Throughout the world, food provides the essence of connection to traditions, culture, family, and community. It offers comfort in times of trial, sustenance in lean times, and richness in times of celebration. Whether it be harvesting or preserving, preparing or sharing, food provides a vital connection to homeland and heritage, nourishing bodies and relationships alike.SPICING UP THE CARIBOO provides a glimpse into the rich ethnic diversity of both the Cariboo Chilcotin and the connection between community and kitchen. In this unique collection of recipes and stories, contributors such as Manola Khounviseth, who endured a harrowing escape from Laos, shares tales of her homeland and her old family recipes. First Nations member Andrea Thomas honours the ways of her ancestors by preparing traditional food and sharing stories of hunting and gathering. Still others, such as Braian Barcellos from Brazil, describes following his sweetheart to the Cariboo, while offering up a favourite family recipe.More than forty-five Cariboo Chilcotin residents, of various cultural backgrounds, interweave their tales of hardship, celebration, love, and resilience with traditional family recipes. Be inspired by over 100 dishes from foreign lands as well as your own backyard.From the highlands of Peru to rural Bangladesh to the American west to the Ulkatcho territory, these stories and recipes take you on a journey that will delight your taste buds, pique your curiosity about your own roots, and instill a sense of appreciation for the diversity in our midst.