Pacific & Southwest Regional Foods

Now that the 2012 Olympic Games are in full swing, you've probably settled on a favorite event and/or a favorite athlete, especially if they share your home state (I think it's fun to cheer for co-state-natives).

Over the next few weeks I thought it would be fun to feature a recipe from each state. I started the series off with 4 Northwest Regional Favorites and now it's on to the Southwest and Pacific states to see what yummies we can discover.

Strawberry Filled Crepes

Yes, I realize California is known for its grapes, but since I couldn't find a feature worthy grape recipe, I settled for Strawberry Filled Crepes. Close right? Technically, a strawberry is small and round and juicy, just like a grape - so can't we consider them cousins or something? Anyway, enjoy.

Smothered Barbecue Chicken

During my research into popular foods from each state, I was surprised to learn that Nevada's most popular food is...The Buffet. Really? The Buffet? Is that on the food pyramid? Well, anyway who am I to argue with Google, so I found a recipe I thought might be fun on a buffet, our Smothered Barbecue Chicken!

Crock Pot Tacos

My search for an authentic Arizona Fry Bread recipe left me empty handed. But not to worry! I found this Crockpot Taco recipe instead and figured New Mexico wouldn't mind letting Arizona boast this one, at least  not here on the blog. I love crock pot recipes!

Crockpot Sticky Chicken

The state of Utah, home to the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and proud sponsor of Green Jello, was a bit of a puzzle. When I think of featured foods from each state, I think of foods found in nature in some form or other. Green Jello? Whatever floats your boat! As an alternate, because sometimes that happens in the food Olympics, I thought you would enjoy our Crockpot Sticky Chicken.

Salmon Cakes

Lest we forget our friend way up north, Alaska is one of those mysterious states known for its seafood, specifically King Lobster, but again, not having a great picture of a Lobster to share...I opted for the Salmon Cakes, which are one of my personal favorites and a winner at my house!

Pineapple Upside-down Cake

And last but not least, "the Aloha state" is a foodie's paradise. Hawaii's primary notorious food is the pineapple and for that we say thank you! I found this delicious looking Pineapple Upside-down Cake in our archives and salivated. Enjoy!

Enjoy the 2012 Olympic Games and share your favorite state food with us on Facebook. Visit Alicia's Recipes for all kinds of fun foodie finds!

Traditional Americana New Year's Dishes

Happy New Year (in a few days)!  I took the liberty of researching some traditional American New Year's recipes and came up with some pretty interesting information.  First, I learned that Ham & Pork are traditional New Year's dishes in several countries around the world and the USA.

Marinated Pork Loin Roast

Why pork, you may ask?  Apparently, wild boar was often hunted, killed, and eaten throughout the cold winter months, right around New Year's, in Europe (think England, Germany, Poland) and thus became the staple feast dish at New Year's.

Cider Orange Ham

Also, pork and ham are customary New Year's main courses because pigs apparently root or dig with their noses to the ground moving forward, a preferred metaphor for approaching the new year.  This also explains why chicken, and birds in general did not make the traditional New Year's recipe list or tables.  Chickens and turkeys scratch the ground with their feet in a backwards motion, supposedly not bringing good luck to the eater of said chicken.

Salmon Cakes

Which brings me to the last bit of research.  I discovered that fish (all kinds) are considered quite lucky in most cultures (think Japan, Asia, South Pacific Islands, etc) to eat at New Year's, as they represent all sorts of metaphors for moving forward, swimming upstream and any other fish metaphor you want to add.  In North America, eating Salmon, Cod, Herring and Halibut at New Year's is considered to bring you good luck for the next year and signifies prosperity.

Hopefully you have enjoyed your little history lesson about New Year's dishes and found a recipe tempting enough for you to try!  We enjoy feedback and sharing photo results of recipes.