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I'm back from BlogHer '09 in Chicago where I learned a little, ate good food and had fun seeing some of my favorite bloggers. An interesting series by one of them has me thinking about just what should be defined as "American Foods." Sara from Ms. Adventures in Italy is an American living in Milan, and in a project inspired by friends in Italy who ask her for a list of American foods they should try when visiting the U.S., she's written a three part series on 101 American Foods to Try in the U.S.A.
Sara is quick to note her picks are not an exhaustive list, and asks readers "Is there an iconic or famous American food that you’d recommend a foreign visitor try?" If so, she hopes people will add those things in the comments.
Check Sara's Picks for American Foods
Sara starts with Desserts and Sweets Recipes. She has classics such as cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, and Rice Krispie treats, as well as brand names such as Diary Queen's Blizzard and Reeces Peanut Butter Cups. It's an impressive list of American desserts. Take a look and see if your favorite is listed.
Next she takes on Main Dishes and Savory Snacks. First thing I thought of was macaroni and cheese, and check, it's on the list. Of course she lists hamburgers, turkey with stuffing, pot roast, chicken pot pie, and baked potatoes. Take a look at the other Main Dishes and Savory Snacks she came up with and see if you notice something she missed.
Finally, Sara ends her series with Drinks and Local Specialties, plus the list of resources where she did her research. She has my dad's favorite, root beer, as well as eggnog, Dr. Pepper, and apple cider. (But no Diet Coke or Coke on this list. I'm assuming that's because Sara's friends already know about those drinks?) For local specialties her picks include my favorite Key Lime Pie, Texas Barbecue, and Chicago deep dish pizza. Check the list to see what other Drinks and Local Specialties you'd add that are quintessentially American. (If you'd like to print Sara's whole list, you can download 101 American Foods to Try in the USA: EBook.)
As I said, Sara's lists got me thinking about this topic so I did a little Twitter research. (As a former teacher, I'm a little embarrassed to use the words "Twitter" and "research" in the same sentence, but you know what I mean.) I didn't want to give it away to Sara, so I just asked, "What comes to mind when someone says 'American Food?" Here's the word on American food from Twitter, in 140 characters or less.
Twitter Poll Results for American Foods:
Steamy Kitchen: BBQ, burgers!
Married ...with Dinner: regional food like fried chicken, chowder, barbecue, etc.
The Sensitive Pantry: Grilled cheese, tomato soup, hamburgers, steak, baked potatoes, chicken pot pie, pot roast, corn on the cob...
Bron Marshall: Apple Pie!! and she has photos!
Heat Eat Review: Tacos, hamburgers, Italian, all things Southern (biscuits!) and Beef Stroganoff.
Chez Us: Grilling Burgers & hotdogs as well as southern fried chicken, grits, biscuits, strawberry shortcake, big steak, baked potato
Sonja: apple and cherry pies, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese is what comes to my mind when someone says "American Food"
One Food Guy: probably been said, but apple pie! I like mine with crumb topping, not crust!
Just Emily: i think of a cliche (but true) term - melting pot. different ethnic & culinary styles (& also the fusion food coming from it)
Red Stapler: Mayonnaise from a jar
Carrie Hasson: pot roast w/ mashed potatoes and gravy
Jamie's Recipes: according to my international friends from college: American food is oversized and covered in cheese
Sass and Veracity: no fuss down to Earth comfort food like macaroni & cheese, pot roast, baked potatoes, and corn on the cob.
Tennesee Locavore: I drove thru Pigeon Forge today so the awfulness comes to mind-like chain restaurants, super-sized meals, bad dinner theatre.
Kitchen Musings: apple pie!
No Fear Entertaining: Burgers and potato salad!
Musings by Ron: A ball
