A little culture, education and a scrumptious meal – that’s what the Lawrence County Homemakers offered Tuesday at the Taste of International Foods 2011.

The Taste of International Foods happens every two years, and each local group chooses a country or two, researching all they can about the place. This year the event was at the First Baptist Church in Proctorville.

The tables were decorated corresponding to the country, some with maps and flags and memorabilia representing something meaningful to the culture. Some groups went as far as to dress in something to represent the country they chose, and everyone had food to sample.

The event was open to club members and guests.

The four local groups that make up the Lawrence County Homemakers include the Ensee, Ohio Valley, South Point and the Southside groups.

Anita Quisenberry, Lawrence County Homemakers President, said it’s a great way to see how the countries cook and learn their history.

“You learn more about countries that we don’t hear about every day,” Quisenberry said.

Marjorie Jackson, 74, of Ironton, and Linda Payne, 63, of Burlington, represented India. For Payne, the best part was the research she did after they chose their country.

“I had no clue about India,” Payne said. “I learned that India has the most inexpensive car in the world.” She said she also learned about the population, the economy and the national flower.

“Just a lot of different things I find exciting,” Payne said. The pair fixed cinnamon fried rice and semolina pudding, which they described similar to grits, along with some Indian fruit salad.

Malissa Brown, 85, of Ironton, and Mary Gene Patterson, 68, of Kitts Hill, chose the country Peru, and made becitos, which Patterson said means “little kisses” in English.

The Italy table was decorated with fresh flowers and teacups, and offered a sampling of manicotti, olives, French baguettes and pizzelle, crisp cookies made with a press.

Dorsey Conwell, 68, of Ironton, was part of the Hawaii table. Having been to Hawaii in 2005, she had a lot of knowledge and experience to bring to the table, so to speak.

“Hawaii is a beautiful place, like a rainbow of colors,” she said. Their table served pulled pork with slaw, pineapple upside-down cake and fruit punch. The team was decked out in floral shirts and leis.

While the women enjoyed the food and learning, many of them especially enjoy the friendships they have with other group members and the good they do.

“It’s about community and education,” Quisenberry said.