Lorain County Family Recipes: History and Tradition from Pierogis to Plum Dumplings

Melting Pot Memories

Lorain County attracted people from all around the globe in search of a better life, and these intrepid immigrants brought their culinary traditions with them. From the late nineteenth through the early twentieth century, Lorain's steel mill recruited workers from Southern, Eastern, and Western Europe. Later, the mill welcomed workers from Mexico and Puerto Rico while local quarries offered immigrants work in Grafton, Elyria, and Amherst. From these diverse cultures sprung an incredible range of meat and fish main dishes, side delicacies, and desserts still found on Lorain tables today--including Cullen Skink, Irish Stew, Chili Rellenos, Koulourakia, Sugo, and many, many more. Lorain's International Festival highlights these culinary traditions in mouthwatering ways. Author and lifelong Lorainite Kelly Boyer Sagert shares the incredible migration stories and the delicious recipes that make Lorain County such a wonderful place to live--and eat.