One of my favorite things about traveling is sampling the local food. What food items have you tried during your journeys that you would love to have again? Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza, Southern Fried Chicken or Mississippi Mud Cake? You’ll find those classic regional recipes in Taste of Home Recipes Across America.
Divided into five regions (Northeast, South, Midwest, Southwest, and West), Recipes Across America offers 735 specialties enjoyed by locals using regional produce. You’ll even discover ethnic specialties passed down through generations that became hometown favorites. In addition, hundreds of snapshots of food festivals and landmarks are scattered among the pages. And as a bonus, you’ll also find food folklore, recipe histories and fun food facts.
I’ve always associated visits with my mom’s side of the family with fried scrapple for breakfast. Scrapple resembles a softer breakfast sausage packaged in a rectangular shape, which is sliced and fried in a pan and usually served with some eggs – at least in my family. This mysterious breakfast meat was always difficult for me to find beyond Maryland (where that side of my family is from), making it an extra special treat. But then I discovered a recipe for it in this cookbook allowing me to have it whenever I want! I was impressed by how well it turned out, tasting just like the real thing. Don’t worry mom, no recipe can replace the company of family!
Another special treat was Huli Huli sauce – a Hawaiian sauce that goes well with just about any kind of meat. My dad would purchase this sauce directly from Hawaii and then make Huli Huli burgers, chicken and many other things. Sure enough there was a recipe for this very sauce in this cookbook and it tasted just like the sauce my dad buys (I actually compared them). I definitely need to make sure I share this recipe with him.
I was also happy to see a recipe for buckeyes in the Midwest section. After living in Columbus, OH for 4 years for undergrad I cannot think about the Midwest without those tasty treats. This cookbook did a wonderful job compiling all the regional recipes, as I found all the ones I was looking for. This would make a great gift for the foodie/traveler in your life.
Next, I really want to try out the Cajun Lasagna Roll-Ups (South) and the Hazelnut and Pear Salad (West).
Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary copy from FSB Associates. I was not compensated for this post. All thoughts an opinions are my own.
One year ago: Gingerbread Dip
Two years ago: Apple Butter Chewy Cinnamon M&M Cookies
Three years ago: Gnocchi with Goat Cheese and Spinach
3 comments
Yuuuummmmmmm. Sounds like a great cookbook with a good sampling of recipes from across the US!
I have this book and I love it. I have made a few things since I got it and they have all been tasty. The Guiness cake was a winner in many respects to my family. I will make it again.
I reviewed this one a little while ago – I tried a bunch of recipes out of it. I think my favorite was the Colcannon Potatoes – they have cabbage and bacon in them :) http://www.fantasticalsharing.com/2013/09/fantastical-feature-taste-of-home.html