From one end to the other

     A few weeks ago I was researching the culinary roots of New Orleans at the mouth of the Mississippi River as it drains into the Gulf of Mexico.  This past week I was at it's source in Minnesota.  The Mighty Mississippi has a humble beginning in Lake Itasca in Clearwater County and rambles down through the 32nd state on it's 2,530 mile journey through our nation's heartland.

     Minnesota is the northernmost of the contiguous 48 states and the 12th largest in land area.  The name is derived from the Dakota dialect and translates as "sky tinted water."  Little wonder, then, that it is nicknamed the Land of 10,000 Lakes.  There are 72 state parks and recreation areas within it's borders and residents enjoy year round outdoor activity contributing to the distinction of being the healthiest state in the nation.  The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness encompasses over a million acres and a thousand lakes and has 1,500 miles of canoe routes.

     The metropolitan Minneapolis/St. Paul area is home to 60% of the state's residents in what is generally known at the Twin Cities.  Minneapolis is the largest city in the state, but St. Paul is the state capitol.  Their downtown areas are 10 miles apart.

     The record high and low temperatures are an incredible 174 degrees apart, from a bone chilling low of -60F in the town of Tower to a steamy high of 114F in Moorhead.  38% of the population is of German ancestry and close behind are Scandinavian descendants at 32%.  This weekend the German American Society sponsored the Lederhosenlauf 5K run in St. Paul.  Here are some of the participants:

     Minnesotans are known for their potluck suppers where a variety of hot dish casseroles are served.  And a holiday tradition is upheld by preparing lutefisk for the family.  Other culinary treasures include cheese curds and pronto pups as well as the State Fair "food on a stick."

      I will continue my research there as Labor Day approaches and will attempt to devour all the new food on a stick offerings at the Great Minnesota Get Together.