Midwest
Candied Sweet Potatoes
(American sugar-baked sweet potatoes)
Also called sweet potato casserole, candied sweet potatoes are a favorite dish in many American households at Thanksgiving and Easter, especially children. They are an extra treat when a layer of marshmallows is baked and browned on top. At Easter, chick- or rabbit-shaped and colored marshmallows called "Peeps" are sometimes used. Read more »
Chicken-Fried Steak
(American Midwest breaded steak cutlet)
Chicken-fried steak, or country-fried steak, is an old farm recipe designed for cheaper, tougher cuts of beef, primarily round, Swiss or cube steak. It is particularly popular in Texas, where it originates. But it is found north into the upper Midwest and east into the old South. A popular truckstop menu item, it is most often served with mashed potatoes and a simple vegetable, often green beans. Read more »
Creamed Corn
(American corn simmered with cream)
Cream-style corn is an old-fashioned midwestern American dish that deserves to be rediscovered. Given a bad name by mushy canned versions, this dish is amazingly simple to make yourself. And the use of fresh corn, not frozen, yields a delicious side dish for summertime meals. Read more »
Sloppy Joes
(American Midwest seasoned ground beef sandwiches)
The sloppy joe has a foggy history, but it seems to have originated during the Depression as a way to stretch ground beef during hard times. Several sources place its creation in a small cafe in Sioux City, Iowa, where it was called a "loosemeat" sandwich. No one knows if there was an original Joe, but they sure are sloppy! Read more »
Sweet Coleslaw
(American cabbage salad)
Sweet coleslaw is a type of cabbage salad, or slaw, that is popular in the Midwestern section of the United States. This recipe comes directly from Chef Brad's father, Dan Harvey, in Macedonia, Iowa. Read more »
Wild Rice Pilaf
(Canadian-American wild grain pilaf)
Wild rice is not a true rice, rather a type of grass seed that grows wild in the upper midwestern section of the United States and central Canada. Native Americans would harvest the grains from lakes and streams where the aquatic grass grew. Wild rice pilaf is the perfect accompaniment to duck, goose, and game meats. It is also an ideal addition to a Thanksgiving meal. Read more »
Wisconsin Beer Cheese Soup
(American hearty cheese soup)
The American state of Wisconsin is known for its dairies and breweries. Cheese and beer find an apt marriage in this rich and satisfying soup that will ward off even the most numbing winter chill. Read more »
