What are the foods, sights, activities and rituals that make Minnesota what it is? Who knows better than the people who call Minnesota home? Introducing Minnessentials, an occasional series that plunges into the culture of our state with the help of Star Tribune readers.

We'll explore homegrown traditions, from meat raffles to lutefisk. With each installment, we'll ask for your suggestions. Then we'll use your submissions to help us tell a quintessential Minnesota story.

What we should cover next? E-mail us at minnessentials@ startribune.com or tweet at reporter @SharynJackson.