In Eating Like a Mennonite: Food and Community Across Borders, historian Marlene Epp delves into the culinary traditions of the Mennonite community, weaving a rich tapestry of cultural history and identity through the lens of food. This captivating book offers a nuanced exploration of how food practices among Mennonites not only nourish bodies but also sustain communities and preserve cultural heritage across generations and borders.
Epp’s scholarly yet accessible writing style makes Eating Like a Mennonite an engaging read for both academic audiences and general readers interested in culinary history and cultural studies. She meticulously documents the evolution of Mennonite foodways from their origins in Europe to their migration across North and South America. The book is replete with vivid descriptions of traditional dishes, from the hearty borscht of Russia to yucca of Paraguay, highlighting how these foods have adapted to new environments while retaining their cultural significance.
One of the book’s most compelling aspects is its focus on the role of food in community building. Epp illustrates how communal meals, food sharing, and agricultural practices are integral to Mennonite social life, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. Through personal anecdotes, historical accounts, and recipes, she brings to life the intimate connection between food and Mennonite identity. To tease you with a delectable dessert popular in the Mennonite community, Marlene provides us with her favourite Original Spicy Peppernut recipe sourced from Norma Jost Voth in Mennonite Foods & Folkways from South Russia. Go to our Recipe section to try it!
Epp also addresses the challenges faced by Mennonite communities in maintaining their culinary traditions amidst globalization and migration. She poignantly discusses the tensions between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to new cultural landscapes, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of these communities.
Eating Like a Mennonite is more than just a book about food; it’s a profound exploration of how culinary practices are intertwined with cultural identity, memory, and community. Marlene Epp’s meticulous research and engaging storytelling make this book a valuable addition to the fields of food studies and cultural history, offering readers a deep understanding of the Mennonite way of life through the universal experience of eating. Pick up a copy at https://www.mqup.ca/eating-like-a-mennonite-products-9780228018940.php?page_id=113187& or go to our Giveaway section to win this exploratory book.
Contents and images used with permission by Marlene Epp & McGill-Queen’s University Press. https://www.mqup.ca/eating-like-a-mennonite-products-9780228018940.php?page_id=113187&
