The Wacky, Wonderful World of American Cuisine
When you think of American delicacies, you likely think of stereotypes like huge portions or overly sweet desserts. But it’s a big country filled with all sorts of foods you’ve probably never heard of—some for the better and some for the worse. It’s time we explored what they are!
1. Alabama White Sauce
Otherwise known as “white BBQ sauce,” this condiment is actually one of the tamer items on this list. It’s a simple recipe of mayo, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and various spices. You can mix it up with lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, or even cayenne pepper for an added kick.
2. Scorpion Lollipops
Arizona doesn’t beat around the bush with its creepy crawlies—or its sweet treats. Rest assured that scorpion lollies still pack a sugary punch (and come in various flavors), they just happen to have a giant bug watching you with every lick.
3. Akutaq
You might know it as Akutaq. You might know it as Alaskan ice cream. Whichever name rings a bell, this isn’t your grandmother’s sweet treat. Made with whipped fat, meat, berries, and wild carrots, it’s an acquired taste, to say the least. That said, don’t knock it before you try it!
4. Rocky Mountain Oysters
The Rockies go hand-in-hand with Colorado, but this little delicacy took that relationship a smidge too far. These “oysters” aren’t seafood at all—they’re bull testicles. Believe it or not, they’re actually a common deep-fried appetizer, usually served with lemon wedges.
5. Clam Pizza
Until now we never thought that someone could ruin pizza, but Connecticut found a way. All jokes aside, Nutmeggers everywhere agree that clam pies are a must-have. With a few garlic cloves, some Pecorino-Romano cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano, this pizza offers more flavor than you think.
6. Gator Tail
With so many gators roaming around, it shouldn’t surprise you that Floridians indulge in their exotic meat. Though you may have heard about gators cooked whole, their tails also make for a good appetizer. Don’t write them off so quickly! They sound weird but it’s basically like eating rubbery chicken.
7. Ice Cream Potato
In a land famous for its spuds, this state brought ice cream and potatoes together for the ultimate dessert. While it doesn’t contain actual potatoes, diners are easily fooled by the presentation—molded vanilla ice cream topped with cocoa powder, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce.
8. Horseshoe Sandwich
On the other hand, this Illinois monstrosity is exactly what it looks like. Though it appears a little rough around the edges, this open-faced sandwich is a savory dream come true. Hamburger patties, French fries, and cheese sauce atop a thick slice of Texas toast? Count us in…after a few drinks.
9. Fried Brain Sandwich
You know, at least there’s only hamburger meat in a horseshoe sandwich. Indiana kicked it up a notch with their aptly named “fried brain sandwich,” a dish widely served in the Hoosier state and St. Louis area. For years, mom-and-pop shops served battered cow and pig brains between hamburger buns. The beloved dish was popular for decades until interest thankfully dwindled in the ‘70s, though some spots still make them.
10. Wilted Lettuce
Oh, you thought Caesar dressing was bad for you? Say hello to Kentucky’s wilted lettuce salad, a common side comprised of greens, bacon grease, and apple cider vinegar. Most recipes also call for lemon juice and green onion, but that doesn’t make it any less strange.
11. Fluffernutter
Do you love peanut butter sandwiches? How about marshmallow fluff? Well, you lucky daredevil, Massachusetts has the dish for you: a fluffernutter, the simple sandwich that combines both. This dish is so adored that Somerville even hosts an annual festival in its honor called “What the Fluff”? Amazing.
Kimberly Vardeman on Wikimedia
12. Minnesota Sushi
Call it sushi all you want, Minnesota. We know what you’re really offering: pickles wrapped in cream cheese and ham. It’s an acquired taste that goes by many names, but it’s a popular Midwestern app—whatever you call it.
13. Koolickle
Listen, we like pickles. We like Kool-Aid too. But you didn’t need to combine them, Mississippi. For this one, you basically whisk dill pickle juice, Kool-Aid, and granulated sugar in a bowl before dumping it back into the jar. You then store it for five days in the fridge and (try to) indulge. No thank you.
SuckerPunch Gourmet on Unsplash
14. Garbage Plate
New York didn’t pull any punches in naming this famous dish. It’s got a little bit of everything: hamburger meat and various condiments atop a carb-heavy bed of home fries and macaroni salad. Variants exist but it’s still a mishmash every time.
Eugene Peretz from Northampton, MA, USA on Wikimedia
15. Gooseneck Barnacles
Oregon’s fishermen won’t let a bunch of dangerous rocks stand in their way. Every year, their harvest yields “dragon’s feet” barnacles, a rather creepy-looking delicacy better on the tongue than the eyes. They’re a seafood lover’s dream, the taste often compared to lobster, oysters, and mussels.
Christine Rondeau from Vancouver, Canada on Wikimedia
16. Chislic
Who doesn’t love a good steak? Who doesn’t love a good deep-fried meal? In South Dakota, you won’t have to choose between them. Traditionally, this dish is made with mutton or lamb, but beef and venison aren’t off the table. Sprinkle a pinch of garlic salt and you’ve got a plate so tasty there’s an annual festival in Freeman celebrating it.
17. Bologna Cake
We don’t know what to tell you. It’s bologna layered with cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cheez Whiz is often squirted on top as…we don’t know. The icing? Whatever’s going on, this is the farthest thing from cake. Despite our confusion, it remains a popular Southern staple.
18. Hot Dr. Pepper With Lemon
We all have Waco, Texas, to thank for Dr. Pepper—but we’re not sure thanks are in order for this cold-weather beverage. First discovered in a ‘60s Texas advertisement, hot Dr. Pepper is exactly what it sounds like, and people still indulge today. Just heat it in a saucepan and top with lemon slices.
19. Pickle Pie
At this point, we’re willing to eat anything that isn’t pickled in Kool-Aid. Utah natives stuff sweet pickles, allspice, egg whites, and cinnamon (among other things) in a classic pie crust. That’s it! It’s said to originate from the ‘60s and offer a good sweet and savory blend, but we’ll just have to take their word for it.
20. Geoduck
The weirdest thing about geoduck isn’t the taste—it’s the look. This unfortunately shaped saltwater clam is said to taste pretty good, and many Washington restaurants serve it in-house, but you really need to get your mind out of the gutter before indulging.
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