Kagami mochi is a traditional Japanese New Year’s treat that acts as a decoration in many homes during the first days of a new year. Supermarkets begin selling kagami (“mirror”) mochi in November and December, but why not try your hand at making it at home? The two mochi discs are variously said to symbolize the going and coming years, the human heart, “yin” and “yang”, or the moon and the sun. The two white discs are often topped with

This dish definitely is not for the faint of heart! Growing up with Minnesotan grandparents, I had often heard the word “lutefisk” without any context. Learning that it has its roots in Viking plundering—supposedly the Vikings burned a fishing village who had been drying cod and the water-soaked ashes created a lye slush—lutefisk is rumored to have been brought to America on ships as it could withstand the long journey. Now it has made its mark on Norwegian-American heritage. The

Okay, okay….so maybe the title is misleading. I don’t know for a fact that Robert Plant has signed off on this exact recipe for the starchy Lithuanian national dish, but the name of these meat-and-potato dumplings does stem from their likeness in shape to the airships of yore. Try your hand at these hearty and filling Eastern European delicacies that will stick to your bones all winter long. INGREDIENTS: Dough: 6-7 lbs potatoes | 2 tsp salt | reserved starch

While Americans might enjoy their Thanksgiving leftovers in turkey sandwich fork, their neighbors to the north have a different approach to the day-after carnage. Poutine! This festive twist on the Canadian classic fare will leave your tastebuds wanting more! Ingredients: 1 20 oz. bag sweet potato fries 3/4 cup leftover Thanksgiving turkey 1 cup leftover turkey gravy 1/4 cup leftover cranberry sauce 1/3 cup cheese curds Directions: Cook the sweet potato fries according the to package directions. While the sweet potato

October 4th is Cinnamon Bun Day in Sweden and Finland (Kanelbullens Dag). Why not celebrate with a warm cup of coffee and our favorite Cinnamon bun recipe? Makes 18 buns Dough Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter, divided 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp white sugar 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 3/4 cup milk 1 egg Filling Ingredients: 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 tbsp ground cinnamon Frosting Ingredients: 1 cup confectioners’ (powdered) sugar 4 oz cream cheese,

Mooncakes symbolize the unity of family during the Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival, celebrated throughout Asia this year on October 1st. This recipe forms them into small balls, but you can find the traditional mooncake mold available online or possibly at your local Asian grocery during the festive season. Ingredients: 1/4 cup sugar 2 egg yolks 1/2 cup salted butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup strawberry (or your favorite) jam (traditionally red bean paste is used so if you want