Cook the Book: 'Dishing Up Vermont'
I'm not sure most people can recall the state bird of Georgia but if you ask them what fruit is commonly associated with the state, "peach" should come out pretty fast. All states have strong ties with specific foods.
Maine has lobsters, Idaho claims spuds, Wisconsin is known for cheese. Some states are more blessed than others when it comes to sheer depth of local bounty. Vermont is one of those lucky states. Wonderful maple syrup is just a tiny fraction of what Vermont has to offer.
Vermont has been a pioneer in the local eating movement, especially with the formation of the Vermont Fresh Network back in the early 1990s. The goal of VFN was to bring farmers and chefs together, sans the middleman. In typical New England fashion, VFN operates on a series of "handshake agreements." In order for a restaurant to participate it must agree to work with at least three farms. The chefs have to visit the farms every once in a while to see where their food is coming from, and similarly, farmers have to deliver goods directly to the restaurants. This back-and-forth is a wonderful way to make sure everyone is involved in the process, literally from farm to table.
Over the years the network has expanded throughout the entire state. When dining in Vermont you can be sure that the majority of your meal is locally and sustainably produced (if the restaurant is a VFN member). No wonder Vermont has some pretty incredible food.
Tracey Medeiros has put together recipes from VFN farmers and restaurants in her new book, Dishing Up Vermont. Every recipe in Dishing Up Vermont is annotated with great anecdotes from the considerable time Medeiros spent getting to know the farmers, artisans, chefs, and inn owners featured in the book.
The recipes in Dishing Up Vermont aren't complicated because they don't have to be. Instead the success relies on getting the best ingredients. No need to fret if a shopping trip to Vermont isn't feasible—top quality produce from your local farmers' market will do just fine.
Win 'Dishing Up Vermont'
Everyday this week we will be sharing a recipe from Dishing Up Vermont with you. We'll be featuring some great end of summer dishes, Black Trumpets and Sweet Corn in Tarragon Cream Sauce and Grafton Squash Casserole as well as a few classics with an added Vermont accent, such as Maple Crème Caramel and a Vermont Croque Monsieur
Thanks to the good folks over at Storey Publishing, we are giving away five (5) copies of Dishing Up Vermont this week. All you have to do is what's great to eat from your state in the comments section below.
Five (5) people will be chosen at random among the eligible comments below. We're sorry, but entry is only open to residents of the U.S. and Canada. Comments will close Monday, September 14 at noon ET. The standard Serious Eats contest rules apply.
Comments are closed: 277 Comments:
Texas -- Even though the name of the state is represented in "Tex-Mex," my preference is chili or BBQ, and by BBQ, I mean slow-smoked brisket.
Oh, and pecan pie.
shuffer at 1:34PM on 09/08/09
New York: Bagels!
And just about everything else, of course.
Carioca at 1:38PM on 09/08/09
New york pizza! And bagels
cb1414 at 1:38PM on 09/08/09
Missouri barbecue, and to paraphrase @shuffer, by barbecue I mean pork, either shoulder or ribs, with sauce.
Mizbee at 1:39PM on 09/08/09
Iowa - corn, obviously. But pork as well - we are THE state for breaded pork tenderloins bigger than your head, and the burgeoning wastelines to prove it. Go Hawkeyes! Beat Iowa State!
Rhetor at 1:42PM on 09/08/09
Pennsylvania ~ ice cream (Bassetts and PSU Creamery); all kinds of veggies; scrapple; my FM's Amish double-smoked, center cut bacon; good Italian hoagies and cheesesteaks; soft pretzels (with mustard); raw milk ~ and lots more, that I just can't think of now.
duncan1205 at 1:42PM on 09/08/09
I'll go with my home state of Idaho, and rather than the predictable potatoes, I claim huckleberries as the greatest thing to eat. And they're better than the ones in Oregon. Fresh huckleberry pie is one of life's greatest pleasures.
cyberroo at 1:44PM on 09/08/09
PA dutch goodies! cheesesteaks!
_greenbean at 1:44PM on 09/08/09
Chicago style pizza!
laur_uic at 1:45PM on 09/08/09
I love love love a good maple-smoked ham with melted swiss on a good rye bread....go VM maple! Canada needs some healthy-competition
hungrychristel at 1:53PM on 09/08/09
Pennsylvania - It's a no-brainer: Cheesesteaks!
foodieteen at 1:55PM on 09/08/09
Tennessee: Hot chicken, BBQ, biscuits and gravy, country ham, pretty much everything Southern...
Vanderbecca at 2:02PM on 09/08/09
Definitely any kind of salad made with fresh ingredients...there is always something wonderful at the Farmers' Market year round.
amaLosAngeles at 2:02PM on 09/08/09
Well, I just moved to Vermont from New York City, so I am still discovering the wonders of the state! So far it's been Harpoon and Long Trail beer, Cabot cheese, and heirloom tomatoes from the farmers market!
kll205 at 2:05PM on 09/08/09
Which state do I choose from? I'm from PA but now live in NC. How about Cheesesteaks (cause hey, they really are the best in PA) and BBQ?
arm1970 at 2:06PM on 09/08/09
NY state's southerntier (Endicott) has "speidies"- essentially kebabs, but with heavenly marinade- get it from Lupo's!
bruisedbuddha at 2:07PM on 09/08/09
OREGON...we aint got nothing good to eat here, thats why I NEED to win this book.
missalrac at 2:08PM on 09/08/09
Maine - lobster is obvious. I also love the blueberry jam from Stonewall Kitchens, in my hometown.
http://www.stonewallkitchen.com/prdsell.aspx?L0=SpecialtyFoods&L1=Jams&L2=WildMaineBlueberryJam
Chowdahead at 2:10PM on 09/08/09
New Jersey- Pork Roll and Egg on Kaiser Roll
npfldmom at 2:11PM on 09/08/09
OHIO! We do love our chocolate covered buckeyes!
dixiesong3131 at 2:14PM on 09/08/09
Can't beat Jersey for tomatoes and sweet corn.
mhgatti at 2:17PM on 09/08/09
Wild Maine blueberries!
skokefoe at 2:17PM on 09/08/09
That's an easy one - I live in California - home of some of the best produce markets around - and open year round!
Bria at 2:17PM on 09/08/09
NY - Pizza! And Bagels!!!!
tkln at 2:20PM on 09/08/09
Ohio- Jeni's Ice cream- Signature flavor is Salty Caramel and Cheryl's cookies (frosted Cut outs) and Krema Nuts!
Nemis at 2:23PM on 09/08/09
Black and white cookies!
cochon at 2:24PM on 09/08/09
Okay, not a state but Vancouver, BC? We love us some sushi.
bigfatmouth at 2:25PM on 09/08/09
Alabama - We've got good stuff like chicken & dumplings, and anything my grandma makes. Beans & cornbread are good too!
amytug77 at 2:27PM on 09/08/09
Ohio has quite the cornucopia of great food! My favorites include Jeni's Ice Cream, Kinkead Ridge Wines, various artisan and Amish cheeses, Amish bacon, Pattycake Bakery's vegan cookies, Paw Paw jelly, and the great fresh produce at the farmer's markets.
CheeseRks at 2:29PM on 09/08/09
what isn't good from New York? if i had to pick one thing, hudson valley foie gras.
and boy do i want this book. i love vermont, spent many summers there as a kid, and go skiiing every year at Jay Peak. My girlfriend and I are also planning to spend a week on the long trail at some point in the next two years. It's one of the most beautiful states in the union, with some outstanding local food (including the amazing grafton cheddar), and holds a very dear place in my heart.
mr guy at 2:32PM on 09/08/09
California's eponymous "California Roll."
Mike13241 at 2:33PM on 09/08/09
NYC - Gruppo Pizza. Best.
San Diego - Fish Tacos at OB Bar and Grill.
oneperfectegg at 2:36PM on 09/08/09
smithfield ham!
crackerfan at 2:39PM on 09/08/09
NY: lots of cabbage is grown in NY! Besides the round green ubiquitous cabbage for freshmarket and processing, there's Chinese cabbage, savoy cabbage, red cabbage, and my hands down favorite, pointed head cabbage. Ask for it at your local farm market - it's AWESOME! tender leaves, sweet taste, much closer to lettuce, but with the great holding capabilities and nutritious benefits of cabbage.
Also love NY apples and fruit grown in the lake ontario region....it's a wonderful place to eat fresh and healthy!
elainesinniger at 2:39PM on 09/08/09
Illinois (Chicago) - Mexican food! (and corn)
DJ Dedd at 2:40PM on 09/08/09
In Oklahoma it has to be Chicken Fried Steak and fried Okra, with a side of Ranch.
andysophiemom at 2:41PM on 09/08/09
New York: Pizza, of course. I can eat and enjoy a pie from other states, but nothing comes close.
Vermont: I left my heart (or stomach, rather) in the Green Mountains. Cabot is great, sure, but I will always have a fondness for the raw goat milk tomme from Twig Farm. Mmmmm.
RuffledGrouse at 2:48PM on 09/08/09
Rhode Island - quahogs and clamcakes (savory, clam flavored doughnuts - it's brilliant!)
ephraim at 2:49PM on 09/08/09
Maryland - Blue Crabs, obviously, in any form. Soft shelled, sandwiches, crab salad, crab cakes....
JoanieLSpeak at 2:49PM on 09/08/09
In Massachusetts it is hard to beat a large plate of fried Ipswich clams with hand-cut french fries, coleslaw and a bit of homemade tartar sauce for dipping.
danwalk at 2:52PM on 09/08/09
I've lived in such delightful places.
Boston - Nothing beats a good lobster.
New Jersey - When fresh, a good NJ tomato is unbelievable.
Michigan - Coney hot dogs.
Alaska - Fresh caught wild salmon.
England - Indian food.
OK, so that last one was a stretch.
shoneyjoe at 2:52PM on 09/08/09
New Jersey: Corn and blueberries!
GossipGirl at 2:53PM on 09/08/09
Illinois: Deep dish pizza
rffoodie at 2:54PM on 09/08/09
Here in DC, I'm not sure we grow anything as iconic as the Georgia p. Instead, I'm going to go with DC's two official unofficial foods- the half smoke and the Senate bean soup.
In North Carolina, where I'm originally from, it is obviously and without a doubt BBQ- pork please, and none of that weird ketchup-y sauce. And some slaw on the side.
negociants at 2:56PM on 09/08/09
Massachusetts: Lobster, clams, corn, cranberries, pumpkins - I could go on and on!
Junie at 2:59PM on 09/08/09
What isn't great to eat from California? =) I guess I'll narrow it down to Santa Maria tri-tip. More specifically, the tri tip sandwiches from Firestone in SLO.
threedogkitchen at 2:59PM on 09/08/09
From MA: I've gotta go with Apples, especially Honey Crisps.
kdjmom3 at 3:04PM on 09/08/09
I love this book!! I grew up in Vermont, and my dad still lives there. I got it for him for Christmas one year, and he says its his favorite cookbook.
When we lived there we had apple trees, maple trees, (we made syrup) and a huge garden. I miss it so much.
delilah at 3:11PM on 09/08/09
Hot dogs. natural casing, and chicago style only need apply.
jonkeane at 3:18PM on 09/08/09
From Southeastern Connecticut- fresh locally caught seafood. Specifically the flounder, scallops, and stripped bass are amazing!
lockitup87 at 3:23PM on 09/08/09
Georgia pecan or peach pies!!!
juliebugsmama at 3:25PM on 09/08/09
Vermont - Maybe the best dish is the growing pride so many people are taking in Vermont Fresh Network and the commitment to artisinal cheeses and new ways to sustain farms. I'm so pleased there's a growing market and sources for humanely raised meats. There's a nascent wheat movement, and organic beer from Vermont-grown wheat (Wolaver's). Even as recently as 20 years ago our food fame would only have been dairy products and maple syrup, and now excellence and the sharing of information and expertise has expanded that in so many ways.
If I were to move away the thing I'd miss most is Northern Spy apples in the fall (most everything else I could get shipped!). They're spicy and to my taste the best apple for pies.
lemonfair at 3:33PM on 09/08/09
New York. Apparently we have a lot of something called pizza. Some good apples too. Add wings and pretty much the whole state is covered.
sloppy at 3:34PM on 09/08/09
Beef.
tankwatkins at 3:48PM on 09/08/09
apples, corn, asparagus, western mass does produce very very well.
rosasharne at 3:48PM on 09/08/09
Cincinnati chili, Montgomery Inn ribs, and Jeni's Ice Cream--which uses goodies from all over Ohio to make her flavors, are some favorite Ohio eats.
bobcatsteph3 at 3:52PM on 09/08/09
Well, for "I wish it were a real state" DC, I'm going to have to go with the half-smoke.
rbear at 3:54PM on 09/08/09
As a Seattleite who's relocated to New York City, I claim Washington. Apples and salmon from the Evergreen state are particularly lovely.
SEAtoNYC at 3:54PM on 09/08/09
from North End of Boston: Cannolis, lobster, clams
BaguettenBrie at 4:00PM on 09/08/09
Southern New Hampshire: lobsters, Lollipop Tree Pepper Jelly, maple syrup. other delicious northeastern goodies.
veggieout at 4:02PM on 09/08/09
upstate new york has amazing apples, cheese, maple syrup, and half moon cookies (which are more delicious than black and whites)
allot at 4:29PM on 09/08/09
NY state apples and cheeses, can't be beat!
dmcavanagh at 4:34PM on 09/08/09
Oregon -- fantastic wines, salmon, marionberries, and cheese
fanghsing at 4:42PM on 09/08/09
MD-Most people would say blue crabs, but my vote is for Utz Crab Chips and Berger Cookies.
snackpig at 4:43PM on 09/08/09
Everything, I'm in Northern California. Right now plums, nectarines, grapes, melons, tomatoes, peppers and more and more.
karen r at 4:57PM on 09/08/09
Minnesota--wild rice, hot dish, Jucy Lucys, lefse, Pearson's salted nut rolls. Some people would say lutefisk; I am not one of those people.
drew13000 at 5:06PM on 09/08/09
Virginia ham, peanuts, apples and wine! :)
Josh Baugher at 5:06PM on 09/08/09
I'm in Washington state. Our best homegrown eats are definitely apples and salmon!
HSlater351 at 5:10PM on 09/08/09
In Missouri BBQ is good, but you can't beat the fresh (and huge) watermelons that come from the southeastern part of the state. Late summer goodness!
anniesan at 5:20PM on 09/08/09
Blue crabs with old bay and apple cider vinegar, courtesy of my home state of Maryland.
But my adopted home of upstate New York has given me a love of cider donuts. Soooo good.
coffeeandclouds at 5:36PM on 09/08/09
Florida has delicious oranges ;) And lots of summer produce, like tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, etc.
Paul S at 5:37PM on 09/08/09
Vermont: maple creme cookies, although apple pie with a cheddar cheese crust is also one of my favorites.
hoipolloi at 5:42PM on 09/08/09
Washington. Famous for salmon, dungeness crab, apples, and coffee. Forget those, blueberries are what's happening. And they are free. Classified as a weed they grow everywhere. I've made blueberry salsa, cobbler, lemonade, ice cream, etc. If you like blackberries this is the place for you. If you don't, your screwed.
jmann69 at 5:51PM on 09/08/09
IL: Hot Dogs!
beano at 6:09PM on 09/08/09
Florida......famous for our oranges and local seafood,but the best food in
florida comes straight off my grill !
onepercent99 at 6:10PM on 09/08/09
Connecticut! ...... Um.... uhhhh...... New York bagels? I hear there's good shellfish, but I don't eat it.
Stufsocker at 6:12PM on 09/08/09
I'm from New York state, and I love any NY fruit, especially if I get to pick it myself. Fruits that are particularly good in upstate NY: blackcaps (black raspberries), grapes, apples, and cherries.
she likes pie at 6:13PM on 09/08/09
For New York:
If you're in the city - ethnic food from anywhere and everywhere. Name a country and there's probably a decent ex-pat population in one of the boroughs.
If you're upstate - um... beer....and...buffalo wings? Honestly I've never been upstate.
Aynsl156 at 6:22PM on 09/08/09
Michigan cherries !!!
slowdownandeat at 6:23PM on 09/08/09
just left vermont and back toMissouri...so currently... BBQ.
Alm25 at 6:30PM on 09/08/09
From Wisconsin? Cheese! It's true, it's really true. We make lots and lots of mediocre cheese, it's true, but there are many cheesemakers that are committed to producing high-quality products.
And for extra credit, my favorite cheese factory is Cedar Grove, in Plain. I'm sure there are many other great producers in the state, but Cedar Grove's cheese is fabulous.
Barbd at 6:31PM on 09/08/09
California: fresh fruits and vegetable are everywhere, so any of those!
MeganCochran at 6:31PM on 09/08/09
I'm a sixth-generation Vermonter (maple syrup in my veins, not blood), and now that I'm living in DC I miss fall gold raspberries off the vine, summer squash and zucchini from the farmer's market across town, and fresh (was mooing yesterday) steak from Boyden Valley Winery.
katieem at 6:35PM on 09/08/09
I'm from Ohio and I love the buckeye candies we make with a sweet peanut butter filling, dipped in chocolate. YUM!
cupcakemuffin at 6:38PM on 09/08/09
Arkansas - our state fruit AND vegetable is a pink tomato.. pretty sure that says it all
graciecat at 7:04PM on 09/08/09
Toronto - not quite from here but from nearby Quebec - poutine!
PoignantTuna at 7:09PM on 09/08/09
VT: rhubarb pie with maple syrup
(just rhubarb, no strawberry!)
elsac at 7:22PM on 09/08/09
MA -- I love digging clams and cooking them into stuffies, or clam shells stuffed with clam meat, breadcrumbs, veggies and bacon.
MrMonk at 7:24PM on 09/08/09
One of the things I love most about California is the huge selection of produce. Dungeness crab season is great too!
GrimChef at 7:28PM on 09/08/09
California: Avocados!
malah at 7:40PM on 09/08/09
PA -- pretzels, cheesesteaks, corn, whoopie pies, shoo-fly pie
MadameTart at 7:43PM on 09/08/09
Michigan-Cornish pasties & fudge in the UP, fried lake perch, potatoes from the thumb, tart cherries, apples in September, asparagus, navy beans......to name a few.
sw8t at 7:47PM on 09/08/09
MD -> Crabs!!
ekenyon at 7:52PM on 09/08/09
Ohio...corn, wheat, and soy...oh wait..that's what we grow. ;-) Buckeyes all the way!
RJ Foodie at 8:36PM on 09/08/09
From a food standpoint, the best part of living in Vermont is the cheese.
Maple syrup has been so abundant my whole life, I never realized that it was a special thing until a boyfriend served me aunt jemima. I was like, "really? people actually eat this stuff?"
eeels at 8:53PM on 09/08/09
florida- key lime pie
ssultan23 at 9:09PM on 09/08/09
IL (homestate) = corn, and Portillo's Italian beef sandwiches
CA (current state) = fish tacos, avocados
madball911 at 9:41PM on 09/08/09
as a vermonter myself i must give credit where credit is due to the two industries which seem to come to mind when people think of vt: maple syrup and milk. if you can, find someone who has a sugar-shack and befriend them fast and beg for all the grade b syrup you can - that puny runny grade a crap just will not do. and as far as the milk goes there are more family run dairies in this state than there are words in this post. if you can manage to put the two together say in a maple creemee (our word for softserve ice cream) or as the primo topping for the best sundae of your life, well even better. (personally i like a good maple milkshake myself i recommend you all give that one a spin!)
younggunfoodie at 9:42PM on 09/08/09
the piedmont, North Carolina - wild mushrooms, wild plants, wild game, year round farmers markets, wonderful local breweries. Honestly its like a warmer Vermont (sadly. no maple syrup tho). Grass fed, pastured chickens, lambs, goats, pigs, cows, every vegetable you could want...What can't you get here?
This was a great year for chanterelles, even found some black trumpets. Hope for rain this fall!
christopher at 9:45PM on 09/08/09
New York: Pizza (surprise)! We've also got damn good apples.
puddleduck at 9:48PM on 09/08/09
New York--bagels of course! And pastrami and corned beef! We grow the best!
jinx35 at 9:49PM on 09/08/09
New York: Pizza, Bagels, Buffalo Wings
zach41 at 9:56PM on 09/08/09
Wisconsin: cheese (of course), beer (of course), veal, sausages of every make and model from chorizo to bratwurst to salumi.
Nezrite at 9:59PM on 09/08/09
Oregon: salmon, crab, hazelnuts, marion berries, wine!
oregonpinot at 10:09PM on 09/08/09
North Carolina - Brunswick County Oysters or Shrimp
toptoad at 10:26PM on 09/08/09
South Dakota here! When prepared correctly, our state bird (pheasant) can be pretty tasty.
thehostess at 10:33PM on 09/08/09
Pennsylvania: Shoo-Fly Pie. molasses - an acquired taste. :)
briteyellowness at 10:38PM on 09/08/09
Texas: I must say ribs and Texas sheet cake
lamac at 11:01PM on 09/08/09
New York: apples = apple pie, apple crisp, applesauce, apple cider, hard cider, caramel apples, etc.
andrearode at 11:30PM on 09/08/09
I'm reverting to my home state (MI)...pasties!
brookes at 11:39PM on 09/08/09
California strawberries from a farm stand
pourgirl at 11:42PM on 09/08/09
In Oregon a good winter caught steelhead.
Michael Z at 11:49PM on 09/08/09
Alabama - Watermelon! You should see all of the people selling them from the back of their trucks on the side of the road.
hhicks at 11:52PM on 09/08/09
New York state apples!
Catie at 12:20AM on 09/09/09
Washington-- Of course we have to mention all species of salmon; topped by the blackmouth or king, geoduck clams as big as your arm, Quilcene oysters that slide ever so easily down your throat as you sip on one of the state's fine wines. Real seafood lovers dream about cracking apart a Dungeness crab to get at its sweet meat. Even our Washington grown chickens are plumper and sans the yellow-orange flesh that belies artificial feed and questionable supplements. Any and all of these delicacies are well accompanied by sauteed Walla Walla sweet onions and a hearty bread made with cracked Paloose wheat grains. You can't leave the table, which has been adorned by daffodils from the Puyallup Valley or tulips from the Skagit Flats, without rounding out your meal with a freshly brewed Starbuck's coffee and a piece of cobbler made with Wenatchee apples or wild mountain huckleberries. There is no place like home..!
czken at 1:00AM on 09/09/09
virginia--ham, obviously, but other pig products too.
grace24 at 5:02AM on 09/09/09
From my home state massachusetts, I have to go with with New England Clam Chowder. There is absolutely nothing like it on a cold winter day!
joyfulleah at 6:20AM on 09/09/09
Oregon has the best Salmon and so many wild mushrooms. Morels, chantrelles, wild huckleberries, blackberries. Love Tillamook cheese and the local wines.
GranFan at 8:35AM on 09/09/09
I think the combination of "best" and "most local" means the strawberry farm a few miles up the road. I'll never buy a supermarket strawberry again.
sidebernie at 8:37AM on 09/09/09
Ontario - The greatest variety and best tasting apples. Maple syrup as good as Vermont!
fshin at 8:39AM on 09/09/09
New Jersey--amazing tomatoes, gorgeous corn, great blueberries! And if I can divert a little into "prepared foods," we have The Bent Spoon, which makes the most mind-blowing gelato/ice cream/sorbet.
mjohnson105 at 8:43AM on 09/09/09
NEW YORK PIZZA!
TOMFARL at 8:44AM on 09/09/09
After moving from Texas, I realize more and more how much I love the comforting food of my home state. Some of it is just good ol' Southern food and some of it is unique to Texas. I love it all! Chicken fried steak, my grandfather's smoked brisket, fried catfish, my mother's cornbread, grits or migas or biscuits and gravy on Saturday morning, a big plate of Tex Mex, fried okra from our garden, black eyed and purple hull peas, Pecos cantaloupe, etc.
In California, I loved the fresh produce and fish tacos. In Massachusetts I love the fresh seafood and the incredible homemade pastas at Italian restaurants.
misplacedtexan at 8:49AM on 09/09/09
Massachusetts: cranberries!! cranberry pancakes, scones, muffins, bread, sauce, chutney, you name it.
lmasulis at 9:40AM on 09/09/09
New York -- clearly pizza, but my first thought was hot dogs. And bagels.
kfarrel3 at 10:57AM on 09/09/09
Minnesota: great cheese, produce, meat; very nice array of SE Asian food; only restaurant with its own sake brewery outside of Japan; spectacular Mexican food.
thatgrrl at 11:14AM on 09/09/09
I have to say there is no place like NEW YORK (Manhattan/Chinatown) for Chinese food!! hands down!!!
Codaru at 11:31AM on 09/09/09
New Hampshire in Spring: Strawberry-rhubarb crisp with Walpole Creamery Sweet Cream ice cream.
New Hampshire in Summer: Quiche made from farm fresh eggs, local cheese (any kind!) and meat with a side garden salad.
New Hampshire in Fall: Corn Chowder with lobster.
New Hampshire in Winter: If we are lucky, venison Chili. Otherwise, smoked sausages and the Russian Imperial Stout from Harpoon Brewery.
kosslady at 11:33AM on 09/09/09
NY! Pizza, Hot Dogs, Egg Creams, basically... everything
llama at 11:35AM on 09/09/09
Massachusetts: From the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed nothing beats an apple eaten outside on a crisp fall day.
zenright at 11:44AM on 09/09/09
CT: Shady Glen burger! Gotta love that fried cheese.
cam00023 at 11:48AM on 09/09/09
Holla at Maryland- steamed crabs with old bay and fresh sweet local corn.
jammin83 at 11:49AM on 09/09/09
mmm, New York apples and berries. And wine and beer!
Enmalkm at 12:10PM on 09/09/09
I'm from VT and I love so much of the food! Cheese, apples and maple syrup are excellent. Gravy fries are also a local favorite!
foodiebeth at 12:50PM on 09/09/09
NJ: Great pizza. And the ice cream at The Bent Spoon, as mentionned above, is fantastic. A great Ethiopian restaurant in Montclair.
shallot at 12:51PM on 09/09/09
new jersey truly is the garden state! we love our tomatoes, berries, blueberries, corn, apples and many other farm and orchard blessings.
momtimestwo at 12:53PM on 09/09/09
Born & raised in VT, now living in Missouri: I'd agree with previous poster on BBQ (dry smoked, sauce on the side), but also pecans (take that Georgia!) and biscuits and gravy.
kate01 at 1:07PM on 09/09/09
It is not a state but in Quebec, my province, the ultimate food is foie gras hands down!
blondee47 at 1:11PM on 09/09/09
Oregon: berries ’n' beer.
kh503 at 1:34PM on 09/09/09
North Dakota makes a mean Bison Burger!
wheatfoot at 1:38PM on 09/09/09
NY: apples. wine! theres everything here.
engmcmuffin at 1:40PM on 09/09/09
Colorado: Peaches, Chiles, Microbrews!!
reubensandperrier at 1:48PM on 09/09/09
cdziuba@aol.com Jersey Tomatoes.
cdziuba at 1:54PM on 09/09/09
Colorado: I just had some Palisade peaches- Amazing! Also Haystack Mountain makes some mean goat cheese. Who could forget, Colorado microbrews?
bisbee at 1:54PM on 09/09/09
fresh Minnesota Walleye - fried, baked or broiled
starsmom at 2:01PM on 09/09/09
Jersey - Tomatoes!
ceforrester at 2:08PM on 09/09/09
Grits! And probably peaches, though they aren't my personal favorite... Georgia also has some excellent cheeses, like Vermont!
posephus at 2:09PM on 09/09/09
Wisconsin: Brats boiled in beer and then grilled. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
sshoys at 2:16PM on 09/09/09
from the state i love (and recently left), texas: bbq. cheers!
merlot at 2:23PM on 09/09/09
Brooklyn. Yes, pizza.
Brettsy at 2:25PM on 09/09/09
I think MA can give VT a run for its money in the maple syrup business.
dancingwolfgrrl at 2:42PM on 09/09/09
I wrote above that I love the chili & brisket BBQ here in Texas, but I'm originally from Illinois, and when it's BBQ in Illinois, it's pork. Hands down! And I prefer it to brisket! Can't leave out the pan pizza from the Land of Lincoln. I've never met a pizza I didn't love, but my preference -- having grown up in Chicago -- is pan.
shuffer at 2:45PM on 09/09/09
Lived in a lot of states, VT being one of them. So, best VT food? Cabot cheese (private stock of course), maple syrup, artisan breads. Can I say Simon Pearce glassware for serving all the yummy food?
katal1 at 2:49PM on 09/09/09
Kansas: Farm-raised beef. Once you've eaten it, you realize how lousy the stuff from the store is.
shellym4440 at 3:13PM on 09/09/09
Florida is known for it's oranges and for Key Lime Pie.
cherierj at 3:15PM on 09/09/09
Michigan cherries! Fresh from the farm, they are unlike any store-bought cherries you've had.
solidgoldmacher at 3:41PM on 09/09/09
MA: Clam chowder!
Carly705 at 3:45PM on 09/09/09
Washington: dungeness crabs, apples, and my favorite of all CHERRIES!
foodchemistry at 3:47PM on 09/09/09
Wisconsin: definitely bratwurst. Pork; not the pale, smooth veal kind.
skizziks at 3:59PM on 09/09/09
Florida:
kumquats right from the tree outside my cottage. Only once a year
sghamari at 4:41PM on 09/09/09
Missouri has made its mark in wine! Augusta, MO, was America's first designated wine district with the Augusta Appellation founded in 1980. Napa was second in 1983. My favorite winery was established in 1859. One may argue that wine is not food but food without wine is just plain sad.
socialkim at 4:45PM on 09/09/09
Maryland! Blue crabs, silver queen corn, and OMG old bay. I refuse to eat crab cakes anywhere else other than Lexington Market in Baltimore (which sadly limits my crab cake consumption).
puotinen at 4:50PM on 09/09/09
@snackpig - how could i forget berger cookies!??! of course.
puotinen at 4:51PM on 09/09/09
You can find the best fried green tomatoes, stoneground grits (from Callaway plantation) and peaches in my home state of Georgia. Basically, if you're in the state you must hit one of the Southern buffet restaurants: Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle, Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House in Savannah and Pittypat's Porch in Atlanta. Great Southern veggies and oh so delicious fried foods and carb-loaders like mac and cheese.
KarinCooks at 5:05PM on 09/09/09
New Mexico-green chilies
TNFarmer at 5:13PM on 09/09/09
Right now we have fresh black eyed peas and okra in Texas. I made a tasty black eyed pea puree over the weekend and have been using okra in various dishes.
lisal at 5:34PM on 09/09/09
There is much too much to mention from California, but looking at the photo, I'll say that Humboldt Fog, Cowgirl Creamery and Redwood Hill cheeses are my favorites. This does not include all the produce.
alixwall at 6:09PM on 09/09/09
I'm from Illinois, specifically Collinsville, which is the leading producer of Horseradish, and I do love horseradish mustard! Especially on hot dogs or pretzels!
dawnp at 6:15PM on 09/09/09
Connecticut: apple season is starting and they're fantastic around here!
kasiat at 6:17PM on 09/09/09
First to reply to an above comment MA and NY do passable maple syrup but they can never beat VT Maple baby! I am originally from GA and you have not lived until you have had bbq'd GA peaches with ribs! Now I live in VT I make an incredible salad that would make you slap a judge. Locally grown mesculin mix of salad greens along with red onions and cukes. We add in some cooked, cubed pork with VT apples, a handful of walnut and some Cabot cheese. Top it with a maple based dressing and it's love ya'll!
esperfect at 7:04PM on 09/09/09
Maryland crabs, heck yes!
raspberryberet at 7:20PM on 09/09/09
Kentucky has the best derby pie! Your cardiologist won't be happy but you will.
ky2here at 7:32PM on 09/09/09
I live in the Province of British Columbia (BC) in Canada and the best things to eat are the plethera of fresh seafood that is caught off of Vancouver Island (where I live)
greeeneyedwhwoman at 8:11PM on 09/09/09
Ontario, Canada: Maple Syrup, Beavertails (flat, doughnut-like pastry), Wild Blueberries, and of course: Ice Wine!!!
NffctlNtllct at 8:26PM on 09/09/09
MA - lobster and clams (fried, steamed, chowder). And now that fall is upon us, apples.
mrsmoosie at 9:13PM on 09/09/09
OREGON, who was it said in another post that Oregon didnt have any good food? You don't like all the juicy berries...marionberries, raspberries, blackberries (just picked big wild blackberries and polished off a wonderful cobbler. You dont like all the great seafood? I love digging then eating sauteed razor clams, catching and cracking succulent Dungeness crabs, and what about all the salmon. And you dont like cheeses from our happy cows (it's that wet abundant green Oregon grass) oh the Smoked Blue Cheese from Rogue Creamery and all the other blue cheeses they make. You dont like all the prize winning Oregon wines? I do!
jloomis at 9:32PM on 09/09/09
wine and chicken
sandy89 at 9:37PM on 09/09/09
Washington is known for its apple crops, fresh salmon and sweet onions.
CarolHarrity at 10:03PM on 09/09/09
MA - There are so many possibilities, but the most distinctive is Boston Schrod. No puns please.
BostonDiner at 10:17PM on 09/09/09
Florida!
We have amazing seafood and citrus. My favorites are stone crabs, smoked mullet, red snapper, grapefruit and our native (giant) avocados.
nerditry at 10:25PM on 09/09/09
CA - Mexican food!
shandon at 11:49PM on 09/09/09
MA - its all about seafood if you're from the coast. More inland you have a bounty of fresh vegetables - corn, squash, cukes, tomatoes. Let's not forget our amazing fruit such as apples, blueberries, strawberries. Quite an abundance of seasonal vegetables/fruits - we are extremely lucky.
Teeeveee at 8:39AM on 09/10/09
One of the best things to do in Seattle right now is go for a walk and pick fresh blackberries along the way!
amymreisman at 9:32AM on 09/10/09
Tennessee-Country style ham, biscuits & gravy and of course BBQ. Oh and Grainger County tomatoes, the best I've ever had.
tgrabler at 9:56AM on 09/10/09
From the fine state of Pennsylvania --- SCRAPPLE ---- Apple Butter ---
Shoofly pie - Oyster Stew --- Pepper Pot ...
papadick58 at 10:53AM on 09/10/09
TexMex, BBQ, Shiner, Corn, Watermelon, Chicken Fried Steak, Corn Dogs, the list is endless.
Faither at 11:00AM on 09/10/09
Florida--Cobia, snapper, snook, lobster; tomatoes from the fields in Immokalee, and mmmmmmangoes!
Iowa (home state)--tomatoes and sweet corn from the farm garden and non-CAFO beef.
jayveejay at 11:36AM on 09/10/09
We live on the east end, North Fork, of Long Island. So, seafood is big out here; but I just love the fresh cod.
LIDARKSIDE at 1:02PM on 09/10/09
california (SF bay area): sourdough and avocados!
chlamers at 1:32PM on 09/10/09
California - Fine wine & In-N-Out burgers!
tomteevee at 1:32PM on 09/10/09
From Toronto, Ontario -- Tim Horton Donuts! Also, every fruit and vegetable you can imagine - I love the fall harvest.
Jilly at 1:38PM on 09/10/09
Oregon strawberries! And cheese (from Tillamook, Bandon, Tumalo Farms, or Rogue Creamery... just to name a few)!
fiveforefun at 1:41PM on 09/10/09
shrimp and grits from charleston!
KCapogrossi at 1:42PM on 09/10/09
New York: wine, apples, grapes, corn, syrup, Shake Shack burgers, Blue Smoke and Dinosaur BBQ ribs and pulled pork, pizza from Tarry Lodge, lettuce, tomatoes, berries.
SEFB9118 at 1:48PM on 09/10/09
Ohio - Silver Queen corn...yum!!
rilabby at 1:57PM on 09/10/09
CA: Bacon wrapped hot dogs with sauteed onions, jalapenos, and pineapple, ripe avocado, and mustard. YUM!
granita at 1:57PM on 09/10/09
I make chocolate-dipped peanut-butter buckeye candies, which are such a big favorite here in Ohio. Also, Schmidts Sausage House is widely known for their Bahama Mama sausages and monster-sized cream puffs. So Yummy!
amylou61 at 1:58PM on 09/10/09
I'm from NY, so of course apples. :)
gargupie at 2:00PM on 09/10/09
Our apples - Michigan has some wonderful apples!
Tarah716 at 2:18PM on 09/10/09
Finger Steaks! An Idaho original.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Milos-Torch-Cafe-Original-Idaho-Finger-Steaks/Detail.aspx
Sadly Milos is out of business. But local legend has it he was a very accomplished arsonist doing insurance jobs and such around the country in the 60's-70's but never here at home. Here he owned the Torch Cafe and purportedly invented the finger steak. A breaded and deep fried strip of beef tenderloin the size of you finger. Delicious.
smokey07 at 2:33PM on 09/10/09
Maryland - Crabs!!
Cupcake819 at 2:46PM on 09/10/09
South Carolina: local shrimp and grits, collards, corn bread and blackberry cobbler--to name a few!
coffeegoat at 2:51PM on 09/10/09
Vermont: I will only allow Maple Syrup made here into my home. And cheddar cheese :)
tarahtot at 2:54PM on 09/10/09
i live in california - so the produce is pretty hard to beat!! vermont is my favorite state in the country, though, so i really hope i win this book!
lauralop at 3:00PM on 09/10/09
Crab when it's in season
Sunnyvale at 3:02PM on 09/10/09
Washington = salmon and blackberries. Always delicious.
maureenreiser at 3:02PM on 09/10/09
Jersey - fresh salt water taffy from "down the shore"!
kellyad at 3:07PM on 09/10/09
Tony Packo's Pickles and Peppers
Mama Beckala at 3:28PM on 09/10/09
fish tacos, In-N-Out, korean bbq (all about the Honey Pig in L.A.)
kimbodian at 3:41PM on 09/10/09
Alberta, Canada:
Alberta beef (simmental is delish!), and taber corn. Sweet!
buppybishop at 3:43PM on 09/10/09
New Jersey: of couse there are corn, tomatoes and blueberries. but less known are the cheeses from Bobolink Farm and the wines from Westfall which play well together or the peaches and apples from Windy Brow which are wonderful on their own or made into delicious pies or clafoutis.
suzilightning at 3:46PM on 09/10/09
in Washington where i grew up... everything! but i most especially miss the wild blackberries.
in Indiana, corn and tomatoes!
pumpkinfiend at 3:55PM on 09/10/09
Texas - and I find my affinities for Tex-Mex and smoked brisket to be evenly torn. But both are great. So that's my answer: Tex-Mex and barbecue.
rvana63 at 4:08PM on 09/10/09
Alabama...hmm...anything brought in from another state.
BrunswickStew at 4:12PM on 09/10/09
Chicago, IL - Italian Beef and Polish Sausages! Yum!!
mmika at 4:16PM on 09/10/09
Old state: Illinois, and specifically Chicago: Now that I think of it, most of what I liked was fast food, prepared food and restaurant fare: Italian beef, pizza, Italian sausages, pierogis, gyros, tacos...all easy to get and typically pretty good. And Wisconsin was close enough so that cheeses and sausages were easy to come by as well.
New state: Colorado: Here, the prepared food isn't the same, but we've got some great produce and artisan foods: peaches, Olathe sweet corn, Rocky Ford Melons, Haystack Mountain cheeses, MouCou cheeses, roasted and fresh chilis, pears, plums, cherries, nectarines, bison...
dbcurrie at 4:46PM on 09/10/09
Here in Montana, we eat meat. Some wild, some not.
jennkelley at 4:47PM on 09/10/09
San Diego? Fish tacos or a california burrito! (Big meat burrito stuffed with fries and avocado - mmmm!)
mrwillia at 5:28PM on 09/10/09
mexican food. avocados. sushi. cupcakes. no need to leave california.
amusebouche at 5:49PM on 09/10/09
I'm in MA, and I like the seafood best- even though I live near the middle of the state!
cissa at 6:06PM on 09/10/09
I was a Vermonter for 26 years, but moved across the lake to the Adirondacks. Here in NY must-have foods are Heinerwaddles salt potatoes, Grandma Brown's baked beans, half moon cookies, Croghan balogna, cheese curds and locally grown apples :-)
WendyWanders at 6:34PM on 09/10/09
Living in CA and loving the fresh, local produce. BUT missing New England...seafood, hearty meals, Vermont breakfasts....sigh.
kayrob at 6:46PM on 09/10/09
California: BBQ tri-tip, avocados, lemons/oranges and pistachios.
lamora at 6:53PM on 09/10/09
There is nothing like the "sugar and snow" custom in Vermont that takes place during the sugaring (maple syrup) season when folks get together after a fresh spring snow, and pour hot fresh Maple syrup over the snow making a chewy maple snack that acts as a perfect foil for the various pickles that everyone brings from there pantry's. Got to try this before you die!
gwcafe at 8:08PM on 09/10/09
South Carolina peaches!
Friday at 9:16PM on 09/10/09
buffalo meat
nmp164 at 10:36PM on 09/10/09
indiana corn on the cob!
cebelamour at 11:42PM on 09/10/09
Ottawa Canada/ Poutine is a very popular here.
redherring at 9:07AM on 09/11/09
MA: eating some freshly picked apples on the farm
jpark107 at 1:19PM on 09/11/09
I grew up in Massachusetts where there's lots of great food, like lobster. Now I live in Virginia where there's yummy Virginia ham....
corinne at 1:54PM on 09/11/09
ohio - we have pierogis! (not to mention our own fair share of maple syrup)
lizlewis at 2:31PM on 09/11/09
Minnesota gave Honeycrisp apples to the nation, and now the Sweetango apple too.
jaspevacek at 2:34PM on 09/11/09
I left Vermont and its delightful Maple Syrup, cheeses, and apples a few years ago and now kick it in South Carolina where I often get to enjoy a good ol' Low Country Boil (shrimp, kielbosa, potato, corn on the cob, onion, and what have you, boiled up with Old Bay seasoning and dumped on a table for the picking with bare hands). Good stuff
nhlord at 3:33PM on 09/11/09
New York:
Wonderful foods come from NY State:
apples, cheese = apple pie with cheddar cheese
carrots = carrot cake
milk = milkshake
finger lakes grapes = wine
chicken & turkeys = Thanksgiving dinner
and lots and lots of vegetables & fruits.
Plus, maple syrup!
You can make an entire Thanksgiving meal with foods from NY State.
rainbowbuddah at 3:58PM on 09/11/09
North Carolina - strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, sweet potatoes, tomatoes - makes for a wonderful summer - apples, pecans,
cider - helps adjust to autumn.
Monelle at 4:11PM on 09/11/09
GA - Fried Chicken, Biscuits, Pralines in Savannah,Onion Rings at The Varsity, Pecans and Peanuts too
ohnofullmoon at 4:35PM on 09/11/09
Iowa, home of Maid Rites
Suzzanne at 5:23PM on 09/11/09
Going for Japanese is a must here in Vancouer, BC, especially sashimis and izakaya fare. Having said that, it's anything goes when it comes to food here. Truly, I don't exaggerate when I say that we are spoiled here when it comes to good quality and fresh food. We've actually had guests who've had to extend their visits because of food/culinary discoveries. Yes, folks, it's just that good! :)
nutmegbc at 7:03PM on 09/11/09
Going for Japanese is a must here in Vancouer, BC, especially sashimis and izakaya fare. Having said that, it's anything goes when it comes to food here. Truly, I don't exaggerate when I say that we are spoiled here when it comes to good quality and fresh food. We've actually had guests who've had to extend their visits because of food/culinary discoveries. Yes, folks, it's just that good! :)
nutmegbc at 7:03PM on 09/11/09
Louisiana: crawfish, cajun boudin, Gulf shrimp, po-boys, muffalettas, oysters every which way, gumbo, red beans and rice, etc.
Remander at 7:05PM on 09/11/09
Vermont gets all the credit for maple syrup, but the maple syrup of the Granite State (New Hampshire, my home state) just cannot be beat!
ginaelle at 8:12PM on 09/11/09
california omelettes! just an excuse to eat avocados :)
tlinjang at 9:39PM on 09/11/09
you can't go wrong with shrimp and grits from south carolina!
KCapogrossi at 9:48PM on 09/11/09
California Bay Area—Eating oyster right out of the water on-site at Hog Island or Tomales Bay Oyster Co.
Tactful_Cactus at 10:04PM on 09/11/09
I live in Arkansas now and - nothing spectacular stands out.
Lived in Louisiana for a long time though so I'll say gumbo!
dddiva at 10:17PM on 09/11/09
Canadian poutine
danosor at 10:41PM on 09/11/09
Maryland: fresh crab cakes -- really fresh -- with big, sweet hunks of crab and very little filler. And crabs-you-whack on a table covered with brown paper, furred with OId Bay seasoning and served with really cold, really cheap Natty Bo beer. :)
Selkie at 11:35PM on 09/11/09
from california, the avocados
chromiumman at 12:40AM on 09/12/09
California - In n Out Burger for fast food, avocado for real food.
drala625 at 12:45AM on 09/12/09
Vermont - For each of my daughter's birthdays, no matter what the entertainment planned for the kids, I always had an array of Vermont artisanal cheeses planned for the adults who usually came from out-of-state. They would be accompanied with pears, prosciutto and fig jam, and all chosen under the guidance of the late "Henry-The Cheeseman." The adults needed some gustatory entertainment, as well!
Henry's book, Cheeses of Vermont, would become my standard holiday present to loved ones out-of -state, as well as some savory choices made with him! RIP Henry.... you are still so dearly missed!
Info about Henry: http://www.answers.com/topic/peter-tewksbury-1
vtobrien at 3:25AM on 09/12/09
New York apples, nothing better than a good Candy Crisp on a brisk fall day.
avryan at 8:02AM on 09/12/09
Massachusetts - clams.
architeuthis at 2:39PM on 09/12/09
Virginia - fresh yogurt
iggysaysno at 3:14PM on 09/12/09
Missouri - fresh fruit like canteloupe, peaches, cherries and apples.
Aisling at 3:20PM on 09/12/09
Kansas - beef, beef and more beef!
legab67156 at 3:29PM on 09/12/09
Virginia - it has to be Virginia hams!
nanjhall at 5:17PM on 09/12/09
New York has food from every culture, everywhere. So, in Little Italy, there's Italian food, In Chinatown, Chinese food. And yes, you can get every other kind of food from Japanese to Indian. Bagels are well-known, ribs, and although they originated in Germany, hotdogs and hamburgers. Omelettes are popular, too, although we know they were originally French.
charmandluck at 7:45PM on 09/12/09
Ontario - our fruit from the Niagara region - the peaches and pears are amazing this year!
spike at 8:20PM on 09/12/09
Since we have so many French communities in our area, I'd say tourtiere is pretty popular!
ihchicky at 9:35PM on 09/12/09
Georgia has about everything....BBQ, Fried Chicken, Pecans, Peaches, Peanuts, Vegetables, Seafood garrettsambo@aol.com
garrettsambo at 9:33AM on 09/13/09
California's citrus fruits, as well as its bounty from the Central Valley of California
madeas at 5:17PM on 09/13/09
The backyard tomatoes grown here, in Illinois, with just sunlight and water!
saturdaynightfever at 5:47PM on 09/13/09
I'm in Indiana. Usually our local corn, apples, peaches and tomatoes are excellent, but the corn crop was kind of sub-par this year.
soluckyducky at 6:16PM on 09/13/09
Im from Nebraska and one would guess corn or beef. But personally, I would say it is our local heritage foods such czech kolatches, German bierocks, polish sausages. Many folks here revel in sharing thier food traditions that thier ancestor have brought to the plains. So much so that it feels like local food to me.
Colengal at 6:33PM on 09/13/09
New York - bagels and lox
But I am originally from Minnesota, where if you put it on a stick we will eat it!
flamingo at 6:34PM on 09/13/09
MA - I'd go with apples but the corn and squash now are great.
derekt1 at 11:25PM on 09/13/09
Food on a stick :)
gkran at 11:46PM on 09/13/09
Tex-Mex of course!
atreau at 11:49PM on 09/13/09
I'm from Indiana, and I'd have to say fresh corn! Thanks so much!
aliadam at 12:25AM on 09/14/09
I'm from Indiana and the state is famous for it's corn and popcorn (Orville Redenbacher was a Hoosier.) We're also famous for pork tenderloin sandwiches, though I haven't been impressed with the few I've had since I moved here. We have Sugar Cream Pie, too, which is self-explanatory.
Sekhmet at 2:18AM on 09/14/09
We have fantastic fresh fruits and vegetables: cherries, strawberries, blueberries, corn, yummy!
blueviolet at 6:56AM on 09/14/09
as a New Englander I'd say good old New England Clam Chowder
AICORP at 9:53AM on 09/14/09
Vidalia onions
07violet at 11:22AM on 09/14/09
Oranges and gator bites!
cowleyh at 11:55AM on 09/14/09
Um, cactus? ;0D
lilyk at 11:58AM on 09/14/09
It's great to eat Maryland crab cakes
dvice at 11:59AM on 09/14/09
Thank you for participating and congratulations to our winners:
missalrac
CheeseRks
granita
Codaru
aliadam
Winners have been notified by email and also appear on our Contest Winners page.
Caroline Russock at 12:03PM on 09/14/09