"state food" news and stories

If you're from Indiana, chances are popcorn defines you. Well, at least in food terms. But if you're an Iowan, do you really want to say you're known for "loose meat sandwiches?" According to Eater, and website My Food Looks Funny, yes, indeed. The latter has put together a map of the most representative foods from all 50 states (yes, Hawaii is for pineapple people--surprise!). Check out the map and let us know what you think in the Comments section. We're talkin' to you, Utah: green Jell-O?

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.

Unlike some states, there is no state food of Indiana, but if you want to inject something from the state into your SuperBowl menu, there are lots of foods that originated in or are otherwise associated with the crossroads of America. For example, Van Camp's Beans was established in Indianapolis in 1861 as a result of the popularity of pork and bean dishes with the early residents. Clabber Girl baking powder, Wonderbread, Gatorade and Endangered Species Chocolate all originated in the state as well, and there have been many noted Indiana fans who also got into the food business, like Orville Reddenbacher.

So, an Indy-oriented menu will have baked goods (made with baking powder), pork and beans, chocolate and popcorn. If you can find some at the market, you could add deep fried strawberries in for dessert, or opt for other fair foods, like corn on the cob dipped in butter. But according to the Indy Star, the one food that really says Indiana is a breaded pork tenderloin sandwich (Hoosier rib-eye sandwich is a close second). You can find a recipe for this (semi) regional treat here.

This week, the Florida Senate passed a bill making Key Lime Pie the official state pie; the measure now goes to the House. Earlier this year, there had been some discussion that pecan pie should be the state pie, given the large number of pecan farms in the state. This isn't the first time legislators have tried to pass a measure giving the key lime pie, either. In 1988, similar legislation was introduced, but it failed. As for other state pies, apple pie is the state pie of Vermont and here's a list of official state foods.