Regional Recipes: America

This month's edition of Regional Recipes brings us to the United States of America.

Throughout its history, America has been a land of opportunity, a magnet for immigrants all over the world, to start anew and make good.

Is it also a land of culinary opportunity for this month's Regional Recipe participants? Let's start anew and make something delicious.


Pam, from Sidewalk Shoes (Tennessee, USA)
Feta Cheese Burger
http://sidewalkshoes.blogspot.com/2009/04/feta-cheese-burger.html
I'm not sure if we are to get away from the America-hamburger association. But, this is a delicious burger indeed. A whopping half-pound patty? Feta cheese? Bring it on!


Wandering Chopsticks (California, USA)
Beef and Broccoli Stir-fry
http://wanderingchopsticks.blogspot.com/2009/03/chinese-beef-broccoli-stir-fry.html
You'll see Beef and Broccoli on most every Chinese restaurant menu in America, but surprise, surprise, the dish isn't actually Chinese! It's a American invention, and quite often, served on a bed of steaming rice, it hits the spot (certainly li'l sis' hunger spot) after a hard day at work (or school).


Ning, from Heart and Hearth (Manila, Philippines)
Easy Peasy Apple Crumble
http://heartandhearth.blogspot.com/2009/03/easy-peasy-apple-crumble.html
In her part of the world, Ning says they easily associate apples with America. Apples are certainly invoked in America's mythos: we've all heard of the phrase "as American as apple pie." Ning does not have a pie here, but an easy peasy apple crumble that's just as delicious.


Joanne, from Eats Well With Others (Boston, MA)
BBQ Turkey Burger with Texas Home Fries
http://joanne-eatswellwithothers.blogspot.com/2009/04/americana.html
This continent's native bird is the turkey and Joanne creates the most American application for it, a burger loaded with the flavours of American barbecue. Yummy! Of course, it has to be served with some fries, Texas home fries.


Susan, from Open Mouth, Insert Fork (California, USA)
Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
http://openmouthinsertfork.blogspot.com/2009/04/going-hog-wild-over-biscuits-and.html
A Southern classic. Susan's version has buttery biscuits with a now-famous sausage gravy. ;) This is a dish we have yet to try (making or eating), but we will have to now.


Mary, from One Perfect Bite (Pacific Northwest, USA)
New England Clam Chowder for Harried, Landlocked Cooks
http://oneperfectbite.blogspot.com/2009/04/new-england-clam-chowder-for-harried.html
This must be the best name of a dish in this edition. =) It is exactly as the name says: this is a clam chowder recipe for people who don't have ready access to seafood, using canned clams. It's ready in no time at all.


Christine, from Kits Chow (Vancouver, BC, Canada)
BLT & BLAT
http://kitschow.blogspot.com/2009/04/284-blt-blat-recipes.html
Christine has fond memories of BLT sandwiches, feeling sophisticated and decidedly American as a teenager munching on these sandwiches. Nowadays, she adds a bit of California glamour to the usual BLT by adding creamy avocadoes.


Darlene, from Blazing Hot Wok (Portland, Oregon, USA)
Bison Burger
http://www.blazinghotwok.com/2009/04/real-american-food.html
Another burger! But, this one is made with "America's original red meat": bison. Bison is leaner and healthier than beef, and in most cases, more humanely raised than the standard feedlot cattle. Is it just as delicious? You bet it is. Bring this one on too!


Finally, our entries.

Canadian Onion Soup with Oka Cheese
http://www.eatingclubvancouver.com/2009/04/canadian-onion-soup-with-oka-cheese.html
Muffuletta
http://www.eatingclubvancouver.com/2009/04/muffuletta.html

We first did a Canadian version of onion soup, using turkey stock and Oka cheese, figuring to pair it with America's great sandwiches (or burgers). However, serendipitously spying a recipe for muffuletta left on a messy table led to a craving of said sandwich -- and what we thought to be a more appropriate entry! The muffuletta is a genuinely American creation, invented by a Sicilian immigrant in New Orleans.

Thank you to all who entered!

It seems like we did not stray much from the conception that American food is all about burgers, hotdogs, and sandwiches. Are these really what most Americans eat on most days?

And hey -- sandwiches? Burgers? Is that really what Americans eat? How about muffins? Cupcakes? Mac n cheese? Casseroles of any sort?

What are other American foods?

We move on, though, to the next region of Regional Recipes. We choose...

[drumroll]

TURKEY!

We can't wait to see the entries for this one!

Regional Recipes, a blogging event created by Blazing Hot Wok that celebrates food from all over the world.

Regional Recipes information