Take a dip into Minnesota

Super Bowl fever is starting to build, because we know of course that the most important factor is what to eat during the game. This year, McCormick Kitchens has created 50 dip recipes inspired by the classic flavors of each state. Wisconsin's dip combines brats, beer and cheese. Iowa gets a twist on its famous loose meat sandwich. For Minnesota, they came up with Minnesota Hot Dish Dip which combines McCormick's Original Country Gravy Mix with cooked breakfast sausage, frozen vegetables and shredded Cheddar cheese. It's made to be baked and served with potato tot dippers.

For recipes for each state, visit mccormick.com/50dips.

Learn about Denmark

What's all the fuss about hygge? That's the Danish word for cozy and it's getting a lot of attention for its emphasis on comfort and conviviality. You can pick up some tips on Jan. 22 when the 13th annual Urban Expedition kicks off at St. Paul's Landmark Center by featuring Denmark. Each year, five nations are invited to make a presentation about their countries, with food, entertainment, crafts, goods to purchase and exhibits at the free and public event. Danish demonstrators will serve æbleskiver and kringle and show how to make Danish open-faced sandwiches. Other options include making woven Danish paper hearts and exploring Danish happiness, the history of Danish modern furniture, the story behind Legos, language lessons, genealogy information and more. Hours are from 1-3 p.m. at the Landmark Center, 75 E. 5th St.

Upcoming nations are Switzerland on Feb. 12; Colombia on March 12; Togo on April 9, and Karen (formerly Burma) on April 23.

Learn about Italy

There's more to learn about the world when Festa Italiana Minnesota presents its annual fundraiser, For the Love of Pasta, on Jan. 29 at Moose On Monroe, 356 Monroe St. NE., in Minneapolis. There will be a video display of Minneapolis Italians, live and silent auctions, and workshop sign-ups for Italian genealogy and Minnesota Italian history. Festa Italiana Minnesota is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving Italian heritage. The meal will include baked mostaccioli, chicken Alfredo, Caesar salad, cannolis, pizzelles, cream puffs and rum cake. Cash bar. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for ages 8 to 14 and free for age 7 and under. To order tickets in advance, mail checks made out to Festa Italiana MN to Festa Italiana MN, PO Box 130664, Roseville, Minn. 55113. Festa Italiana is on Facebook.

KIM ODE