# American food **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 5, 2007, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499 "2007-08-05T10:32:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![AskNott](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asknott/32/5790_2.png) [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2007, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/61 "2007-08-07T19:23:48Z")
I don’t understand this poormouthing of midwestern food. My wife and I had a juicy inch-thick grilled slab of Indiana pork loin, fresh Indiana sweet corn on the cob, and fresh sliced Indiana tomatoes, all for under $4.00 US. The poet James Whitcomb Riley said God’s been good to Indiana, and though he’s long dead, he’s still right. Jane and Michael Stern (_Road Food_) say the world’s greatest breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is served in Gnaw Bone, Indiana. You don’t have to drive there, though. Dozens of places in Indiana serve a breaded tenderloin that will make you glad you’re alive. ---
**Author:** ![Duke\_of\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Duke\_of\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duke_of_Rat)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2007, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/62 "2007-08-07T19:31:47Z")
[QUOTE=bordelond] What if he’s ten times more charming than Arnold on _Green Acres_? [/QUOTE] Then we’re talking about one charmin’ motherfuckin’ pig. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2007, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/63 "2007-08-07T20:14:36Z")
[QUOTE=Duke of Rat] Then we’re talking about one charmin’ motherfuckin’ pig. [/QUOTE] :highfive: ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 3:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/64 "2007-08-08T03:42:05Z")
[QUOTE=Sir Doris] I’ll try anything once. Except prawns. They’re too ugly to eat. [/QUOTE] Don’t say that until you’ve seen some of the offerings on the insect carts in Thailand. (Insects of every size and shape are munchies in the Northeast, but since that’s where most bargirls come from, enterprising vendors set up bug carts near the bar areas. Mmmm-mmmmm.) ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/65 "2007-08-08T03:48:06Z")
I think there is no better Midwestern supper than a BLT (American Invention?) with Miracle Whip on toasted Wonderbread, [a tart and creamy cucumber and onion salad with miracle whip dressing](http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1715,155185-250202,00.html), and fresh sweet corn on the cob slathered with butter and salt. The Veggies; lettuce, tomatoes, cukes, and sweet corn all from the garden. Ekrich bacon. ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/66 "2007-08-08T03:53:53Z")
That cucumber dressing is a bit off for my area though, cut the sugar by at least half, or none at all, and add more vinegar. Herebouts it’s tart. ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/67 "2007-08-08T04:22:46Z")
and for dessert …Fresh strawberries from up the road macerated in a goodly amount of sugar (make sure you get the exuded strawberrry syrup…very juicy.); berries and juice generously sloshed over warm [Bisquick Shortcakes](http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/Recipe.aspx?recipeId=35769) straight from the oven with cold milk poured over. Maybe some Cool Whip if you want to get fancy. ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/68 "2007-08-08T05:19:21Z")
[QUOTE=devilsknew] I think there is no better Midwestern supper than a BLT (American Invention?) with Miracle Whip on toasted Wonderbread, [a tart and creamy cucumber and onion salad with miracle whip dressing](http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1715,155185-250202,00.html), and fresh sweet corn on the cob slathered with butter and salt. The Veggies; lettuce, tomatoes, cukes, and sweet corn all from the garden. Ekrich bacon. [/QUOTE] I’m sorry, that recipe is far off… Cream Cucumber Salad 2 cucumbers (big uns), peeeled and cut in 1/4 inch slices. 1 large yellow or white onion cut in half then sliced (Half Moons) 3/4 cup Miracle whip about a 1/4 cup of cider vinegar 2 Tbs. white sugar. teaspoon of salt Shake or whip the vinegar, salad dressing, salt and sugar into a liquid creamy mixture. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and let sit in the fridge. ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/69 "2007-08-08T05:27:00Z")
Here’s a similar [creamed cucumber recipe](http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1650,156176-252201,00.html). Disregard that salad dressing recipe. Googlism. ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/70 "2007-08-08T06:07:05Z")
Just so you know, the dressing for the cukes and onions should be soupy and emulsified. Add enough vinegar to get a liquid on the thinner side. I think my Mom would sometimes cut it with milk to get the right consistency… a great update and "regional haute " addition could be buttermilk (Which it actually probably was, in earlier incarnations.). ---
**Author:** ![chowder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/71 "2007-08-08T07:38:17Z")
[QUOTE=devilsknew] I think there is no better Midwestern supper than a BLT (American Invention?) with Miracle Whip on toasted Wonderbread, [a tart and creamy cucumber and onion salad with miracle whip dressing](http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,1715,155185-250202,00.html), and fresh sweet corn on the cob slathered with butter and salt. The Veggies; lettuce, tomatoes, cukes, and sweet corn all from the garden. Ekrich bacon. [/QUOTE] Ah yes the BLT, possibly the greatest invention since the wheel 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Wile\_E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c37758/32.png) [@Wile\_E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wile_E)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/72 "2007-08-08T14:39:29Z")
[QUOTE=EvilGhandi] … I was upset by the common attitude that American food is crap. It seems to be getting global. Those of us who live in the United States know there is a vast assortment of chow here, from the fast to the down right elegant. … [/QUOTE] And if American food were so unpalatable then we wouldn’t be so overweight. Darned tasty, fattening American food! ---
**Author:** ![ouryL](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ouryl/32/6067_2.png) [@ouryL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ouryL)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2007, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/73 "2007-08-08T22:05:59Z")
[QUOTE=chowder] Ah yes the BLT, possibly the greatest invention since the wheel 😃 [/QUOTE] A BLT ain’t nothing but a club sandwich minus the turkey!! :mad: ---
**Author:** ![MissGypsy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8491ac/32.png) [@MissGypsy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MissGypsy)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2007, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/74 "2007-08-09T03:13:32Z")
[QUOTE=devilsknew] Just so you know, the dressing for the cukes and onions should be soupy and emulsified. Add enough vinegar to get a liquid on the thinner side. I think my Mom would sometimes cut it with milk to get the right consistency… a great update and "regional haute " addition could be buttermilk (Which it actually probably was, in earlier incarnations.). [/QUOTE] Aah, thank you. I just had a little memory trip back to my Midwestern roots. I’ll have to make that soon; I’d forgotten that recipe. ---
**Author:** ![devilsknew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4da419/32.png) [@devilsknew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/devilsknew)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2007, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/75 "2007-08-09T06:35:00Z")
[QUOTE=ouryL] A BLT ain’t nothing but a club sandwich minus the turkey!! :mad: [/QUOTE] No, a club sandwich is nothing more than a BLT with turkey. Gilding the lily so to speak. It’s the Gentrified version, with some gobble and an extra slice of wonderbread. Triple decker deli improvement. Nice sandwich… but not a BLT with Miracle whip. Probably the difference between a Bacon Buttie wth HP sauce and some posh tea sandwiches to our English brethern. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2007, 9:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/76 "2007-08-09T09:59:30Z")
Any random potluck Sunday dinner at a Southern rural church. Fried chicken. Ribeye steak. Homemade potato salad. Mashed potatoes with gravy. Green beans cooked in fatback. Corn on the cob, freshly shucked. Soupy pintos with chopped onions. Deviled eggs. Fist sized biscuits. Cornbread. Red velvet cake. Banana pudding. Ice cold sweet tea. ---
**Author:** ![Panurge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/fbc32d/32.png) [@Panurge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Panurge)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2007, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/77 "2007-08-09T12:15:42Z")
[QUOTE=EvilGhandi] And coffee? No shit? I thought that was from the middle east. Or did I just get whooshed? [/QUOTE] Coffee is not American, it is [Ethiopian](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee) . I would guess that pretty much any country in the world has a culinary history with some mouth-watering food - especially America; so many different influxes. Mmm. Never been there, but the food mentioned in this thread makes me wanna go right now. I have never been in any country where I couldn’t find delicious, well-prepared food. In Uzbekistan we had to search a bit to find it, though. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2007, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/78 "2007-08-09T12:30:50Z")
[QUOTE=devilsknew] Nice sandwich… but not a BLT with Miracle whip. [/QUOTE] I was with you right up to there. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2007, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/79 "2007-08-09T13:33:50Z")
[QUOTE=Liberal] Any random potluck Sunday dinner at a Southern rural church. Fried chicken. Ribeye steak. Homemade potato salad. Mashed potatoes with gravy. Green beans cooked in fatback. Corn on the cob, freshly shucked. Soupy pintos with chopped onions. Deviled eggs. Fist sized biscuits. Cornbread. Red velvet cake. Banana pudding. Ice cold sweet tea. [/QUOTE] Shut up. Shut up! SHUT UP! Great, now I’m starving. Sorry to give midwestern food such stick. I always thing of it as jello salad and cream of mushroom casserole. Yuck. But when it’s at its best, it shines as brightly as luau, yankee pot roast, crabcakes, KC BBQ, and **Lib** ’s Sunday potuck. ---
**Author:** ![Lightray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightray/32/391_2.png) [@Lightray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightray)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2007, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499/80 "2007-08-09T14:07:39Z")
One of the things about _good_ midwestern cuisine is that it has to be _local_. Just like I wouldn’t trust crabcakes from some place that has no coastline. The most fantastic steaks I’ve had were in Omaha – right near the slaughterhouses. Same with KC BBQ, really. And while corn-on-the-cob and cornbread is good, it’s unbelievably good when grandma sent you out into the field to pick a few ears for supper. Fresh makes all the difference. If I judged salmon by what we get here in the midwest, I’d think it rather lackluster. But in Seattle? OMG. So pity the poor gourmands who think midwestern food is lackluster, they know not what they’re missing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-food/414499.md?page=5)