Today we honor not something, but rather someone. Ancestor Appreciation Day celebrates history, culture and family all at once. Food is often what connects us to our past whether its a madeleine that takes us back to our childhood a la Proust, or a sacred recipe passed down from generation to generation.  What better way to honor our foremothers and fathers than with modern takes on delicious traditional dishes from around the world?

We start off in east Asia with this first recipe for Pearl Balls from the Hungry Host. These minced pork dumplings are small but mighty, packing a powerful, gingery punch in every bite.

Staying on the Asian continent, but heading over to India, we find this tempting dish from Just Cooke Already. This new take on traditional Tandoori Chicken is inviting to senses subtle hints of cumin, coriander and cilantro.

Skipping over to Africa, we find this savory Zimbabwean dish from the ethnic explorations of Live the Magic of Africa. This chicken and tomato dish is bright and beckoning as if to say, sit down and stay a while. Perfect for a cool night in alone or around a noisy dinner table, this recipe for Sadza ne Nyama ye Huku (Zimbabwean porridge with chicken stew) is sure to spark some new traditions.

For our last recipe we end on a sweeter note in South America where we encounter this divine Brazilian dessert Cuca de Banana or banana crumb cake. Brazil-based blogger Vaness Maurer bakes this beautiful cake to be adopted by you and yours. A perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea, this sweet, crumbly treat just begs for company!