Category: The Americas

• The Story of Apple Cider and Doughnuts in Ohio

  A sweet taste of autumn and the harvest season Introduction Apple cider and doughnuts are an Ohio autumn tradition — the perfect pairing for crisp fall mornings and orchard visits. From family-run cider mills to pumpkin patches and harvest festivals, this comforting duo captures the flavor and feeling of the changing seasons. In every sip…

• The Story of Fried Perch and Walleye in Ohio

  The fresh catch that defines the Great Lakes table Introduction Fried perch and walleye are cornerstones of Ohio’s coastal cuisine — crispy, golden fillets that capture the flavor of Lake Erie and the heart of Midwestern cooking. Whether served at summer fish fries, roadside diners, or lakeside shacks, these freshwater favorites celebrate Ohio’s connection to…

• The Story of Goetta in Ohio

  A German breakfast tradition with a Cincinnati twist Introduction Goetta is one of Ohio’s most distinctive regional foods — a savory blend of pork, beef, oats, and spices fried to golden perfection. Often called “Cincinnati’s breakfast sausage,” goetta reflects the city’s rich German-American heritage and its reputation for turning humble ingredients into hearty, satisfying comfort…

• The Story of Pierogi in Ohio

  A beloved Polish import turned Midwest comfort classic Introduction Pierogi — soft, pillowy dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat — are a delicious legacy of Ohio’s Eastern European immigrant communities. Found at church festivals, family tables, and neighborhood diners across the state, pierogi have become a cherished symbol of comfort food and cultural…

• The Story of Buckeyes in Ohio

  A bite-sized symbol of sweetness and state pride Introduction Buckeyes — creamy peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, leaving a circle of golden filling visible at the top — are more than just candies in Ohio. They’re edible symbols of the state itself, named after the nuts of the buckeye tree that inspired Ohio’s nickname:…

• The Story of Cincinnati Chili in Ohio

  A Midwestern original with Mediterranean roots Introduction Cincinnati chili is one of Ohio’s most distinctive and beloved dishes — a rich, spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti or hot dogs, and topped with a tangle of shredded cheddar cheese. To outsiders, it may seem unusual, but to Ohioans, especially those in the Queen City, Cincinnati…

• The Story of Sunflower Seeds and Products in North Dakota

  A golden symbol of growth, resilience, and nourishment Introduction Sunflowers are one of North Dakota’s most recognizable and beloved crops — vast fields of bright yellow blooms stretching across the plains each summer. Beyond their beauty, sunflowers have become a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural identity, yielding seeds, oil, and products that reflect both the…

• The Story of Sausages and Strudels in North Dakota

  A celebration of German-Russian and Central European comfort food Introduction Sausages and strudels are two of the most beloved dishes in North Dakota’s German-Russian and Central European food heritage. From smoky, hand-stuffed sausages served at harvest dinners to tender, doughy strudels filled with savory or sweet flavors, these dishes tell the story of immigrant resilience,…

• The Story of Bison Burgers and Roasts in North Dakota

  The taste of the plains, rooted in history and heritage Introduction Bison — majestic, powerful, and deeply tied to the Great Plains — is more than just a meat in North Dakota; it’s a symbol of the region’s history and renewal. From lean, flavorful bison burgers to slow-roasted roasts, this native animal has returned to…

• The Story of Hotdishes and Casseroles in North Dakota

  A one-pan expression of prairie practicality and comfort Introduction Few foods capture the spirit of North Dakota quite like the humble hotdish. Whether made with tater tots, noodles, or rice, this one-pan meal is the definition of comfort — hearty, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Rooted in the agricultural and communal traditions of…