Regional/Home-style Food

[krispi]

Date: 8/6/2008 5:09:34 PM
Author: Miranda
As a southern Cali girl through and through I have to say anything grilled - chicken (whole or parts), steak (mostly filet), fish, vegetables, potatoes. My dad did most of the cooking and everything was grilled. We ate a lot of salads as well.

I think I was a Southern girl in another life because southern food is my FAVORITE. Biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, sweet potato pie, fried corn, collards, kale greens, on the list goes. These are all of my favorite foods. I cook them all the time so when my kids grow up they will probably say the foods that remind them of home are southern dishes.

Miranda, I wish I knew how to make good biscuits! My grandmother's were the best! People called them "cat head" biscuits because they were about as big as a cat's head. Anytime we had a family get-together, we always asked her to bring her biscuits. I miss them (and her) now that she's gone. The canned or frozen ones just aren't the same!

But I absolutely refuse to eat collards! My great aunt Pearl (I'm authentically southern!) used to make collard greens all the time, and it stunk up the house SOOOO bad. I've never been able to get past the smell enough to actually try eating them - it totally grosses me out.

 

[LAJennifer]

Raised in West Virginia - a typical breakfast was Biscuits with Tomato Gravy, or Biscuits with Chocolate Gravy. I should also note that I take my Hotdogs with Chili and Slaw on top.


ETA - I used to eat squirrells.

 

[akmiss]

Date: 8/6/2008 3:54:20 PM
Author: somethingshiny
My 'home' food is venison. My family are hunters and we eat what we kill. So, for me, the whole hunting, butchering, cooking of venison is about as 'home' as I can get.

Also, I'm Swedish, and up until relatively recently, my grandparents basement was filled with the odor of Lutefisk. That would be dried up Cod soaked in Lye and then apparently EATEN!! No, I've never tried it, but that smell is one that will stay with you forever!!

And, it's standard with us to have assorted hot sauces and salsas as part of Christmas Eve dinner.

Ditto on the Lutefisk! My grandmother is Norwegian too. Surprisingly it doesn't taste like anything...

Lets see, salmon, moose, caribou, halibut, and rabbit to name a few. The smoked salmon is the best

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Date: 8/6/2008 5:38:22 PM
Author: krispi

Date: 8/6/2008 4:36:49 PM
Author: trillionaire
Shrimp and grits and sweet tea are really popular around here. And Carolina BBQ...

Oh, sweet tea! Yum!! I forget that's a regional thing until I'm traveling and it's not available. Honestly, I think that sweet tea should be standard everywhere, and if you DON'T want it sweetened, that should be a special request.

Amen to that! When I moved to the East Coast and ordered iced tea, I couldn't believe it wasn't sweetened. Where I grew up, all tea was "sweet", thus we never specified that it was "sweet tea". It was just tea!

I forgot to mention that bbq is a huge comfort food for me. I bring back all of my favorite rubs and sauces when I go home because I can't get them here in the east.

ETA: I need to get my grandma's biscuit recipe as well, there is nothing like a good, homeade biscuit. My grandma has used the same burlap sack to prepare them for decades.

 

[strmrdr]

German cooking on my moms side and potato dishes on my dads as his family had a potato farm during the depression.
We had a huge garden growing up.
homemade bread
potato bread
potato pancakes
peanut cake
scalped taters
corn
sauerkraut
corned beef
strudel
apple crisp
dumplings
summer sausage
slow cooked stew
hunter stew

most of all:


Fleischkuechle
http://recipes.epicurean.com/recipedetail2.jsp?recipe_no=23581

knepfla
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,164,154167-239205,00.html

lefse
http://ruralroute2.com/lefse.php

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/6/2008 6:21:54 PM
Author: strmrdr
German cooking on my moms side and potato dishes on my dads as his family had a potato farm during the depression.
We had a huge garden growing up.
homemade bread
potato bread
potato pancakes
peanut cake
scalped taters
corn
sauerkraut
corned beef
strudel
apple crisp
dumplings
summer sausage
slow cooked stew
hunter stew

most of all:


Fleischkuechle
http://recipes.epicurean.com/recipedetail2.jsp?recipe_no=23581

knepfla
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,164,154167-239205,00.html

lefse
http://ruralroute2.com/lefse.php

Oh gosh Storm, your list sounds DELICIOUS!

 

[basil]

I grew up on a rocky beach in new england, so the foods I associate with home are all seafood!

Steamers (dipped in clam broth to wash off the sand, then in butter)
Quahogs (raw, with lemon and cocktail sauce with extra horseradish)
Oysters (same as above)
Mussels (steamed with garlic and white wine)

Those are all things we pick from the beach or dig just offshore. My mom is also famous for her clam dip (steamers and cream cheese and a bunch of other secret ingredients).

From local restaurants, I like:
fish and chips
chowder (chowda)
clamcakes

My family was always big into gardening, so we always had:
fresh blueberries
apples in the fall (funky shaped pink-fleshed ones from my grandfather''s tree)
tomatoes (I used to eat standing in the garden)
raspberries
swiss chard as big as a baseball bat
fresh basil (usually made into pesto for pasta)


Now I am homesick

 

[Miranda]

Date: 8/6/2008 5:42:26 PM
Author: krispi

Date: 8/6/2008 5:09:34 PM
Author: Miranda
As a southern Cali girl through and through I have to say anything grilled - chicken (whole or parts), steak (mostly filet), fish, vegetables, potatoes. My dad did most of the cooking and everything was grilled. We ate a lot of salads as well.

I think I was a Southern girl in another life because southern food is my FAVORITE. Biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, sweet potato pie, fried corn, collards, kale greens, on the list goes. These are all of my favorite foods. I cook them all the time so when my kids grow up they will probably say the foods that remind them of home are southern dishes.

Miranda, I wish I knew how to make good biscuits! My grandmother''s were the best! People called them ''cat head'' biscuits because they were about as big as a cat''s head. Anytime we had a family get-together, we always asked her to bring her biscuits. I miss them (and her) now that she''s gone. The canned or frozen ones just aren''t the same!

But I absolutely refuse to eat collards! My great aunt Pearl (I''m authentically southern!) used to make collard greens all the time, and it stunk up the house SOOOO bad. I''ve never been able to get past the smell enough to actually try eating them - it totally grosses me out.

What kind of crazy southern girl are you, Krispi?! Not likin'' collard greens!

I used to make them every day when I was preggo with DD. Not the long cooked ones with a ham hock. Just steamed collards.

Canned biscuits are FOUL!!! DH makes really great ones. He''s the one with the southern mama so I guess he should know how to whip up a batch of fab biscuits. ''Cat head'' biscuits! That''s so funny! I''ll think of that next time we make them.

 

[HollyS]

This is Texas, so of course, TEX-MEX!

And chicken-fried steak w/ cream gravy; catfish and hushpuppies; BBQ with beans and ''tater'' salad; peach cobbler; cornbread; I could go on for a long time!

But I have the Midwestern gene, so I crave fresh-from-the-farm produce this time of year. You can''t get tomatoes in other states that taste like they do when they''re grown in the rich black dirt of the Plains.

 

[HollyS]

Did someone say "canned biscuits" ??????? Not in the South, ma''am. No way.

 

[princesss]

Trillionaire, where are you from that shrimp and grits and Carolina barbeque are popular? (Obviously the Carolinas, but what part?)

 

[princesss]

Oh, goodness. Let me explain my background before I get into home/comfort food. My grandfather was 1st generation American, and his parents were Ukrainian. We lived in California until I was 11, moved to Thailand, then moved to Singapore when I was 14. At 18 I started college in Virginia.

SO...home food...

Halupki (I'm sure I spelled that wrong)
Pirogi (spelling)
Borscht
Phad Thai
Spanish Rice
Curry (but not green curry)
Fried rice
Sze chuan chicken
Hainanese chicken rice (mmmmmm)
Roti Prata (something I can't make and have to actually be HOME for)
Char Siew
Sweet tea
Virginia barbeque (I'm not sure I can handle this vinegar base I'm getting here in NC)
Paella (I spent a semester in Spain, and my host mother would make this for me when I was having a rough day)
Baked beans
ETA:
Grits
Biscuits and gravy

Mmmmm...so hungry now....

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 8/6/2008 6:23:02 PM
Author: Skippy123
Oh gosh Storm, your list sounds DELICIOUS!

funny thing is I can and have cooked everything on that list :}
actually left a few off:
Chicken and rice with cream of mushroom sauce.
tater tot hot dish
sewer pipes (manicotti)
zanya
rice pudding
of course home made pizza
pineapple upside down cake
punkie pie
sharp cheddar homemade mac and cheese.
wassle
sugar cookies
crock pot meals: pot roast, pork roast, chicken, turkey, duck, venison roast.
squirrel and rabbit and of course fresh caught fish.
liver and onions
Reuben sandwich
greek gyros
and many more :}

 

[ladypirate]

I'm with Miranda--grilled anything reminds me of my SoCal home. My dad is all about grilling. Actually, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. His grilled filet mignon with blue cheese is to die for.

Other foods that remind me of home are carrot cake (my mom's recipe--it is delicious! I made it a week or so ago) and hummus.

OK, speaking of food, I'm going to go start dinner. We're having risotto tonight!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/6/2008 8:07:05 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 8/6/2008 6:23:02 PM
Author: Skippy123
Oh gosh Storm, your list sounds DELICIOUS!

funny thing is I can and have cooked everything on that list :}
actually left a few off:
Chicken and rice with

Hey Storm you forgot your Fried Rice

Holly, I love Cobbler, I am now craving it

Do you have a good cobbler recipe??

 

[LAJennifer]

Date: 8/6/2008 8:29:04 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 8/6/2008 8:07:05 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 8/6/2008 6:23:02 PM
Author: Skippy123
Oh gosh Storm, your list sounds DELICIOUS!

funny thing is I can and have cooked everything on that list :}
actually left a few off:
Chicken and rice with

Hey Storm you forgot your Fried Rice

Holly, I love Cobbler, I am now craving it

Do you have a good cobbler recipe??

Skippy - around the holidays last year, I made a recipe you had posted (New Mexico cookies) for a party. They were a BIG hit!

 

[Miranda]

Date: 8/6/2008 8:07:05 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 8/6/2008 6:23:02 PM
Author: Skippy123
Oh gosh Storm, your list sounds DELICIOUS!

funny thing is I can and have cooked everything on that list :}
actually left a few off:
Chicken and rice with cream of mushroom sauce.
tater tot hot dish
sewer pipes (manicotti)
zanya
rice pudding
of course home made pizza
pineapple upside down cake
punkie pie
sharp cheddar homemade mac and cheese.
wassle
sugar cookies
crock pot meals: pot roast, pork roast, chicken, turkey, duck, venison roast.
squirrel and rabbit and of course fresh caught fish.
liver and onions
Reuben sandwich
greek gyros
and many more :}

I''ve got these cooling on the counter just waiting for buttercream right now!!!!!!

 

[Miranda]

Date: 8/6/2008 8:13:54 PM
Author: ladypirate
I''m with Miranda--grilled anything reminds me of my SoCal home. My dad is all about grilling. Actually, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. His grilled filet mignon with blue cheese is to die for.

Other foods that remind me of home are carrot cake (my mom''s recipe--it is delicious! I made it a week or so ago) and hummus.

OK, speaking of food, I''m going to go start dinner. We''re having risotto tonight!

YUM!!! I make grilled filet with a red wine gorgonzola cheese sauce. I''ll bet it''s similar to what your dad makes.

 

[Tuckins1]

Chicken n'' dumplings! Mmmmmm....

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/6/2008 9:03:01 PM
Author: LAJennifer

Skippy - around the holidays last year, I made a recipe you had posted (New Mexico cookies) for a party. They were a BIG hit!

LAJennifer REALLY, the Biscochitos? The ones with anise??? YAY

I LOVE THOSE!

 

[LAJennifer]

Date: 8/6/2008 9:17:47 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 8/6/2008 9:03:01 PM
Author: LAJennifer

Skippy - around the holidays last year, I made a recipe you had posted (New Mexico cookies) for a party. They were a BIG hit!

LAJennifer REALLY, the Biscochitos? The ones with anise??? YAY

I LOVE THOSE!

Yep, those were great! Thanks for the recipe, Skippy.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/6/2008 9:28:35 PM
Author: LAJennifer

Date: 8/6/2008 9:17:47 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 8/6/2008 9:03:01 PM
Author: LAJennifer

Skippy - around the holidays last year, I made a recipe you had posted (New Mexico cookies) for a party. They were a BIG hit!

LAJennifer REALLY, the Biscochitos? The ones with anise??? YAY

I LOVE THOSE!

Yep, those were great! Thanks for the recipe, Skippy.

Oh yay!!! My In Laws from Virginia love them! Frekechild and I were talking about how we love them too! I am so happy for you and you are welcome; I am glad you tried them out!

Thanks for letting me know

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 8/6/2008 8:29:04 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 8/6/2008 8:07:05 PM

Author: strmrdr

Date: 8/6/2008 6:23:02 PM

Author: Skippy123

Oh gosh Storm, your list sounds DELICIOUS!

funny thing is I can and have cooked everything on that list :}

actually left a few off:

Chicken and rice with

Hey Storm you forgot your Fried Rice

Holly, I love Cobbler, I am now craving it

Do you have a good cobbler recipe??

fried lice came later.
growing up we just had it when we went out to eat.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 8/6/2008 9:09:18 PM
Author: Miranda
I''ve got these cooling on the counter just waiting for buttercream right now!!!!!!

You gonna send me some right?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Hmm okay..central-VA, NOVA, and southwest VA mix here..that I assume are regionals in that I grew up on them and hearing about them:

Fried chicken (pan-fried..and I do oven baked/fried typically to be a bit healthier)
Mac and cheese (yum)
Biscuits and gravy of course yummmmmm
Mashed potatoes
Green beans
Candied yams at thanksgiving
Sweet potatoes
Fried oysters for breakfast (I don''t eat this, but Mom and Grandma do)
Grits
Chili..yum
Potato salad
Chicken fried chicken (yay cracker barrel)
Meat loaf w/ tomato/red sauce
Sweet tea yep..I''m not a fan, but everyone else in my family drinks it
Squash (fried I think?)
Apples (fried I think is the technical term)
Hashbrowns
Ohhh and I have to add chicken n dumplins from Tuckins list..oh yeah I love that stuff..not so good at making it yet, still working on that one
Coca Cola Cake
Homemade fudge as well as peanut butter balls at Christmas

So hungry now.....

 

[miraclesrule]

This thread is making me want some biscuits and gravy...in a very big way.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

I grew up in New England, so for us the stand by's are:
Lobster (any preparation but I think lobster rolls and steamed lobsters are most popular)
clam chowder (creamy style)
steamers (clams)
fried clam strips
"famous" roast beef sandwiches
baked beans
clam cakes (clam fritters)
Rhode Island style clam chowder (clear broth)
Anything with maple syrup on it

In terms of personal home style foods its:
homemade mac and cheese
tuna noodle casserole
cottage pie (shepards pie traditionally has lamb in it, cottage is beef)
shake and bake chicken and/or pork chops
stove top stuffing
garlic mashed potatoes
green bean casserole
sweet potato casserole

 

[Delster]

OK can someone remind me again what biscuits are in the States? Because over here they're what you call cookies and you sure as anything don't eat them with gravy!!!

The one food that reminds me of home is Irish brown soda bread with a thick layer of Kerrygold Irish Butter, topped with wafer thin slices of smoked salmon and a drizzle of lemon juice

My mother always whips this up for special occasions, and especially at Christmas.

Foods Irish people always mourn for when they're abroad:

Proper Irish tea (Barrys or Lyons, not that Twinings stuff, yuck!

)
Tayto crisps (these are so much the definite Irish potato chip that some people just call all brands of crisps 'Taytos' - they come in salt & vinegar, cheese & onion, and smokey bacon flavours)
Cadburys chocolate (the Cadburys you buy in the States is nowhere near the real deal, it's made by Hersheys and tastes like cardboard in comparison to 'real' chocolate)
Rashers (streaky bacon) and sausages

And when I'm in the States I just long for nice bread. All the bread over your side of the pond is so sooofffft!!! Sandwiches and rolls need a crust people!

I'm sure bee can think of more!

 

[Lorelei]

Del, biscuits are scone shaped and very light with baking powder in I believe, sort of a cross between a muffin and a non sweet cake in texture.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/6/2008 11:58:59 PM
Author: strmrdr

Date: 8/6/2008 9:09:18 PM
Author: Miranda
I've got these cooling on the counter just waiting for buttercream right now!!!!!!

You gonna send me some right?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Miranda, I want so too!!!

Delster, I love vinegar with my chips!!!