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 the Cariboo Chilcotin and the connections between community and kitchen. In this unique collection of recipes and stories, Manola Khounviseth, who endured a harrowing escape from Laos, shares tales of her homeland and her old family recipes; First Nations cook Andrea Thomas honours the ways of her ancestors by preparing traditional food and sharing stories of hunting and gathering; and Brian 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, from 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.