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Eight layers of moist yellow cake, each slathered with a rich chocolate frosting, is what makes up the Smith Island Cake. It's decadent, it's unforgiving...and it could soon be Maryland's own.
Maryland is prepared to designate four-generation-old confection as its state cake, joining only two other states who have cakes to their names: Massachusetts' Boston Creme Pie, and South Dakota's kuchen (a German cake with a custard filling).
NPR has a fun story about the cake and its history, which originated on Smith Island, about 12 miles off Maryland's coast, across the Chesapeake Bay.
But recognizing certain symbols, songs and foods as your state's own isn't as unique as it once was. Wikipedia lists some state's claims to fame, some of which are downright ridiculous (Iowa's "state sweet" is the Jelly Baby?!) but fun to learn. In fact, I think all of our readers should amend the U.S. state foods Wiki page - let's see how crazy we can get before someone flags our entries!
There's even a cute kiddie cookbook featuring meals from all 50 states.
And while you're dreaming up new feature foods for your state, check out the 10-layer version of the Smith Island cake here.
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3-20-2008 @1:32PM Mel said... No!!! Do not go to Wikipedia and start putting in bogus entries! People volunteer their time to clean up Wikipedia, why would you want to make more work for them?!?!
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3-20-2008 @1:05PM Will Butler said... Seriously, don't do that, it's stupid. It's the internet equivalent of littering or graffiti. Perhaps you and your blog would appreciate someone tagging each post with 20 or 30 messages for penis enlargement or no prescription Viagra.
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3-20-2008 @1:08PM Ellen Slattery said... Wow..I can see how well joking goes over on this site. *Note to self: NEVER. JOKE. AGAIN.*
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3-20-2008 @4:11PM Laura said... Smith Island Cakes are the best. Growing up in Annapolis, and now residing on the Eastern Shore, I am very familiar with this fashion of cake. In fact, my husband had this as our grooms cake at our wedding. It would be lovely to have this be named our state cake. Thanks for sharing the story!
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3-20-2008 @1:17PM Ellen Slattery said... Laura, what a great story! I actually grew up in Crofton, about 20 mins. from Annapolis. I'm psyched that you hail from the Eastern Shore.
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3-20-2008 @1:43PM Fash said... I've always assumed the Lady Baltimore cake already wore this crown...
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3-20-2008 @2:19PM Numb said... Lol Ellen - as soon as I saw that part of your post I knew it wouldn't be long before the Wikinazis were here yelling at you for being irresponsible or whatever else.
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3-20-2008 @2:20PM Ellen Slattery said... I guess I'm getting quite a rep around here, eh Numb? :oP
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3-20-2008 @3:10PM Numb said... Speaking of which Ellen, I'm not sure if you ever saw me clarify my point in regards to your vegan sausage post. If not, please do as I think my point will come through a little better this time: http://www.slashfood.com/2008/03/11/vegan-sausages-take-over-the-world/#comments
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3-20-2008 @3:12PM Ellen Slattery said... I did, Numb - thanks for clarifying. I definitely know what you're saying. I'd like to think this signals that we have reached a happy medium - well, at least until I say something else controversial :)
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3-20-2008 @4:16PM Laura said... Ellen - I am very familiar with Crofton! My mom ran a boarding stable in Davidsonville, so we were always going to lunch in Crofton. :)
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3-20-2008 @4:45PM Hilary said... Am I the only one to notice this sounds exactly like a round version of a seven layer cake you would find at any Jewish bakery?
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3-22-2008 @11:02AM toro said... Please link to our site.
Hellow!
I am toro.
I live in Japan.
I am studying about ice cream and sugary foods.
And I would especially like to collect data about ice cream.
Because of the link to your site.
We hope to link this site please!
http://toro-abcsong.blogspot.com/
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