couples

Never thaw food at room temperature or in warm water. If food is warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but colder than 140 degrees Fahrenheit, bacteria will multiply quickly. From Cooking 101 (Week 2) Quick and Easy Menus, Recipes and Tips for Singles and Couples

Find out about the difference between cleaning and sanitizing.

Pickling is one of the oldest known methods of food preservation. Pickled foods add a special touch to many snacks and meals.

Keep washed, ready-to-eat vegetables on hand and easy to find. How many times does someone in your family open the refrigerator door to see what there is to eat and take one of the first foods he or she sees? So let the cleaned vegetables be seen first. Also, set them out when meals and snacks are eaten. On the run? Cut up some veggies and put them in zip-top bags. Stop in the produce department to see if some vegetables are cut up and ready to eat for a snack. If you do not have a cooler or refrigerator nearby, remember to eat cut-up produce within two hours for safety.

Most adults and children need 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day, but the amount varies depending on age, gender and amount of physical activity.

Imagine this: You have just walked in the door and are greeted by the aroma of a tender beef stew simmering in your slow cooker. You slice a loaf of whole-wheat bread and toss a simple spinach and strawberry salad. Dinner is served! Evenings like this can go from a dream to reality when using a slow cooker.

What veggies are in your refrigerator, freezer or pantry?