Heading into the warm, sunny days of summer, many will be starting up the barbecue in the backyard, having picnics at the park and beach and heading out to the ball park — all events and places where authentic American food is the star. Of course, the United States is a melting pot of cultures. And because of that, the food possibilities and types of cuisines are endless. But there are foods and dishes that are quintessentially American and are, as Bruce Springsteen sang, “Born in the U.S.A.” So what is an authentic American food and/or food experience? Here are my top 10 foods “Born in the U.S.A.”
Let’s start with what many will be grilling up this summer:
The Hamburger
There is some controversy over the origin of the hamburger because its two basic ingredients, bread and beef, had been prepared and eaten across many cultures. But even with that being said, today, the “burger” is truly an American food. “After various controversies in the 20th century, including a nutritional controversy in the late 1990s, the burger is now readily identified with the United States, and a particular style of cuisine, namely fast food.”https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_hamburger
And we all have our favorite burger place. On Long Island, New York, “All American” has been my go to place since I was a kid. Old fashioned burgers, fresh cut fries and a delicious shake does my tummy good! In California, In N’ Out Burger is the classic burger place to go to.
But the bottom line is that this food with a side of fries is quintessentially American.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich…
is a delicious combination slathered between two slices of bread. This has been the staple of most American kids’ lunches through the years.
But did you know that this was actually invented by the cooking staff of Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s sanitorium? They mixed hydrogenated vegetable oil to make peanut paste easier for their patients to eat. Unbelievable!
Spaghetti and Meatballs..
is one of my favorite dishes and always my go to choice for a special day like my birthday.
Although many believe this dish originated in Italy, this is not true. In Italy, meatballs are served as an appetizer. Pastas, such as spaghetti, are served with different sauces. One will never see this dish on a menu in Italy.
It is believed that Italian immigrants to America invented this dish. “The earliest known recipe for this dish was published by the National Pasta Association, a trade association, in 1920.”http://www.thedailymeal.com
Deep Dish Pizza
Although Naples, Italy is the birthplace of the Marguerita Pizza, Chicago took it a bit further. A think crust that rises high and is filled with sauce, cheese and your choice of toppings is why this is called a “pie.” A fork and knife really are necessary to dig into this dish properly. Uno Pizzeria claims to have invented this dish in 1943.
Bagels and Lox
Hey, I’m a New Yorker after all! This IS the weekend staple (and weekdays too!) on many New Yorker’s breakfast/brunch table. It is believed that NY bagels are so good because of the water. And I have to say, New York is hands down the best place to eat these rolls with holes. Add a smear of cream cheese and some smoked lox and truly, you’ll be in heaven!
S’mores…
is a sweet dessert invented by no other than our Girl Scouts! The first published recipe for “some mores” was in a 1927 publication called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. Loretta Scott Crew is given credit for the recipe.
This dessert is a tradition at any campfire or backyard fire pit. Marshmallows toasted on an open fire, then smooshed in between two graham crackers and some slabs of chocolate. Yum!
Macaroni and Cheese..
is the ultimate comfort food! This dish has become a staple at many gatherings and honestly, you can’t go wrong serving this dish. Everyone loves it and it will be gone soon after it’s placed on the table.
Its actual origin is unknown although it is believed that Thomas Jefferson brought pasta recipes back home after visiting France. He supposedly served this dish at a state dinner.
During the height of The Depression, Kraft Foods introduced its boxed version of this dish in 1937. And every kid in America has eaten this boxed food at some point.
Pick your favorite noodle and cheese and bake this gooey dish of heaven.
Barbecue…
Smoking pig and barbecuing meats is so American. And some of our states will fight over who does it best. Texas, Tennessee, the Carolinas — it’s really up to your taste buds. Of course, the deep South is where it really all began and is ever so popular. But this cooking technique has permeated the North as well. Just ask my husband and his array of smokers and barbecues in our backyard.
Read more about Memphis visit (including some great bbq) by clicking here:https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=264
Game Food…
Attending a baseball or football game is an American rite of passage AND enjoying food at a sporting event is just as important. Hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, pretzels, corn dogs, ice cream– all served up and eaten by sporting fans across the country.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com 
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
And last but not least…
Thanksgiving
Yes..this isn’t ONE food but a total celebration of it! This holiday and all its trimmings are authentic Americana.
And although this is a holiday about friends and family and the pilgrims (really?), it is really all about the food. And the more you can eat, the better.
No thoughts of cholesterol and calories on this day. Enjoying the day long feast is what it’s all about.
A roasted turkey with a choice of sides, including stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans and a bottle of Tums! End the meal with a slice of Apple Pie AND pumpkin pie.