Growing up, we all had those go-to meals that seemed totally standard. You don’t question it, until you mention pierogi at college or bring up Hoppin’ John at work and get nothing but confused looks. Turns out, some of the things we thought everyone ate are strictly hometown habits, and leaving opened our eyes fast.
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Philly Cheesesteak
Natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding communities know that the City of Brotherly Love is the home of the cheesesteak. An authentic Philly cheesesteak is made with tender beefsteak, onion, and Yellow American cheese and served in a long hoagie roll. Many imitator steak sandwiches are out there, but none come close to the original.
Grits
If you grew up eating grits for breakfast, chances are you or someone in your family has roots in the South. Grits are made from dried ground-up corn and cooked until they are soft. They are often served with cheese, shrimp, or even fish. The best-tasting grits are those made with just the right amount of melted butter mixed in.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
In many American households, a holiday, Sunday, or special occasion dinner isn't complete without a pan of baked macaroni and cheese. This dish holds a special place within the culture, and it must be made just right – not too soft and not too dry – or else no one will touch it. The boxed mac and cheese is okay for kids, but the grownups want the real thing.
Sweet Tea
One of the ways you can tell that you're dining in the Southern U.S. is if sweet tea is on the menu. Genuine sweet tea isn't served anywhere else in the country. Fast food restaurants nationwide and some beverage bottling companies sell variations of sweet tea. Still, they pale in comparison to the real thing. This is a must-have drink when you're in the South.
Ranch Dressing
More than a few American travelers to European countries were shocked to discover that not a single drop of their beloved ranch dressing was not to be found anywhere. The unofficial everything condiment of the Midwest may have its share of fans here, but in other parts of the world, ranch dressing is practically unknown.
Lobster Roll
Lobster rolls are another tasty treat practically unheard of outside New England. While there are variations on the dish, the classic lobster roll is made from fresh lobster doused in butter and a splash of lemon juice layered in a top split (not side split) hot dog roll, also known as a New England-style bun. If you've never had one, you're missing out on a terrific meal.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is the classic American snack food. It's a favorite from coast to coast, from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to candy peanut butter cups. Travel outside of the U.S., and you'd be surprised to find that other countries do not understand the fascination with peanut butter and why it's eaten with so many things, like apples and bananas.
Scrapple
A Pennsylvania Dutch meat popular in the Mid-Atlantic states, scrapple is made from scraps of pork that are not packaged for sale. Its taste is out of this world, but you want to think about something other than what it's made from, especially when eating it. Just don't, seriously. Otherwise, you probably won't touch it.
Fluffernutters
The New England states have given us another unheard-of food in the rest of the country, but it should be the fluffernutter. It's a sandwich made from peanut butter and marshmallow crème or fluff. It's an easy sandwich to make: all you need is two slices of bread, with peanut butter spread on one slice and marshmallow fluff on the other. If it sounds decadent, it is, but it's also a heck of a good sandwich to have for lunch or as a snack.
Pierogi
Many countries have some form of pierogies or dumplings as a part of their culture, but they're primarily associated with Polish cuisine. In the U.S., pierogies are especially popular in Pennsylvania's coal regions. In that area of the country, pierogies are filled with plain potatoes or a mix of potatoes with cheese or unions and are either boiled or fried. Get the recipe
Old Bay Seasoning
If the city of Philadelphia is the home of the Philly cheesesteak, then the state of Maryland is the home of Old Bay seasoning. Marylanders love their blue crabs and traditionally sprinkle the seasoning on seafood, fries, popcorn, and potato chips. Believe it or not, a company released an Old Bay-flavored vodka a few years ago.
Hoppin' John
Hoppin' John is an authentic Southern dish that's pretty much only eaten in other parts of the country by people who have either moved from the South or by Americans who Southerners raised. The meal consists of black-eyed peas cooked with bacon, a ham hock, or fatback and served on a bed of white rice. It's traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck. Get the recipe
Source: Reddit.
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