Yankee Cuisine

 

    

     I spent last week in search of the authentic Yankee Cuisine.  But not knowing what exactly that was, I wasn't sure I'd know when I found it.  After all, New England is composed of 6 very different states, with only a few common bonds.  So I began to give serious thought to what I should be looking for.  Two elements immediately came to mind as requisites in my search: population and produce.  What is available to prepare by the residents who live there?

     Some things immediately come to mind, like seafood, especially lobsters, but not ignoring other fish like scrod and haddock and also clams, mussels and scallops. There is also a wealth of food produced from dairy products, too, like the wonderful Vermont classic cheddar cheese.  And of course cranberry anything, not to mention all the wonderful things that utilize russet potatoes.  Blueberries always taste sweeter when they just are picked in the wild and who could forget that amazing maple syrup that is just about ready to be boiled down now from tree sap?

     All those items are crafted into amazing meals created by a variety of cultures.  For not only are there traditional "Pilgrim" meals like the iconic Thanksgiving meal with turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, but also great Italian pasta dishes that artfully combine red gravy with the fruitta di mare, fruit of the sea.  And don't forget the contribution of the Portuguese that highlights sausages like chorizo and linguica.  And in the northern reaches there is a considerable French influence on the cuisine with the classic poutine comfort food.

 



          Certain foods are associated with Yankee cuisine, too.  Names like crumbles, betties, grunts, stuffies, wiggles, grinders, red flannel hash, boiled dinners, sea moss pudding and frappes all bring New England to mind.  And some of our favorite foods are synonymous with the region, like Boston Creme Pie (actually a cake) and Parker House Rolls.

     New Englanders have done well with what they have.  They have learned to use foods that are plentiful and prepared very simply.  Yankee cuisine is plain in a good way-simple, direct flavors that permit the quality of the basic ingredients shine through.

     So join me on my journey through New England in the name of culinary research...