"Smith Island" news and stories

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.