This isn't exactly ethnic, but I grew up in Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish country, where there are noodles AND potatoes, usually with gravy, served with every dinner. And those baked goods and desserts (can you say "Tastykakes?) are EVERYWHERE. While they're trying to be supportive, my family is having a hard time understanding what's so bad about all that starch. They're pleased that I'm losing weight, though, so they haven't pushed me too hard.