I am completing a PhD in food studies (part history, part sociology, part feminism, and part cultural history) at UNE-Australia. As a part of my final research project, I am putting together a collection of recipes that contribute to Utah’s multinational and multi-ethnic culture.

Should you be from Utah, living in Utah, or passed through Utah, I would love your help. I am asking people such as this to send in at least one recipe (and up to five) that you make from your country of origin, or a dish from your ancestors that you now make in Utah. Partnered with this should be a short personal essay (500-1500 words) to go with the recipe(s) that tell the reader what the recipe means to you, why you make it, or how you came to live in Utah. As some people cook by taste or sense, I am also happy to watch you prepare a meal, in person or on zoom, take notes on the ingredients and method, and put together a draft. I would send this draft to you for corrections and edits, before including it. It will not be included without your permission.  

The following themes might inspire you: “Recipes by Political Refugees Who Now Call Utah Home,” “Food is The Medicine that Keeps Family Together,” “I Remember When Grandma Cooked This Every Christmas,” “Food is a Common Ground When my family Gathers,” “Food is Memories,” “The Coal Mine Brought my Great-Grandfather Here, and Now we Stay For the Mountains,” “Friends and Food Make Families,” etc. Should you like some additional direction, I can send you some essay and recipe examples to reflect the wide creativity of submissions- simply send me an email and ask.

I am short on submissions, and would really love your support. Please email me with any questions!

Thank you!

Sherrie (sherriegavin AT gmail DOT com)