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North Dakota’s Date of Statehood – November 2nd, 1889 Do you need a hug? Then North Dakota has you covered. This traditional chicken and dumpling soup is like a warm blanket and a kiss on the forehead. It is rich and creamy, with dense, chewy dumplings that your grandmother used to make. Balance that outContinue reading “Trip #39 North Dakota (Midwest) North Dakota Knoephla Soup, Strawberry-Spinach Salad”

Colorado’s Date of Statehood – August 1st, 1876 Amongst the snowcapped peaks in the mile-high city are plates and plates of delicious Colorado cuisine, all smothered in green pork chili! From burgers to burritos this meaty chili garnishes everything. But it is EQUALLY tasty in a bowl by itself! So, in order to pay homageContinue reading “Trip # 38 Colorado (West) Old Fashioned Colorado Green Chili, Ranch Biscuits”

Nebraska’s Date of Statehood – March 1st, 1867 This meal celebrates what makes Nebraska great! There are steaks from the vast ranch land, corn from the fertile farms, and a truly delicious wild rice salad from the first nations of this country. With all 3 you get the sense of the warmth and splendor thatContinue reading “Trip #37 Nebraska (Midwest) Whiskey Barbeque Marinated Top Sirloin, Minted Wild Rice and Barley Salad, Nebraska Corn Casserole”

Nevada’s Date of Statehood – October 31st, 1864 When I think if Nevada, I think of Las Vegas. When I think of Las Vegas, I think of casinos, show girls, and buffets. And that is not very helpful when you are trying to nail down a state’s culinary signature. Sure, Las Vegas is famous forContinue reading “Trip #36 Nevada (West) Basque Garbanzo and Sausage Soup, Basque Tomato Salad, Las Vegas Shrimp Cocktail”

West Virginia’s Date of Statehood – JUNE 20th, 1863 Country roads, take me homeTo the place I belongWest Virginia, mountain mamaTake me home, country roads! Admit it, you almost starting singing! To celebrate this state’s cuisine, we’ll take a trip to the rolling greens and deep coal mines that make up this beautiful state. TheContinue reading “Trip #35 West Virginia (Southeast) Pepperoni Roll, Berry Salad with Shallot-Basil Vinaigrette”

Kansas’s Date of Statehood – January 29th, 1861 There’s no place like home! And nothing feels homier that a bowl of homemade chicken soup and a grown-up hot pocket! Click your ruby slippers together and you’ll be whisked away to some seriously delicious heartland cuisine. When you look up food from Kansas, one word popsContinue reading “Trip #34 Kansas (Midwest) Traditional Bierocks, Chicken and Barley Soup”

Oregon’s Date of Statehood – February 14th, 1859 When I was kid in elementary school, my FAVORITE days were computer lab days! We got to play computer games like Math Invaders, Where in the World is Carmen San Diego, and (my favorite) OREGON TRAIL! You got to set out across the country with a coveredContinue reading “Trip # 33 Oregon (West) Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs, Marinated Mushroom and Hazelnut Salad”

“What is todays’ state meal?” my honey asked one day. “Minnesota! Its something called Hotdish…” But before I could explain he says: “Oh, I know all about Hotdish! That’s what you take to your neighbors! At least, that is what they always took to their neighbors in The Prairie Home Companion.” And sure enough, weContinue reading “Trip #32 Minnesota (Midwest) Classic Minnesota Hotdish, Blueberry and Walnut Salad with Lime-Honey Vinaigrette”

California’s Date of Statehood – September 9th, 1850 I have many friends and co-workers that are either from California or currently live there. When I asked “what do YOU think of as typically Californian food” they ALL said fish tacos. This was music to my ears, as I am ALWAYS in the mood for tacos!Continue reading “Trip # 31 California (West) California Fish Tacos, Classic Guacamole, California-Style Spanish Rice”

Wisconsin’s Date of Statehood – May 29th, 1848 It isn’t often that you think of tailgating when you are enjoying a hot bowl of soup. But when you pair it with beer braised brats and a cold evening, nothing says “game on” quite like Wisconsin! This soup was smooth, rich, and delicious (particularly if youContinue reading “Trip #30 Wisconsin (Midwest) Wisconsin Beer Brats, Beer Cheese Soup”