You can’t know the soul of a region unless you know its food. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that the Schoolcraft College International Institute, whose goal is to help the college community better appreciate world cultures, would publish an international cookbook.

The book, called simply “Cookbook,” but with the word cookbook in many different languages, was created from the favorite ethnic dishes of the college’s students, faculty and staff. It will be available for sale at the Multicultural Fair March 28 for $10. This could be the perfect gift for Mother’s Day or the new bride.

“We wanted to create a project that involved the entire Schoolcraft community,” said Elzbieta Rybicka, English instructor and editor of Cookbook. “We thought talking about food and sharing recipes would be the way to go.”

The book is divided into food categories — appetizers, soups, entrees, side dishes, cookies, desserts and drinks. There are more than 80 recipes in the 110-page volume, and countries represented include India, Poland, Taiwan, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Indonesia.

“We asked for recipes attesting to our rich international heritage,” said Rybicka. “Our Cookbook is more than just a recipe book. It also includes geographical, social and cultural background information. Here, every dish has a story, and every dish is rich in cultural tradition.”

Rybicka said her hope is that people will enjoy the recipes and cookbook as much as she and her committee enjoyed preparing it. You can reserve a copy of Recipes by calling Rybicka at ext. 5685 or at recipes@schoolcraft.edu.

Schoolcraft College is a public two-year college, offering classes at the Livonia campus on Haggerty Road between Six and Seven Mile roads, at the Radcliff Center in Garden City and online.