Capri Cafaro has crisscrossed this country pulling up a chair at kitchen tables — from Hawaii’s taro fields to Massachusetts’ cranberry bogs — listening to people share their stories through food. This summer, in partnership with Blue Star Families, she sat down with military families to do the same thing. What she found was a collection of recipes that have traveled across duty stations, deployments, and decades.

“The most powerful moments don’t necessarily come from elaborate meals,” Capri says. “They come from simply sharing.”

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, these five recipes are an invitation to set your own table — and maybe make room for a military or veteran family in your community while you do it. See the full menu and recipes here in USA Today.