AUTHOR: Rebecca Holcomb
You've heard of New York cheesecake and Chicago deep-dish, but what about the lesser-known food gems around the U.S.? Today, let's explore 10 state or regional dishes that deserve a little more love. From scrumptious snacks to hearty mains, these local treasures are worth the trip, or at least the effort to make them at home.
Table of Contents
- 1. Huckleberries
- 2. Chow Chow Relish
- 3. Nutcrackers
- 4. Pozole
- 5. Palisade Peaches
- 6. Pepper Jellies
- 7. Dutch Crunch
- 8. Mackinac Island Fudge
- 9. Apple Cider
- 10. Fry Sauce and Funeral Potatoes
- Which Fast Food Chain Has The Best Burger?
- 12 Things Old People Miss the Most
- 12 Poverty Meals That Taste Like a Million Bucks
- 12 Foods Marketed as Healthy But Are Actually Bad For You
- 10 Crazy Food Combos That Are Surprisingly Good
1. Huckleberries
A kissing cousin to the more notable blueberry, these delectable sweets produce a berry with thinner skin, juicier flesh, and a sweet, tart taste. Pervayers of this small berry, which is grown in the Pacific Northwest up in the Rocky and Cascade Mountains, say they use it in everything from pancakes and waffles to salads and soda.
2. Chow Chow Relish
This midwestern garnish became a staple as farmers tried to preserve the last vestiges of their summer gardens before the long grip of winter. While you can add any vegetable you like, there are two popular options. The first contains only bell peppers, onions, and green tomatoes. The second includes those three ingredients and often adds peas and even cabbage.
3. Nutcrackers
This food has nothing to do with the famous ballet piece. Instead, it's a fruity mixed drink that will quench your thirst on a hot summer day if you trust a stranger to serve you one. Lovers of this summery cocktail say it's popular on beaches, trains, and even the sidewalk if you're brave enough to take a super-boozy sip.
4. Pozole
The dish has its heritage in the Mexican culture, but the flavorful twists are known to New Mexico. Pronounced (poh-soh-leh), this hominy-based soup centers on pork or chicken and hot chiles. Known for its spicy heat, you can moderate the heat based on which chiles you add to your chile sauce.
5. Palisade Peaches
Grown in Palisade, Colorado, these extra juicy, beautiful peaches are known for their sweetness. Long summer days and cool Colorado nights help these small treats on a tree flourish.
6. Pepper Jellies
Known around Alaska, this is not a funny pepper-shaped jellyfish, just in case you were wondering. Instead, it's a fantastic way to use up some of your hot peppers before the crush of winter. Like fruit jellies, these are made from the same sort of fruit pectin, and you can sweeten them to your liking. The beautiful pairing of sweetness and heat in these jellies is perfect to use with many meats, bbq sauces, and even as a garnish on crackers if you prefer.
7. Dutch Crunch
This yeasty sweet bread is made by applying a rice paste over the bread before it bakes. The rice paste then creates a beautiful 'crackle' pattern and provides the 'crunch' to this wonderful bread that I've heard tell is amazing as a sub for your favorite sub-sandwich.
8. Mackinac Island Fudge
Native to a tiny island off the northeastern coast of Michigan, this fudge is smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavor. Trust me when I say you haven't tasted decadence until you pop a piece of this fudge in your mouth.
9. Apple Cider
There is apple cider just about anywhere in the U.S., but there is only one Uncle John's Cider Mill, and that small, family-owned business sits squarely in St. Johns, Michigan. Producing the finest apple cider in the Midwest, this family farm has something for everyone. You haven't lived until you've enjoyed a fresh-out-of-the-fryer donut and a glass of cold (or warm) apple cider.
10. Fry Sauce and Funeral Potatoes
Fry sauce starts with a foundation of mayonnaise and ketchup, but its native Utah roots are where it all began. If you're interested in trying this exciting dipping sauce, you can find many variations on YouTube and tutorials on making funeral potatoes.
This cheesy, starchy dish got its name from the frequency with which people served it at traditional after-funeral dinners. Some might refer to these as potatoes au gratin, but this uses shredded instead of cubed or sliced potatoes.
Source: Reddit.
Which Fast Food Chain Has The Best Burger?
Craving a juicy burger but don't know where to find the best one? Here's a rundown of 10 fast-food chains known for their scrumptious burgers.
Click Here To Find Out Which Fast Food Chain Has The Best Burger?
12 Things Old People Miss the Most
Today we're taking a little trip down memory lane. Here are 12 things that older generations really wish were still around.
Click Here For 12 Things Old People Miss the Most
12 Poverty Meals That Taste Like a Million Bucks
Looking for great taste on a tight budget? These 12 poverty meals bring gourmet flavors to your table without the million-dollar price tag.
Click Here For 12 Poverty Meals That Taste Like a Million Bucks
12 Foods Marketed as Healthy But Are Actually Bad For You
Eating healthy can be confusing with so many products claiming to be good for you. But some foods, though marketed as nutritious, might be deceiving.
Click Here For 12 Foods Marketed as Healthy But Are Actually Bad For You
10 Crazy Food Combos That Are Surprisingly Good
Ever mixed pickles with peanut butter? Or put hot sauce on popcorn? Sounds weird, but guess what? Some odd food combos turn out to be surprisingly tasty.
Click Here For 10 Crazy Food Combos That Are Surprisingly Good