NationStates Jolt Archive

But I was really curious. What do you, Americans, eat? What can be considered authentic, American cuisine? What do you consider to be American dishes?

You see, Mexicans, for example, have their tacos and menudo and tamales. The Chinese have steamed dumplings (gyoza) and lo mein. The Italian have their pasta, the Japanese their sushi and soba noodles. But what is, if anything, American food? What is your culinary legacy?

Chicken wings. *Nods*

Deep Fried... anything. Different from Temprua (Japanese) because batter is optional.

Deep Fried... anything. Different from Temprua (Japanese) because batter is optional.

Anything?

Well the Americans have Thanksgiving Turkey, pumpkin and corn on the cob.

How about waffles with maple syrup (or do they share this with Canada?)
Hamburgers? (Even though the name suggests Germany)

Chewing Gum! (and the native Americans chewed the resin from pine cones even before Wrigley's!)

Well the Americans have Thanksgiving Turkey, pumpkin and corn on the cob.

How about waffles with maple syrup (or do they share this with Canada?)
Hamburgers? (Even though the name suggests Germany)

Chewing Gum! (and the native Americans chewed the resin from pine cones even before Wrigley's!)

Exactly. It seems Americans borrowed their food from foreigners. Hot dogs were basically invented in Germany. Hamburgers are he handi-work of Polish immigrants, or so I've heard. So, that makes one wonder. What can be considered true, American cuisine?

Anything?

I have yet to find something that can't be deep fried.

I have yet to find something that can't be deep fried.

Octopus...

I have yet to find something that can't be deep fried.

*Deep fries a Nuclear bomb*

*Deep fries a Nuclear bomb*

And the English like their porridge and parsnips. LOL!

I have yet to find something that can't be deep fried.

Water

"Hamburgers" have been around since the Romans, cept it was more of a mouse cake :S

New Orleans Creole? Is that traditional or taken from somewhere else?

And the English like their porridge and parsnips. LOL!

Woah...

Porridge is Scottish.

"Hamburgers" have been around since the Romans, cept it was more of a mouse cake :S

New Orleans Creole? Is that traditional or taken from somewhere else?

Southern food? Perhaps.
New Orleans Créole, doesn't that cuisine has a lot of French influence in it? The rice gumbo's good, but I guess that's African in origin.

Woah...

Porridge is Scottish.

It is? I thought it was English. *shrugs*
My bad.

Coca Cola??? The recipe must surely be American.

Near- inedible chocolate (Hershey's). Now Chocolate was made by central American indians.

But I was really curious. What do you, Americans, eat?
Iraqi babies.

It is? I thought it was English. *shrugs*
My bad.

Actually it was eaten in Central europe 5000 years ago. Check wikipedia. :p

Chicken wings. *Nods*

Hell yeah, I'm eating some right now.

Iraqi babies.

>.>

<.<

Nom, nom, nom, nom, nom.

I guess that was in bad taste!

It is? I thought it was English. *shrugs*
My bad.

Along with deep-fried Mars bars.

Coca Cola??? The recipe must surely be American.

Near- inedible chocolate (Hershey's). Now Chocolate was made by central American indians.

Hehehe! Kola is a root, right? And yes, it's an American originated thing. But we're talking about cuisine, mate.

Coca-Cola was first made to treat headaches and had huge amounts of the coca plant. I think it was actually cocaine. Was it? I better check that.

I happen to enjoy melty Hershey's. And yes, cacao is from South and Central America.

On topic, as Americans, we take what actually tastes good from other cultures, and leave out what tastes crappy, thus making us better then all of you unwashed foreigners. ;) :p

On topic, as Americans, we take what actually tastes good from other cultures, and leave out what tastes crappy, thus making us better then all of you unwashed foreigners. ;) :p

Spaniards are in the habit of eating unruly Americans like you, CM.

*pours ketchup and mayo on a bun*

Exactly. It seems Americans borrowed their food from foreigners. Hot dogs were basically invented in Germany. Hamburgers are he handi-work of Polish immigrants, or so I've heard. So, that makes one wonder. What can be considered true, American cuisine?

What do you expect? The country is a melting pot..

What can be considered true, American cuisine?

What can be considered true anything? Food is one of the most diverse and culturally intertwined and mixed aspects of... well, culture, that to try to say "this is truly this" and "this is truly that" seems silly and destined to fail. What you can come close to is saying that something is made in a fashion more prevalent or original to some place or another. That way USA style barbecue, for instance, can be seen as "truly USA", but there are of course tonnes of other ways to throw shrimp on the barbie, so "barbecue" just by itself is not very "truly USA" at all.

When I think of USA food, I think of variations of pancakes (most often "raised" ones, not the crêpe kind, but with bicarbonate or something like that), apple pie, Philly cheese steaks, gumbo, clam chowder, Ben&Jerry's, certain types of pizza (mainly the ones with thick, doughy crusts), jambalaya... none "truly" USA in and of themselves, but when prepared like they are in the USA, then "truly USA".

Great, now I am hungry at 01.00. *sigh* Say what you will of the colonies, be they the USA or Australia or Indonesia, they certainly all have very interesting food cultures.

On topic, as Americans, we take what actually tastes good from other cultures, and leave out what tastes crappy, thus making us better then all of you unwashed foreigners. ;) :p

We do exactly the same, except have our own food as well, that everyone but us hates. That way, our own food doesn't get commercialised!

Great, now I am hungry at 01.00. *sigh*

*offers kebab*

Spaniards are in the habit of eating unruly Americans like you, CM.

*pours ketchup and mayo on a bun*

:eek2:

Wait, is that Heinz? That's it! Modern Ketchup is an American thing!

Octopus...

http://www.ehow.com/how_2121658_eat-octopus.html

;)

What do you expect? The country is a melting pot..

I do understand that, Ruffy. But I did wondered if there's something Americans can say, food-wise, that it's all theirs. I guess I'll go with what Fass posted.

:eek2:

Wait, is that Heinz? That's it! Modern Ketchup is an American thing!

I use it for my burgers and I'm in Spain.:D

*offers kebab*

I no longer eat that, but I appreciate the misdirected sentiment. *pats*

Spaniards are in the habit of eating unruly Americans like you, CM.

*pours ketchup and mayo on a bun*

and since we eat the good stuff...

Guess this American will be eating Nanatsu...
There is a distict difference between eating someone and consuming someone.
*Hums a popular Tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKeQpeDkoGc).* <- No, it is not a Rick Roll. :p

and since we eat the good stuff...

Guess this American will be eating Nanatsu...
There is a distict difference between eating someone and consuming someone.
*Hums a popular Tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKeQpeDkoGc).* <- No, it is not a Rick Roll. :p

I am part of a complete breakfast.:D

I no longer eat that, but I appreciate the misdirected sentiment. *pats*

*eats it for you*

chicken fried steak and white gravy.

Barbecue, buffalo chicken wings, cajun, grits; biscuits and gravy, as for hamburgers (Mongolian/Russian/German), hotdogs (Polish/German), sandwiches (English), pizza (Greek/Italian), pasta (Chinese/Italian), etc., they may not be American in origin, but we perfected them. The United States of America has a habit of taking ideas from around the world and implementing them in new ways or fusing them with other traditions to make something new to adapt to the situation the people are thrust into.

I have yet to find something that can't be deep fried.

Deep fry a deep fat fryer. Divide by zero error!

I am part of a complete breakfast.:D

hmmm... I was thinking more of "... and lunch and dinner"... but mostly dessert! ;)

hmmm... I was thinking more of "... and lunch and dinner"... but mostly dessert! ;)

That too.

Also, check www.latienda.com, for Spanish cuisine ingredients and the like. It's the add that keeps appearing when I open the thread. LOL!

*eats it for you*

Go right ahead. *has some bran flakes with psyllium seed husks sprinkled on top instead*

Deep fry a deep fat fryer. Divide by zero error!

not really. you can deep fry a deep fat fryer. you can buy two you know. :p

Go right ahead. *has some bran flakes and with psyllium seed husks sprinkled on top instead*

Fass, are you a vegetarian or vegan? I'm curious because of what you told Ruffy.

chicken fried steak and white gravy.

What on earth is white gravy?

hmmm... I was thinking more of "... and lunch and dinner"... but mostly dessert! ;)

Aww, that's so sweet.:p

Aww, that's so sweet.:p
Your puns are weak.

I do understand that, Ruffy. But I did wondered if there's something Americans can say, food-wise, that it's all theirs. I guess I'll go with what Fass posted.

Oreos and Pringles.

Oreos and Pringles.

Now I'm the one who's hungry.:(

Go right ahead. *has some bran flakes with psyllium seed husks sprinkled on top instead*

That doesn't sound too flavourful.

Your puns are weak.

Yeah, I know.:(

Now I'm the one who's hungry.:(

Oh my god, you have to try the pickle Pringles, they're great.

Oh my god, you have to try the pickle Pringles, they're great.

I'm hooked to the Sour Cream n' Onion ones. Delicious!

There have probably been thousands of foods invented in America in the last 232 years. Daily staples are simple and universal, though - meat, bread, vegetables, fruits are modified slightly by every culture, but don't belong to anyone. But if we're making a list, I suppose I can think of a couple:

Lobster is probably one.

The original colonists hated having to eat an off-gray sea-insect, but we made it a luxury item. It existed before we got here, of course, but few people would turn down a free lobster dinner nowadays - that's progress. :)

The indians had good cornbread, but we Euro-fied it and made if fluffy. Mmm.. fluffy cornbread, with bits of whole corn in there - good stuff. And of course, cornbread + hot dog = corn dog. We probably invented that too, and I hear you can't usually get one in Europe, so it's just as well.

Staying with the topic of the deep-fried, I've never heard of anyone eating fried corn-on-the-cob, fried green tomatoes, or fried okra outside the U.S. - correct me if I'm wrong, but we could probably claim those too.

Could be an urban myth, but I was always told the iced-cream cone was invented here. That could be one.

Certain Tex-Mex items probably count. Many of them are neither Mexican nor mainstream American foods.

If the history channel is right about the original Italian pizzas being not much more than mozzarella smeared on toast, then we can probably claim our local pizza varieties as "authentic" as well.

That's all that springs to mind right away. Feel free to disprove these. :tongue:

Fass, are you a vegetarian or vegan? I'm curious because of what you told Ruffy.

People on these fora sure used to seem to be interested in settling which one of those I'd be. Seems a shame to give an answer.

That doesn't sound too flavourful.

I do have some cinnamon and dried apple and apricot shards as "seasoning".

People on these fora sure used to seem to be interested in settling which one of those I'd be. Seems a shame to give an answer.

Fair enough then. I was merely curious.

People on these fora sure used to seem to be interested in settling which one of those I'd be. Seems a shame to give an answer.
Good Lord, you actually said "fora." :)

I do have some cinnamon and dried apple and apricot shards as "seasoning".
That sounds quite tasty. Also, were you the one from whom I learned of Quorn? I remember it was someone here.

Fair enough then. I was merely curious.

For what it's worth, I guess one could say I am as vegan as reasonably able.

For what it's worth, I guess one could say I am as vegan as reasonably able.

Ok.

OP: Mac and cheese, that's also a dish one could say it's American. That gunky mixture is horrible, though!

Good Lord, you actually said "fora." :)

I learnt English for years and years, so yes, yes I did write "fora". It sort of follows.

That sounds quite tasty. Also, were you the one from whom I learned of Quorn? I remember it was someone here.

Probably.

What on earth is white gravy?

American food.

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1655,133181-251198,00.html

I learnt English for years and years, so yes, yes I did write "fora". It sort of follows.
I think "forums" is also acceptable, but I applaud your honoring of the word's background.

How about lobster? Yes? No?

How about lobster? Yes? No?

Thumbless mentioned it, yes.

I think "forums" is also acceptable, but I applaud your honoring of the word's background.

Why exactly would English use Latin grammar? Or is it Ancient Greek, I don't remember. Whatever.

The one thing I can think of that's in the states and nowhere else are "Grits"

And they're vile.

Cuisine wise, maybe 'soul food'?

Why exactly would English use Latin grammar? Or is it Ancient Greek, I don't remember. Whatever.

Latin. The Romans were in the British Isles for a few centuries so... English took a lot from Latin.

The one thing I can think of that's in the states and nowhere else are "Grits"

And they're vile.

Yes, grits are solely of the US, as far as I know. I haven't tried them so I don't know if their good or not.

American food.

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1655,133181-251198,00.html

So basically a mélange between a béchamel and a soubise? Or, actually when I think about it, pretty a much a soubise à la provençale.

Latin. The Romans were in the British Isles for a few centuries so... English took a lot from Latin.

And other languages. Took a lot from != is.

I think "forums" is also acceptable,

I am aware of alternatives when it comes to these plurals.

but I applaud your honoring of the word's background.

I do, however, not applaud your spelling of "honouring". :P

American food.

http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1655,133181-251198,00.html

Oh, a soubise with garlic.

Edit: Damn you Fass

I do, however, not applaud your spelling of "honouring". :P

American spelling. Valid.

And other languages. Took a lot from != is.

Yes, it has taken from French (but French comes from Latin), it has taken from Greek, and from Arab (algebra and alcohol) too. Not only has it taken in language, it has taken in food!

American spelling. Valid.

Canadians spell it "honour", also. So not at all "American spelling", but more "USA spelling". Which is quite irrelevant to those of us who speak non-colonial English.

Edit: Damn you Fass

Also, I said it with a lot more panache and verve. :)

Also, I said it with a lot more panache and verve. :)

Something we might as well call a 'Fassitude way of posting'.

Canadians spell it "honour", also. So not at all "American spelling", but more "USA spelling". Which is quite irrelevant to those of us who speak non-colonial English.

It's a valid spelling because it is used in at least one version of the English language with which I deal for a living, Fass. If I were to write a letter to you in Portuguese, you surely wouldn't be expecting me to use Portuguese from Portugal. You don't know his nationality. If he's an American, he spelled it correctly.

And before you even THINK of trying to argue that "original" English is somehow "purer" or "better", I would like to point out that that notion would make Indo-European a better, "purer" language than Swedish. Or English. Or Portuguese.

Which is why no linguist works under such an assumption, that the language from X or Y place is "purer", an assumption that would be, in your field, the equivalent of assuming organs are arranged in the body in alphabetical order.

Something we might as well call a 'Fassitude way of posting'.

Such a kind laureation of me by you. Thank you.

Yes, grits are solely of the US, as far as I know. I haven't tried them so I don't know if their good or not.

They're like runny polenta, but with no flavor of their own. They can be made to taste great, and go great with breakfast, but they're just barely food on their own. More like trail food made homestyle by adding boiled water.

It's a valid spelling

In a few, if even that, of the colonies only, and nothing you say will make me applaud it. So, cry me a river, build a bridge and get over it.

They're like runny polenta, but with no flavor of their own. They can be made to taste great, and go great with breakfast, but they're just barely food on their own. More like trail food made homestyle by adding boiled water.

I see.

Could hashbrowns be considered American too?

It's a valid spelling because it is used in at least one version of the English language with which I deal for a living, Fass. If I were to write a letter to you in Portuguese, you surely wouldn't be expecting me to use Portuguese from Portugal. You don't know his nationality. If he's an American, he spelled it correctly.

And before you even THINK of trying to argue that "original" English is somehow "purer" or "better", I would like to point out that that notion would make Indo-European a better, "purer" language than Swedish. Or English. Or Portuguese.

Which is why no linguist works under such an assumption, that the language from X or Y place is "purer", an assumption that would be, in your field, the equivalent of assuming organs are arranged in the body in alphabetical order.

Perhaps we should say that no modern language could be considered a ''pure'' expression.

Also, I said it with a lot more panache and verve. :)

Panache perhaps but verve? Never.

I said it in a Brian Blessed voice.

Panache perhaps but verve? Never.

I said it in a Brian Blessed voice.

A clip. I would like to listen to that.

Could hashbrowns be considered American too?

Nope. There are a variety of dishes that resemble "hashbrowns" in Sweden alone ("råraka" being the exact equivalent, "raggmunk" and "potatisbulle" being variations on the theme), not to mention the Swiss "rösti", so nothing very USA or North American about it.

In a few, if even that, of the colonies only, and nothing you say will make me applaud it. So, cry me a river, build a bridge and get over it.

Okay. First of all, cut the "colonies" crap. It's offensive and you know it. I don't care about America, but I'm from a former colony too. And rest assured that, nowadays, if we wanted to take over Portugal, we could. I don't call you a viking, you don't get to call my country a colony, which you indirectly are.

Second of all, I'm not asking you to applaud anything. I'm pointing out that a given spelling is valid, regardless of your issues with the country in which it's used, valid though the issues may be.

Perhaps we should say that no modern language could be considered a ''pure'' expression.

Perhaps we should notice I never said anything of the sort, but is nothing more than a risible straw man.

Nope. There are a variety of dishes that resemble "hashbrowns" in Sweden alone ("råraka" being the exact equivalent, "raggmunk" and "potatisbulle" being variations on the theme), not to mention the Swiss "rösti", so nothing very USA or North American about it.

Ah, I see. It's just that I have only eaten hashbrowns while in the US. I thought they were creole to the place.

Perhaps we should say that no modern language could be considered a ''pure'' expression.

I don't think any language could ever be considered a "pure" expression. Mainly because the concepts languages try to convey mean one thing to each person.

Perhaps we should notice I never said anything of the sort, but is nothing more than a risible straw man.

I know you didn't. I merely wanted to add that modern languages cannot claim ''pureness'' (if that is even a word). None of them can. Even Japanese, an insular language that has no resmeblance to any of the Asian languages (maybe a bit to Korean), has been influenced by English, Spanish, Portuguese and, most notably, by Chinese. There isn't anything ''pure'' about it. The same goes for English, Portuguese and other languages.

Okay. First of all, cut the "colonies" crap. It's offensive and you know it. I don't care about America, but I'm from a former colony too. And rest assured that, nowadays, if we wanted to take over Portugal, we could. I don't call you a viking, you don't get to call my country a colony, which you indirectly are.

This is where I repeat myself: Cry me a river, build a bridge, and get over it.

Second of all, I'm not asking you to applaud anything.

So you're just jumping into a humorous exchange between me and another poster (the ":P" smiley should have given it away, but that would have required rudimentary reading comprehension) and... doing what exactly? Getting your knickers lodged impressively far 'twixt your cheeks? Go ahead, waste your time, but mine, I've just decided to deny you in this thread.

Ah, I see. It's just that I have only eaten hashbrowns while in the US. I thought they were creole to the place.

If you make them in a special creole fashion, then. ;)

If you make them in a special creole fashion, then. ;)

No, my bad. LOL! I misused the word 'créole'. I don't know how familiar with Spanish you may be, but we use the word ''criollo'' (creole) to refer to something unique of a certain country. Like, ''rosti'' is something criollo of Sweden. I may have been thinking in Spanish when I posted that in English (a big no no when writing in a foreign language). :tongue:

No, my bad. LOL! I misused the word 'créole'. I don't know how familiar with Spanish you may be, but we use the word ''criollo'' (creole) to refer to something unique of a certain country. Like, ''rosti'' is something criollo of Sweden.

Sweden. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden) Switzerland. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland) :P

I may have been thinking in Spanish when I posted that in English (a big no no when writing in a foreign language).

I understood what you meant - I did take Spanish for a while a long while ago. I remember enough to allow me to understand a lot of it (it helps knowing French), but to speak virtually nil.

Sweden. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweden) Switzerland. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland) :P

Drat! :tongue:

I understood what you meant - I did take Spanish for a while a long while ago. I remember enough to allow me to understand a lot of it (it helps knowing French), but to speak virtually nil.

I just wanted to make sure. You do seem to understand several languages, but I wasn't sure if Spanish was one of those.

Anyway, I'll go and let you enjoy some ''bollines preñaos'' or ''casadielles'' from Asturias, and the recipe of course.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gLDa-HYgTZc/RgluYuqFjoI/AAAAAAAAAnk/02K_4mg8Ljs/s400/Bollinos.JPG

For the puff pastry:
500 g flour
250 cm3 water
20 g salt
2 eggs
300 g butter

For the filling:
200 g walnuts
200 g hazelnuts
300 g sugar
anisette to taste


Mix the flour with the salt, water, eggs and 100 grams of the butter, and make a very fine first dough.

Roll out with a rolling pin and cover with the remaining 200 grams of butter, evenly distributed. Fold and roll out a few times to make a puff pastry. Chill in the refrigerator.

Form a filling with the finely grounds walnuts and hazelnuts and the sugar. Mix it well with your hands and, little by little, dampen the mixture with the anisette until it is light and compact.

On a marble surface, stretch or roll the puff pastry, and cut it into pieces about 13 cm by 10 cm.

On each piece, place a spoonful of the filling and close the sides, previously moistened water or egg yolk. Press the edges gently with a fork.

Fry the casadielles in very hot oil and, after removing them from the oil, dredge them with sugar.

Ah, I see. It's just that I have only eaten hashbrowns while in the US. I thought they were creole to the place.

I lived next to a couple of Belorussian families when I was a kid - they practically lived on hashbrowns and ketchup, usually as a lunch/dinner food. Potatoes are from S. America originally, but they're one of the world's staples now.

Speaking of breakfast foods, isn't the omelet a staple in Spain? I thought that was one of our specialties (we've got some weird omelets around here) when I ate them as a kid, but my (Portuguese) high school Spanish teacher told us they were a Spanish invention, even if the word is French. Our textbook also made convincing case to that effect. :tongue:

Speaking of breakfast foods, isn't the omelet a staple in Spain? I thought that was one of our specialties (we've got some weird omelets around here) when I ate them as a kid, but my (Portuguese) high school Spanish teacher told us they were a Spanish invention, even if the word is French. Our textbook also made convincing case to that effect. :tongue:

You're talking about our ''tortilla española'', which is indeed a Spanish dish, but not eaten for breakfast as a regular omelet.

That we originated omeletes, I don't think so.

The tortilla española, although it's made out of some egg, the main ingredient is potatoes (that's why it's so thick) and we don't consider it an omelete.

You're talking about our ''tortilla española'', which is indeed a Spanish dish, but not eaten for breakfast as a regular omelet.

That we originated omeletes, I don't think so.

The tortilla española, although it's made out of some egg, the main ingredient is potatoes (that's why it's so thick) and we don't consider it an omelete.

Aha. Misinformed again. Those dreams of foot-thick omelets will have to wait until reality catches up. :tongue:

Aha. Misinformed again. Those dreams of foot-thick omelets will have to wait until reality catches up. :tongue:

That happens. Don't worry. I thought hashbrowns were American and they're not.

Jumbalaya, Brunswick Stew, Gumbo, Étouffée, etc. A bunch of Southern food, I guess. (Feel free to correct me on the origin of any of the dishes I mentioned.)

Our food is eclectic. In large part it depends on location. We have southern fried chicken, New England clam chowder, Manhattan clam chowder, corn chowder, Tex-Mex Chili - all variety of things. We take cuisines from all over the world and adapt them to our tastes and crops. We have some of the very best and very worst food in the world.

I know you didn't. I merely wanted to add that modern languages cannot claim ''pureness'' (if that is even a word). None of them can. Even Japanese, an insular language that has no resmeblance to any of the Asian languages (maybe a bit to Korean), has been influenced by English, Spanish, Portuguese and, most notably, by Chinese. There isn't anything ''pure'' about it. The same goes for English, Portuguese and other languages.

Purity?

Turducken.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turducken

Octopus...

Chop the animal up, batter the parts and deep fry. I've had deep fried squid, so I'm pretty sure it can be done.

Greeks cook a good calamari - especially nice when the squid is barbecued.

Well....Its Mexican, European, and Asian food, that has been tailored to the American Appetite for the most part...

Although there are Regional Foods...theres no real National Food, unless you count apple pie, lol...

For a List see...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_American_regional_and_fusion_cuisines

As well as...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuisine_of_the_United_States

I could really go for some Cajun food personally......Maybe Ill hit up Popeye's on the way home......

The picture of American food I have in my mind is not appetising.

It's difficult to think of a cultural food for certain countries, particularly multicultural or young countries like Australia. You could say fish & chips is a common food. Damper, kangaroo and all sorts of other unappealing foods are linked to our cultural identity, but in reality it's more common that Australians eat the typical barbeque lamb and beer. Again, that's not particularly appetising to me.

typical barbeque lamb

Thats something thats not typical in America, lol....Is it any good :confused:

Thats something thats not typical in America, lol....Is it any good :confused:

It's pretty tasty, yes. But I'm not really one for meat.

The picture of American food I have in my mind is not appetising.

It's difficult to think of a cultural food for certain countries, particularly multicultural or young countries like Australia. You could say fish & chips is a common food. Damper, kangaroo and all sorts of other unappealing foods are linked to our cultural identity, but in reality it's more common that Australians eat the typical barbeque lamb and beer. Again, that's not particularly appetising to me.

Could say the same about NZ really, apart from that Kangaroo thing, but I could really go for some Moa right about now...:D

What can be considered true anything? Food is one of the most diverse and culturally intertwined and mixed aspects of... well, culture, that to try to say "this is truly this" and "this is truly that" seems silly and destined to fail. What you can come close to is saying that something is made in a fashion more prevalent or original to some place or another. That way USA style barbecue, for instance, can be seen as "truly USA", but there are of course tonnes of other ways to throw shrimp on the barbie, so "barbecue" just by itself is not very "truly USA" at all.

When I think of USA food, I think of variations of pancakes (most often "raised" ones, not the crêpe kind, but with bicarbonate or something like that), apple pie, Philly cheese steaks, gumbo, clam chowder, Ben&Jerry's, certain types of pizza (mainly the ones with thick, doughy crusts), jambalaya... none "truly" USA in and of themselves, but when prepared like they are in the USA, then "truly USA".

Great, now I am hungry at 01.00. *sigh* Say what you will of the colonies, be they the USA or Australia or Indonesia, they certainly all have very interesting food cultures.

Hmmm, I think this is a first Fass, you saying something about the US and it not being derogatory...

It's official Aliens are real and they do abduct people...

Dear Aliens,

We would like our Fass back, the new one just isn't the same.
Thanks.

Dyakovo.
;)

Our food is eclectic. In large part it depends on location. We have southern fried chicken, New England clam chowder, Manhattan clam chowder, corn chowder, Tex-Mex Chili - all variety of things. We take cuisines from all over the world and adapt them to our tastes and crops. We have some of the very best and very worst food in the world.

You can say that again. I thought clam chowder was awesome when I tried it. Corn bread is amazing, especially if you down it with an ice cold glass of milk, but mac and cheese is horrible.

Cornbread (the Maize plant is native to the Americas), Red Beans and Rice, chitlins...

Basically what is marketed in trendy places as "Soul Food". Also bison. Bison is definitely native to N. America.

Cornbread (the Maize plant is native to the Americas), Red Beans and Rice, chitlins...

Basically what is marketed in trendy places as "Soul Food". Also bison. Bison is definitely native to N. America.

And eating buck. Poor Bambi!:(

And eating buck. Poor Bambi!:(Stereotyping is bad, Nanatsu. :(

Exactly. It seems Americans borrowed their food from foreigners. Hot dogs were basically invented in Germany. Hamburgers are he handi-work of Polish immigrants, or so I've heard. So, that makes one wonder. What can be considered true, American cuisine?
Borrowed? Hardly. We were ALL foreigners at one time, or another. I guess truly native dishes were whatever was prepared by the native Americans -- who were also foreigners once upon a time...

I was trying to explain our Christmas traditions to an Italian friend the other day. Italians all make a particular cake, it seems. Americans make whatever suits them. Our tradition is different than the neighbors and theirs is different from their neighbor.

Stereotyping is bad, Nanatsu. :(

While I resided in MI, the family of my boyfriend always wanted me to eat buck. They liked to hunt. I am not stereotyping anyone. Many Americans do, indeed, like to partake in hunting.

Exactly. It seems Americans borrowed their food from foreigners. Hot dogs were basically invented in Germany. Hamburgers are he handi-work of Polish immigrants, or so I've heard. So, that makes one wonder. What can be considered true, American cuisine?
All of it. After all, we're a country of immigrants.

All of it. After all, we're a country of immigrants.

Yeah, I know. I think I'll chalk it all up by saying the US's cuisine is a little bit of everything brought on by immigrants.

Italians all make a particular cake, it seems.

I assume you mean panettone, which we Brazilians borrowed. There ARE some variations, here at least. Chocottone (Chocolate instead of raisins) and Bol d'oro (no chocolate or raisins, but a panettone-style cake covered with confectioner's sugar. I LOVE it.) are two pretty popular ones.

While I resided in MI, the family of my boyfriend always wanted me to eat buck. They liked to hunt. I am not stereotyping anyone. Many Americans do, indeed, like to partake in hunting.Yes, but we don't kill "Bambi", as it were. Killing younger animals gives them zero chance to become that future trophy that you can brag about for the rest of the year.
The "zOMG, they kill Bambii!" thing is a stereotype.

Yes, but we don't kill "Bambi", as it were. Killing younger animals gives them zero chance to become that future trophy that you can brag about for the rest of the year.
The "zOMG, they kill Bambii!" thing is a stereotype.

I guess jokes fly way over your head.:wink:

I eat whatever I feel like eating?

I eat whatever I feel like eating?

We call that here a ''buen diente''.:p

We call that here a ''buen diente''.:p

*Salute* Okay!

*Salute* Okay!

Hehehe!:D

I guess jokes fly way over your head.:wink:Not usually, but, if that was a joke, it's in really bad taste for me. I already get stereotyped into 'stupid redneck' for being from the South. I don't need 'baby killer' on top of that.
But I overreacted, sorry about that. :(

Not usually, but, if that was a joke, it's in really bad taste for me. I already get stereotyped into 'stupid redneck' for being from the South. I don't need 'baby killer' on top of that.
But I overreacted, sorry about that. :(

What's this? Not everybody from Alabama is a red-neck baby-killer? I refuse to believe that. ;)

Not usually, but, if that was a joke, it's in really bad taste for me. I already get stereotyped into 'stupid redneck' for being from the South. I don't need 'baby killer' on top of that.
But I overreacted, sorry about that. :(

No worries. I get stereotyped as a bull killer because I'm Spanish. But I was joking.;)

Exactly. It seems Americans borrowed their food from foreigners. Hot dogs were basically invented in Germany. Hamburgers are he handi-work of Polish immigrants, or so I've heard. So, that makes one wonder. What can be considered true, American cuisine?

Not so supprising really seeing as all Americans bar those natives that us whiteys tried to wipe out, all come from outside.

Yes, but we don't kill "Bambi", as it were. Killing younger animals gives them zero chance to become that future trophy that you can brag about for the rest of the year.
The "zOMG, they kill Bambii!" thing is a stereotype.

Yeah, but you did kill Bambi's mum.

What's this? Not everybody from Alabama is a red-neck baby-killer? I refuse to believe that. ;)Go find one. ;)

No worries. I get stereotyped as a bull killer because I'm Spanish. But I was joking.;)Gotcha.

Yeah, but you did kill Bambi's mum....I'm such a bad person. :eek:

I assume you mean panettone, which we Brazilians borrowed. There ARE some variations, here at least. Chocottone (Chocolate instead of raisins) and Bol d'oro (no chocolate or raisins, but a panettone-style cake covered with confectioner's sugar. I LOVE it.) are two pretty popular ones.
Yep. We had the raisin version. There were some other dried fruit in it and it reminded my far too much of fruitcake. I know they told me the name several times, but my Italian is as poor as my Swahili and I got to practice both on this last trip.

Kwaheri -- Ciao

But I was really curious. What do you, Americans, eat? What can be considered authentic, American cuisine? What do you consider to be American dishes?

You see, Mexicans, for example, have their tacos and menudo and tamales. The Chinese have steamed dumplings (gyoza) and lo mein. The Italian have their pasta, the Japanese their sushi and soba noodles. But what is, if anything, American food? What is your culinary legacy?

Roast turkey with stuffing. American ham is also quite different from that found elsewhere (especially spiral sliced honey baked ham).

Corn on the cob with melted butter.

Pie - sweet pies are quintessentially American. Cherry, apple, key lime - just American.

Macaroni and cheese - whether mom's homemade recipe or just melted Velveeta over elbow macaroni.

Steaks are pretty much American. When I go overseas and see the tiny pieces of meat that pass for "steak" and compare them to a 24 ounce aged porterhouse that you would find here...

Barbecue - you don't have Memphis barbecued pork anywhere else in the world

I could go on...

Gotcha.

:wink:

Roast turkey with stuffing. American ham is also quite different from that found elsewhere (especially spiral sliced honey baked ham).

Corn on the cob with melted butter.

Pie - sweet pies are quintessentially American. Cherry, apple, key lime - just American.

Macaroni and cheese - whether mom's homemade recipe or just melted Velveeta over elbow macaroni.

Steaks are pretty much American. When I go overseas and see the tiny pieces of meat that pass for "steak" and compare them to a 24 ounce aged porterhouse that you would find here...

Barbecue - you don't have Memphis barbecued pork anywhere else in the world

I could go on...

Steaks I think are found the world over. Poterhouse is indead and English word, Entracote is French for Rib eye. So I guess you can't really claim that one.

Mind you I have the same thing about English cusine. As far as I can make out it is basicly stodge.

Steak and kidney pudding, stew and dumplings, swtodge, stodge, stodge. I suppose to help out with the shit weather we enjoy over here.

Steaks I think are found the world over. Poterhouse is indead and English word, Entracote is French for Rib eye. So I guess you can't really claim that one.

Mind you I have the same thing about English cusine. As far as I can make out it is basicly stodge.

Steak and kidney pudding, stew and dumplings, swtodge, stodge, stodge. I suppose to help out with the shit weather we enjoy over here.

Yeah, just like barbecue is actually a French thing.

Steaks I think are found the world over. Poterhouse is indead and English word, Entracote is French for Rib eye. So I guess you can't really claim that one.

Mind you I have the same thing about English cusine. As far as I can make out it is basicly stodge.

Steak and kidney pudding, stew and dumplings, swtodge, stodge, stodge. I suppose to help out with the shit weather we enjoy over here.

Chicken Tikka Marsala?

Pie - sweet pies are quintessentially American. Cherry, apple, key lime - just American.

Just American? These are all found elsewhere.

Chicken Tikka Marsala?

That's Scottish.

Just American? These are all found elsewhere.

Not really before the 19th century. Food history shows these are essentially American dishes.

Now the savory pie, and the tart (a smaller French variant).. those are European.

Chicken Tikka Marsala?

Isn't that supposed to be Indian food?

Not really before the 19th century. Food history shows these are essentially American dishes.

Now the savory pie, and the tart (a smaller French variant).. those are European.

Apple pies have been served in England for years.

Steaks I think are found the world over. Poterhouse is indead and English word, Entracote is French for Rib eye. So I guess you can't really claim that one.

Mind you I have the same thing about English cusine. As far as I can make out it is basicly stodge.

Steak and kidney pudding, stew and dumplings, swtodge, stodge, stodge. I suppose to help out with the shit weather we enjoy over here.

You can't get a decent steak anywhere in Europe, even if you pay a lot of money.

It was always a bad joke. And a very expensive one.

Yeah, just like barbecue is actually a French thing.

I think the claims about fruit pies are a little outrageous as well.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/For_to_Make_Tartys_in_Applis_(1381).gif

14th century apple pie recipe.

Isn't that supposed to be Indian food?

Nope. It was invented in Glasgow and is exported into India and Bangladesh.

But I was really curious. What do you, Americans, eat? What can be considered authentic, American cuisine? What do you consider to be American dishes?

You see, Mexicans, for example, have their tacos and menudo and tamales. The Chinese have steamed dumplings (gyoza) and lo mein. The Italian have their pasta, the Japanese their sushi and soba noodles. But what is, if anything, American food? What is your culinary legacy?

If it barely passes FDA regulations and makes the WHO shit themselves, and it gives people 300% of their daily calorie, carbohydrate, and saturated fat needs, then it's just the pinnacle of American cuisine.

America, the food tastes pretty good (due to msg's, excess carbs, enough salt to kill an adult African elephant, and unholy levels of greese) but if you subsist solely on American cuisine, YOU WILL die before you reach 50.

Isn't that supposed to be Indian food?

Invented in the 60's in Glasgow.

You can't get a decent steak anywhere in Europe, even if you pay a lot of money.

It was always a bad joke. And a very expensive one.

On the mainland, yeah, but you can get great steaks in England.

Chicken Tikka Marsala?

Heh English through and through!:D

I think the claims about fruit pies are a little outrageous as well.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/For_to_Make_Tartys_in_Applis_(1381).gif

14th century apple pie recipe.

Exactly, which again proves that American cuisine is just an amalgam of other countries' cuisines.

That's Scottish.

Come on And, you know the score.

If it's good it's British, if it's crap it's Scottish.

Look at Chris Hoy and Andy Murray.

Nope. It was invented in Glasgow and is exported into India and Bangladesh.

Heh, I see.

Heh English through and through!:D

No, see previous posts.

You can't get a decent steak anywhere in Europe, even if you pay a lot of money.

It was always a bad joke. And a very expensive one.

I disagree, it is widely known that Scottish Aberdeen Angus beef is the bolloks(thats good not bad okay). Heh and I'll remind you that you are talking to an ex butcher.

I was in Prauge the other month and had an loverly steak sorced from Argentina, but still served to me in Europe.

Come on And, you know the score.

If it's good it's British, if it's crap it's Scottish.

Look at Chris Hoy and Andy Murray.

Well, Andy Murray's allowed to be British if he wins. He's normally Scottish though. One exception is Gordon Brown, though. Nobody ever calls him Scottish.

I was in Prauge the other month and had an loverly steak sorced from Argentina, but still served to me in Europe.

Ah, that might have been churrasco. One awesome type of steak!

No, see previous posts.

Heh no that's not true. If the Scotts had invented it, it would be either deep fried or Haggis Tika Masala!:D

I disagree, it is widely known that Scottish Aberdeen Angus beef is the bolloks(thats good not bad okay). Heh and I'll remind you that you are talking to an ex butcher.

I was in Prauge the other month and had an loverly steak sorced from Argentina, but still served to me in Europe.

When the largest steak I can order on a menu is 500g, it's not a real steakhouse, no matter what the sign says.

And there's no aged beef anywhere.

Ah, that might have been churrasco. One awesome type of steak!

Well the cut was rib eye, which part of the beast is churrasco from then?

Well the cut was rib eye, which part of the beast is churrasco from then?

Let me find the translation. One moment.

When the largest steak I can order on a menu is 500g, it's not a real steakhouse, no matter what the sign says.

And there's no aged beef anywhere.

Yes there is, where did you look?

Well, Andy Murray's allowed to be British if he wins. He's normally Scottish though. One exception is Gordon Brown, though. Nobody ever calls him Scottish.

I do, because he's a failure.

In saying that, given the level of political apathy in the UK, how manypeople do you thik are actually aware the PM is a Scot?

When the largest steak I can order on a menu is 500g, it's not a real steakhouse, no matter what the sign says.

And there's no aged beef anywhere.

Did you even go to Tesco?

Yes there is, where did you look?

London.

Paris.

Berlin (and a lot of other German cities).

250g and 500g seems to be considered "steak" in "steakhouses" and fine restaurants in Europe.

I was better off ordering Beef Wellington, although they seemed to screw that up pretty often as well.

London.

Paris.

Berlin (and a lot of other German cities).



Germany doesn't count because the only food they can get right is sausages, the French can't cook beef at all, and London sucks. Your best bet is Scotland.

When the largest steak I can order on a menu is 500g, it's not a real steakhouse, no matter what the sign says.

And there's no aged beef anywhere.

Wrong again I'm afraid, a steak does not have to be massive, in fact the only steak that gets big would be your rump steak, (or perhaps a T-Bone from a massive cow), the worst of the lot I think, and all beef in the UK is aged at least two week by the time it gets to your local butcers shop, and a good butcher would keep it an extra half a week hanging before he sold any of it.

If what you mean is that the USA is the home of the massive steak, then I can agree with that.

Wrong again I'm afraid, a steak does not have to be massive, in fact the only steak that gets big would be your rump steak, (or perhaps a T-Bone from a massive cow), the worst of the lot I think, and all beef in the UK is aged at least two week by the time it gets to your local butcers shop, and a good butcher would keep it an extra half a week hanging before he sold any of it.

If what you mean is that the USA is the home of the massive steak, then I can agree with that.

Steaks here get big. And they're great.

A 24 ounce porterhouse is not unusual here. And that's not from the rump.

London.

Paris.

Berlin (and a lot of other German cities).

250g and 500g seems to be considered "steak" in "steakhouses" and fine restaurants in Europe.

I was better off ordering Beef Wellington, although they seemed to screw that up pretty often as well.

Churrasco can come from different parts of the cow. Ribs, insides, neck, rear and other areas. It's an ideal meat to BBQ and it has an awesome flavor.

I do, because he's a failure.

In saying that, given the level of political apathy in the UK, how manypeople do you thik are actually aware the PM is a Scot?

I think more than you think!:D

Nope. It was invented in Glasgow and is exported into India and Bangladesh.

The strange nature of British cuisine. I cycled from JOG to Land's End, and the one thing I found I could guarantee was that absolutely everywhere has a chinese takeaway.

As a Welshman I'm contractually obligated to mention Welsh Lamb.

I do, because he's a failure.

Nice. I also do, mainly because I dislike the term British. It's supposed to unite us all, but we really don't want to be.

In saying that, given the level of political apathy in the UK, how manypeople do you thik are actually aware the PM is a Scot?

5, maybe 6, excluding NSGers.

As a Welshman I'm contractually obligated to mention Welsh Lamb.

Oh my God, yes.

Steaks here get big. And they're great.

A 24 ounce porterhouse is not unusual here. And that's not from the rump.

The thing is 500g, well that's half a kilo, thats around about an old facisned pound in weight. Shit man a pound of meat on your plate! I couldn't eat that, not with the chips or vegs's also. A pound of meat! I really just can't get my head around that one.:D

Poterhouse is essentialy the bit between the ribeye and the sirloin, so I guess with a big enough cow you would get a big steak, unless you cut it on the thick side I guess. Out of interest what would you say is the optimun thickness of a steak?

Nice. I also do, mainly because I dislike the term British. It's supposed to unite us all, but we really don't want to be.



5, maybe 6, excluding NSGers.

How many knew the last one was. It's actually over a decade since PM or Chancellor weren't Scottish. It's a conspiracy:wink:

How many knew the last one was. It's actually over a decade since PM or Chancellor weren't Scottish. It's a conspiracy:wink:

Now, now. We're already blaming them for Brown. Not even the Scots deserve to be blamed for Blair.

Churrasco can come from different parts of the cow. Ribs, insides, neck, rear and other areas. It's an ideal meat to BBQ and it has an awesome flavor.

Umm I wonder if that is what we call skirt over here? It's like a long fillet.

How many knew the last one was. It's actually over a decade since PM or Chancellor weren't Scottish. It's a conspiracy:wink:

Tony Blair wasn't that Scottish. His dad was English, he lived in England for most of his life, and doesn't have a Scottish accent.

The strange nature of British cuisine. I cycled from JOG to Land's End, and the one thing I found I could guarantee was that absolutely everywhere has a chinese takeaway.

As a Welshman I'm contractually obligated to mention Welsh Lamb.

Ummm Welsh lamb is bloody nice.:D

Now, now. We're already blaming them for Brown. Not even the Scots deserve to be blamed for Blair.

Well, what else can we blame on them then?

Umm I wonder if that is what we call skirt over here? It's like a long fillet.

Yes!! That's the translation! I knew it.:tongue:

Umm I wonder if that is what we call skirt over here? It's like a long fillet.

Isn't skirt too tough to be BBQd? I always use it as a slow cook meat.

Isn't skirt too tough to be BBQd? I always use it as a slow cook meat.

I would normaly use if for the same, but it's quite soft really, I guess you could cook it rare.

Tony Blair wasn't that Scottish. His dad was English, he lived in England for most of his life, and doesn't have a Scottish accent.

He was born there and went to a Scottish School. If he was any good at sport he'd be overqualified for the national team.

Yes!! That's the translation! I knew it.:tongue:

Sweet!:D

If he was any good at sport he'd be overqualified for the national team.

You're Welsh, don't push it.

Sweet!:D

Try it with Parrillero rice and you'll get hooked for life.

I would normaly use if for the same, but it's quite soft really, I guess you could cook it rare.

The best meat for pies has to be shin beef though.

Needs cooking for about 9 years to be tender enough to eat but god it tastes good. Can't seem to get it anymore though.

The best meat for pies has to be shin beef though.

Needs cooking for about 9 years to be tender enough to eat but god it tastes good. Can't seem to get it anymore though.

Yes, yes I fully agree. I love it when the grisstle turns into jelly!

Find a butcher man, stop using the supermarket. Shin being a real cheap cut you should be able to find it in any butchers shop.

Find a butcher man, stop using the supermarket. Shin being a real cheap cut you should be able to find it in any butchers shop.

I fully agree. I have a butcher near me, he's great. They do meat so much better than supermarkets.

Yes, yes I fully agree. I love it when the grisstle turns into jelly!

Find a butcher man, stop using the supermarket. Shin being a real cheap cut you should be able to find it in any butchers shop.

Unfortunatly the chains seem to have driven butchers out of business around here. There is a large chain that just sells meat, but they're a bit crap as well.

Unfortunatly the chains seem to have driven butchers out of business around here. There is a large chain that just sells meat, but they're a bit crap as well.

Let me guess is the second word of the name of the chain 'market'?

Sadly that is the truth for the humble old butchers, which is a shame really, coz as No Names says getting your meat at a butchers means better quality meat.

You're Welsh, don't push it.

I don't know what you're talking about :wink:

Let me guess is the second word of the name of the chain 'market'?

Sadly that is the truth for the humble old butchers, which is a shame really, coz as No Names says getting your meat at a butchers means better quality meat.

I know, there used to be a good one down the road. As a child he kept giving me tripe whenever I went in with my mum.

It's a florists now.

The chain is Meat Mart. It's part of Gabbots.

Still no answer for corn on the cob with melted butter being American...

I don't know what you're talking about :wink:

I mean Wales sucks at all real sports except for Rugby.

Still no answer for corn on the cob with melted butter being American...

Mexicans have done it since Aztec times.

Elotes with cheese, butter and mayonnaise.

Still no answer for corn on the cob with melted butter being American...

Sorry was that a question? I didn't realise.

It's a florists now.

Better than than a Tesco value.

Better than than a Tesco value.

See right now I don't think so. I need to go buy something for dinner and it's closer than the big Tescos.

I also don't know what to get.

I mean Wales sucks at all real sports except for Rugby.

We don't seem to be too bad at that boxing lark. But we do well in all the sports we really care about:p

We don't seem to be too bad at that boxing lark. But we do well in all the sports we really care about:p

When you're not drinking and womanizing.

When you're not drinking and womanizing.

Finally, a sport the UK can excel at.

Finally, a sport the UK can excel at.

And Ireland. If it was a World Cup type event, then I reckon it'd be a Scotland vs. Ireland final, England third place, then Wales.

And Ireland. If it was a World Cup type event, then I reckon it'd be a Scotland vs. Ireland final, England third place, then Wales.

Depends on the weighting, the Irish and Scots might get too drunk for the womanising section.

The UK has always excelled at sports played in pubs though. Darts, snooker, etc.

Mexicans have done it since Aztec times.

Elotes with cheese, butter and mayonnaise.
Not since "Aztec" times, not with cheese or butter, since they had no cows.

Not since "Aztec" times, not with cheese or butter, since they had no cows.

Oh, because goat's cheese, sheep's cheese, camel's cheese, llama's cheese etc don't exist, do they?

Oh, because goat's cheese, sheep's cheese, camel's cheese, llama's cheese etc don't exist, do they?
I don't think any of those were domesticated by the Aztecs, though.

I don't think any of those were domesticated by the Aztecs, though.

Llamas were utilised for trade caravans.

Not since "Aztec" times, not with cheese or butter, since they had no cows.

Yes, they did have cheese. Butter, granted, they did not have, mayo either.

I don't think any of those were domesticated by the Aztecs, though.

Chihuahua cheese is quite a famous Mexican cheese, though how you milk those tiny little dogs is beyond me.

Chihuahua cheese is quite a famous Mexican cheese, though how you milk those tiny little dogs is beyond me.

Rambhu! Gross!!:(

Rambhu! Gross!!:(

So it wasn't Chihuahua cheese then? Was it llama or what?

So it wasn't Chihuahua cheese then? Was it llama or what?

Apparently they had cheese from deer.

Apparently they had cheese from deer.

Ah yeah.

Exactly. It seems Americans borrowed their food from foreigners. Hot dogs were basically invented in Germany. Hamburgers are he handi-work of Polish immigrants, or so I've heard. So, that makes one wonder. What can be considered true, American cuisine?

Well, duh. The US is a nation of immigrants. Our cuisine is heavily influenced by that. It's not borrowed from foreigners because those foreigners ultimately became naturalized Americans.

Well, duh. The US is a nation of immigrants. Our cuisine is heavily influenced by that. It's not borrowed from foreigners because those foreigners ultimately became naturalized Americans.

Influenced? Nah. Borrowed? Yes.

I agree with chicken wings but what about us CANADIENS well I guess beaver tails (which is apperently not meat) is good 4 us btw I hae never had bever tail

Influenced? Nah. Borrowed? Yes.

Eh, not really. For example, American Chinese food only vaguely resembles real Chinese food(Americans aren't very big into eating bullots or using duck blood as salad dressing), and the fortune cookie remains one of the most American foods you can eat. To say that the US basically plagarized what other countries were eating would be misleading. Immigrants brought their ethnic cuisine over with them, and their diets became absorbed into the national cuisine as these immigrants became Americans. In that sense, the unique combination of foods is very much American. Not to mention the food became very warped in the process. Bratwurst and the American hot dog taste verryy different from each other.

sorry had not hae

I agree with chicken wings but what about us CANADIENS well I guess beaver tails (which is apperently not meat) is good 4 us btw I hae never had bever tail

I believe the Catholic Church decided that because beavers live in water they were fish and could therefore be eaten on Fridays. Rather than beaver tasting like fish when you eat them.

Llamas were utilised for trade caravans.

Llamas were farther south; the Inca (or their ancestors) domesticated them. They might have gone to Mexico through traders, but I don't think there were routes that far north, and the lack of llamas in Mexico now makes me think they stayed in South America.
Guns, Germs, and Steel talked about this some, actually. It's interesting, out of the few animals that can be domesticated and used for carrying people or things, the llama is the only one native to the Western Hemisphere.

Llamas were farther south; the Inca (or their ancestors) domesticated them. They might have gone to Mexico through traders, but I don't think there were routes that far north, and the lack of llamas in Mexico now makes me think they stayed in South America.
Guns, Germs, and Steel talked about this some, actually. It's interesting, out of the few animals that can be domesticated and used for carrying people or things, the llama is the only one native to the Western Hemisphere.

Where did cows come from, or horses?

Where did cows come from?
I forget. The Middle East, maybe?
EDIT: Wikipedia says the ancestor of modern cattle lived in North Africa, Europe, and much of Asia. Horses definitely came from the Eastern Hemisphere; wild mustangs are descended from colonial horses who escaped or were let free.

Where did cows come from, or horses?

Cows are descended from aurochs which were European wild cattle. Horses porbably came from wild horses domesticated in the steppes.

I forget. The Middle East, maybe?
EDIT: Wikipedia says the ancestor of modern cattle lived in North Africa, Europe, and much of Asia. Horses definitely came from the Eastern Hemisphere; wild mustangs are descended from colonial horses who escaped or were let free.

I'd check wiki on the horses as well. I think Guns, Germs and Steel my be a little out date.

I'd check wiki on the horses as well. I think Guns, Germs and Steel my be a little out date.

I guess there must have been some sort of bovine equivalent in the Western Hemisphere. Like the bison and the buffalo, right?

I'd check wiki on the horses as well. I think Guns, Germs and Steel my be a little out date.
I'm sure it is, but I think the origin of these animals is pretty well established. If horses and cattle did live in the Western Hemisphere, it was long enough ago that they weren't domesticated.

I guess there must have been some sort of bovine equivalent in the Western Hemisphere. Like the bison and the buffalo, right?

Aurochs, also buffalo live in Europe in Poland and the Ukraine.

I'm sure it is, but I think the origin of these animals is pretty well established. If horses and cattle did live in the Western Hemisphere, it was long enough ago that they weren't domesticated.

OK, what defintion are you using for Western hemisphere?

Are you including Europe?

It's interesting, out of the few animals that can be domesticated and used for carrying people or things, the llama is the only one native to the Western Hemisphere.

And camels. Camels evolved there.

Aurochs, also buffalo live in Europe in Poland and the Ukraine.

I am well aware of that, Adu. It's just that before the cow came to the Western Hemisphere, was there any other type of bovine there? Bison and buffalo come to mind.

And camels. Camels evolved there.
Huh, I didn't know that. How did they get to Africa?
Anyway, the original statement was about whether or not the Aztecs had animals they could have milked, so I was thinking about what existed in the 14th-16 centuries.

Huh, I didn't know that. How did they get to Africa?
Anyway, the original statement was about whether or not the Aztecs had animals they could have milked, so I was thinking about what existed in the 14th-16 centuries.

I read somewhere that the Aztec had deer. Apparently they milked the deer to make cheese.

I read somewhere that the Aztec had deer. Apparently they milked the deer to make cheese.
I guess that would work. Did they just catch and release them, or did they have deer farms?

I guess that would work. Did they just catch and release them, or did they have deer farms?

Some where domesticated.

Huh, I didn't know that. How did they get to Africa?

The Arabs brought them. They walked by themselves into Asia, then thousands of years later were brought by Arabs into the Middle East and Africa.

The Arabs brought them. They walked by themselves into Asia, then thousands of years later were brought by Arabs into the Middle East and Africa.

Wait, I'm confused. Did he say camels were native to the Americas or Asia?

Wait, I'm confused. Did he say camels were native to the Americas or Asia?

I think he said they were native to the Middle East. I think.

I think he said they were native to the Middle East. I think.
Okay, that's a little less surprising. I thought he said they were native to North America. My mistake.

Okay, that's a little less surprising. I thought he said they were native to North America. My mistake.

I did. They evolved in North America, crossed into Asia, then were brought into the Middle East and Africa by Arabs.

I did. They evolved in North America, crossed into Asia, then were brought into the Middle East and Africa by Arabs.
North America→Asia→Middle East, got it. Thanks.

We are the melting pot of the world...


Or something.

I'm sure someone said apple pie by now. Deep fried Oreos anyone? Steak? Venison?