Hey Wally!
I have very fond memories of Minnesota cooking. I think one reason
being that it can get so cold up there, that anything* hot* tastes
good! Actually there is a cuisine called "Hot Dish". It's similar to
what we call casseroles or as Murph mentioned,(Since Julia Child
introduced us to French cuisine), Cassoulets - It's mainly a dish that
you throw everything together and bake it in one dish. Wild rice is
include quite often. Actually wild rice is not a rice at all. Instead,
it is a long - grain marsh grass native to the northern Great Lakes
area. Wild Rice has a very nutty flavor and chewy texture. Why do i
feel like I'm writing a paper :~)
Another Minnesota tradition is gathering with friends and family around
Sept and having a giant smelt fry on the beaches of Lake Superior. You
cast your nets, catch them and fry em' up. Campfires line the shore. I
know to some of you this may sound pretty gross, but it's kind of like
peeling shrimp at Jonifests. There's lot's of guitar playing and
singing. Some Joni, but not enough for me. Lot's of Dylan and alot of
Steely Dan!
Next : Do you want to hear about UP cooking? Actually, if Paz doesn't
write before your deadline, I've got some great Louisiana food to
mention.
Bye for now :~D
jody
