AMERICAN CUISINE

 refers to food preparation originating from the United States of America. European

colonization of the Americas yielded the introduction of a number of ingredients and
cooking styles to the latter. The various styles continued expanding well into the 19th and
20th centuries, proportional to the influx of immigrants from many foreign nations; such
influx developed a rich diversity in food preparation throughout the country.

Economy & History of the United States

 The economy of the United States is the world's largest single national economy. The
United States' nominal GDP was estimated to be $16.6 trillion in June 2013,
[1]
 approximately a quarter of nominal global GDP.[2] Its GDP at purchasing power parity
largest of any single country in the world, approximately a fifth of the global total.
[2]
 The United States has a mixed economy[22][23] and has maintained a stable overall GDP
growth rate, a moderate unemployment rate, and high levels of research and capital
investment. Its five largest trading partners are Canada, China, Mexico, Japan,
and Germany.

 The US has abundant natural resources, a well-developed infrastructure, and high

productivity.[24] It has the world's sixth-highest per capita GDP (PPP).[2] The U.S. is the
world's third-largest producer of oil and second-largest producer of natural gas. It is the
second-largest trading nation in the world behind China.[25] It has been the world's largest
national economy (not including colonial empires) since at least the1890s.[26] 

 The US has abundant natural resources, a well-developed infrastructure, and high

productivity.[24] It has the world's sixth-highest per capita GDP (PPP).[2] The U.S. is the
world's third-largest producer of oil and second-largest producer of natural gas. It is the
second-largest trading nation in the world behind China.[25] It has been the world's largest
national economy (not including colonial empires) since at least the1890s.[26] 
  As of 2010, the country remains the world's largest manufacturer, representing a fifth of
the global manufacturing output.[27] Of the world's 500 largest companies, 132 are
headquartered in the US, twice that of any other country.[28] The country has one of the
world's largest and most influential financial markets. The New York Stock Exchange is
by far the world's largest stock exchange by market capitalization.

Seafood

 Seafood in the United States originated with the Native Americans, who often
ate cod, lemon sole, flounder, herring, halibut, sturgeon, smelt, drum on the East Coast,
and olachen and salmon on the West Coast. Whale was hunted by Native Americans off
the Northwest coast, especially by the Makah, and used for their meat and oil.[1] Seal and
walrus were also eaten, in addition to
eel from New York's Finger
Lakes region.  

  Catfish was also popular amongst

native peoples, including the Modocs.
Crustacean included shrimp,  lobster, 
crayfish, and  dungeness crabs in the
Northwest and blue crabs in the East.
Other shellfish
include abalone and geoduck on the
West Coast, while on the East Coast
the surf clam, quahog, and the soft-
shell clam. Oysters were eaten on both
shores, as
were mussels and periwinkles.
 Flounder

Crayfish
Dungeness Crab.

Blue Crab
 Abalone

Geoduck
Cooking methods

 Early Native Americans utilized a number of cooking methods in early American Cuisine
that have been blended with early European cooking methods to form the basis of
American Cuisine. Grilling meats was common. Spit roasting over a pit fire was common
as well. Vegetables, especially root vegetables were often cooked directly in the ashes of
the fire. As early Native Americans lacked pottery that could be used directly over a fire,
they developed a technique which has caused many anthropologists to call them "Stone
Boilers".

 They would heat rocks directly in a fire and then add the bricks to a pot filled with water
until it came to a boil so that it would cook the meat or vegetables in the boiling water. In
what is now the Southwestern United States, they also created adobe ovens
called hornos to bake items such as cornmeal breads, and in other parts of America, made
ovens of dug pits. These pits were also used to steam foods by adding heated rocks or
 embers and then seaweed or corn husks placed on top to steam fish and shellfish as well
as vegetables; potatoes would be added while still in-skin and corn while in-husk, this
would later be referred to as a clambake by the colonists.

Clambake
Livestock

 Commonly hunted game included deer, bear, buffalo and wild turkey. The larger muscles
of the animals were roasted and served with currant sauce, while the other smaller
portions went into soups, stews, sausages, pies, and pasties.[10] In addition to game,
colonists' protein intake was supplemented by mutton. The Spanish in Florida originally
introduced sheep to the New World, but this development never quite reached the North,
and there they were introduced by the Dutch and English.

Fats and oils

 A number of fats and oils made from animals served to cook much of the colonial foods.
Many homes had a sack made of deerskin filled with bear oil for cooking, while
solidified bear fat resembled shortening. Renderedpork fat made the most popular
cooking medium, especially from the cooking of bacon. Pork fat was used more often in
the southern colonies

than the northern colonies as the Spanish introduced pigs earlier to the South. The
colonists enjoyed butter in cooking as well, but it was rare prior to the American
Revolution, as cattle were not yet plentiful.[14]

Alcoholic drinks

 Prior to the Revolution, New Englanders consumed large quantities of rum and beer, as

maritime trade provided them relatively easy access to the goods needed to produce these
items: Rum was the distilled spirit of choice, as the main ingredient, molasses, was
 readily available from trade with the West Indies. Further into the interior, however, one
would often find colonists consuming whiskey, as they did not have similar access to
sugar cane. They did have ready access to corn and rye, which they used to produce their
whiskey.[15]However, until the Revolution, many considered whiskey to be a coarse
alcohol unfit for human consumption, as many believed that it caused the poor to become
raucous and unkempt drunkards.[16] In addition to these alcohol-based products produced
in America, imports were seen on merchant shelves, including wine and brandy.

Southern variations

 In comparison to the northern colonies, the southern colonies were quite diverse in their
agricultural diet and did not have a central region of culture. The uplands and the
lowlands made up the two main parts of the southern colonies. The slaves and poor of the
south often ate a similar diet, which consisted of many of the indigenous New World
crops. Salted or smoked pork often supplement the vegetable diet. Rural poor often
ate squirrel, possum, rabbit and other woodland animals. Those on the “rice coast” often
ate ample amounts of rice, while the grain for the rest of the southern poor and slaves
was cornmeal used in breads and porridges. Wheat was not an option for most of those
that lived in the southern colonies.[18]

 The diet of the uplands often included cabbage, string beans, white potatoes, while most
avoided sweet potatoes and peanuts. Well-off whites in the uplands avoided crops
imported from Africa because of the perceived inferiority of crops of the African slaves.
Those who could grow or afford wheat often had biscuits as part of their breakfast, along
with healthy portions of pork. Salted pork was a staple of any meal, as it was used in the
preparations of vegetables for flavor, in addition to being eaten directly as a protein.[19]

 During the 18th and 19th centuries, Americans developed many new foods. Some, such
as Rocky Mountain oysters, stayed regional; some spread throughout the nation but with
little international appeal, such as peanut butter (a core ingredient of the famous peanut
butter and jelly sandwich); and some spread throughout the world, such as
the cookie, popcorn, Coca-Cola and its competitors, fried chicken, cornbread,
unleavened muffins such as the poppyseed muffin, and brownies.

 Modern cuisine

 A restaurant dish consisting of smaller versions of three different hamburgers available in

the restaurant, each with different toppings, accompanied with French fries,
coleslaw, jalapeños, ketchup and sweet chili sauce.
  General Mills, Campbell's, Kraft Foods). One characteristic of American cooking is
the fusion of multiple ethnic or regional approaches into completely new cooking styles.
Hamburgers and hot dogs from German cuisine, spaghetti and pizza from Italian cuisine
became popular. Since the 1960s Asian cooking has played a particularly large role in
American fusion cuisine.[25]

 Similarly, some dishes that are typically considered American have their origins in other
countries. American cooks and chefs have substantially altered these dishes over the
years, to the degree that the dishes now enjoyed around the world are considered to be
American. Hot dogs and hamburgers are both based on traditional German dishes, but in
their modern popular form they can be reasonably considered American dishes.[26]

 Pizza is based on the traditional Italian dish, brought by Italian immigrants to the United

States, but varies highly in style based on the region of development since it's arrival (a
"Chicago" style has focus on a thicker, more bread-like crust, whereas a "New York
Slice" is known to have a much thinner crust, for example) and these types can be
advertised throughout the country and are generally recognizable/well-known (with some
restaurants going so far as to import New York City tap water from a thousand or more
miles away to recreate the signature style in other regions).[27]

 Many companies in the American food industry develop new products requiring minimal

preparation, such as frozen entrees.[28] Many of these recipes have become very popular.
For example, the General Mills Betty Crocker's Cookbook, first published in 1950 and
currently in its 10th edition,[29] is commonly found in American homes.[30]

 A wave of celebrity chefs began with Julia Child and Graham Kerr in the 1970s, with

many more following after the rise of cable channels like Food Network. Trendy food
items in the 2000s and 2010s (albeit with long traditions)
include doughnuts, cupcakes, macaroons, and meatballs.[31]

CULTURE AND CUSTOMS

 Smoking – Smoking indoors in public places is illegal in California, with no exceptions.

There are even certain areas outdoors, such as near building entrances, where smoking is
prohibited. There are, however, a limited number of homestay hosts who allow smoking
inside the house.

 Drugs – Buying and selling illicit drugs is illegal in the U.S. If you are found carrying
drugs either in school or in public, you may be arrested.

 Women – Women in the U.S. are seen as equal to men, and should be treated fairly. It is
normal for men and women to do an equal share of the household tasks and childcare.
This may not be the case in certain more traditional American families and every couple
has their own arrangement.
  Safety for women: It is not a good idea for women to walk around on their own at night.
Make sure that you use registered taxis and try to stay with a group as much as possible.

 Personal Hygiene – Restrooms It is customary to flush the toilet after use and to dispose
of toilet paper in the toilet.

 Ladies’ sanitary napkins should, however, be placed in the trashcan. Tissues - It is

American custom to blow your nose with a tissue. Some people keep a tissue or a
handkerchief up their sleeve or in their pocket.

 Spitting - In the U.S., it is extremely rude to spit in public.

 Water – The water in the taps is clean enough to drink and brush your teeth with. Some
people prefer to drink bottled water and some people filter their water in a pitcher before
they drink it.

 Meal times – Most Americans eat three times a day. Breakfast can be a small meal of
cereal, toast or some fruit, or a more substantial cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon or
omelettes, according to preference. People in the U.S. usually eat a light lunch – soup,
sandwiches or a salad are the most common foods chosen for a weekday lunch. This is
normally eaten between 12 and 2pm. In the U.S., the evening meal is usually eaten
between 5:30pm and 7:30pm. This is usually called ‘supper’ or ‘dinner.’ It is normally a
large meal, consisting of meat or fish and vegetables, a dish made with eggs, pasta or
pizza.

 Eating in restaurants - Americans are very polite to waiters in restaurants. If you want a
waiter to come to your table, you should raise your hand, but not snap your fingers. To
attract their attention when they are close by, you should say ‘excuse me.’

American table manners and customs:

 If you put your knife and fork on your plate, a waiter will think that you have finished
eating. If you want to take a break but have not yet finished, place your knife and fork by
the side of your plate. A good waiter will not clear your plate from the table when you
have finished eating.

 In the U.S., it is considered very bad manners to put your elbows on the table and to
speak with your mouth full. It is also not polite to make a lot of noise when you eat;
chewing noisily and slurping are bad manners in the U.S.

 Tip/Gratuity

 It is customary to leave a tip of 15% of the bill at the end of the meal UNLESS the bill
says Gratuity Included.

 Alcohol – It is illegal for young people under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. If you
look younger than 30 you may be asked to provide photo ID in the form of a passport or
 driver’s license. It is acceptable in American culture for men and women to drink as a
form of social behavior.

Meeting and Greeting:

 Most people shake hands when they meet for the first
time or in a formal situation. When people are good
friends, they will sometimes hug each other to say
hello, goodbye or thank you.

Eye contact:

 In public, and particularly on public transport, people

avoid making eye contact with strangers. Most people
either read or look towards the ground slightly rather than at peoples’ faces. People in
America find it uncomfortable if they feel as though someone is watching them.

 ‘Excuse Me’ There are many occasions to use “excuse me” or “sorry” to be polite. Here
are a few examples:

 • We say ‘excuse me’ or ‘sorry’ if we bump into someone, or if someone bumps into us

 • We say ‘sorry?’ when we haven’t heard someone.

Herbs & Spices

 The term "spices" is often used broadly to include all seasonings. Spices come from the
bark, roots, leaves, stems, buds, seeds, or fruit of aromatic plants and trees which usually
grow only in tropical countries. Pepper, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, mace, cinnamon,
ginger, saffron, and turmeric are spices.

 Herbs are soft, succulent plants which usually grow in the temperate zone. Until recently
cooks have had to make do with very few fresh herbs, such as sage, parsley, and thyme.
Nowadays you can also find fresh basil, coriander, chervil, tarragon, rosemary, and dill.
Since herbs are at their best when they are young and freshly picked, it is well worth
growing your own. 

America’s Top Ten Favorite Foods

 1. Hamburgers

A hamburger (also called a beef

burger, hamburger
sandwich, burger or hamburg) is
a sandwich consisting of one or more
cooked patties ofground meat (usually beef)
usually placed inside a sliced hamburger bun.
Hamburgers are often
servedwith lettuce, bacon, tomato, onion, pickles
,cheese and condiments suchas mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup and relish.[1]

2. Hot Dogs

A hot dog is a cooked sausage, traditionally

grilled or steamed and served in a sliced bun as
a sandwich.[2][3][4][5] Hot dog variants include the
 corn dogdipped in corn batter and deep fried, 
pigs in blankets wrapped in dough, baked, and
served as hors d'oeuvres, and Beanie
Weenies chopped and mixed with baked beans.
Typical hot
dog garnishes include mustard, ketchup, onions,
 mayonnaise, relish, 

3. French Fries

French fries (American English) or chips,[1] fries,

[2]
 finger chips,[3] or French-fried potatoes are batons
of deep-fried potato.[4] Americansand
most Canadians refer to any elongated pieces of fried
potatoes as fries, while in the United
Kingdom, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand, long,
thinly cut slices of fried potatoes are sometimes
called fries to distinguish them from the more thickly
cut strips called chips.

4. Oreo Cookies:
THE NUMBER ONE COOKIE

Oreo is a sandwich cookie consisting of two chocolate disks with a sweet cream filling in

between. The version currently sold in the United States is made by the Nabisco division
of Mondelēz International. Oreo has become the best selling cookie in the United States since
its introduction in 1912.

5. Pizza

New York-style pizza originated in New

York City in the early 1900s, and in 1905, the

first pizza establishment in the United States was
opened in New York's Little Italy.[1] It is known
for its large, wide, thin, and foldable yet crispy
shape.[2] New York-style pizza is a common style
that may be confused with New Haven-style
pizza, due to New Haven's variety also typically
being thin-crusted. The pizza is sold by the slice
and as a whole pie, and is particularly popular
in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Regional variations exist in Northeast and other
states in the U.S.
 6. Soda - Soft Drinks

A soft drink is a beverage that typically

contains water, usually a sweetener and
usually a flavoring agent. The sweetener
may be sugar, high-fructose corn syrup,
fruit juice, sugar substitutes or some
combination of these

7. Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders, also known as chicken

fingers, chicken goujons, chicken
strips or chicken fillets, are chicken
meat prepared from the pectoralis minor
muscles of the animal. These strips of white
meat are located on either side of the
breastbone, under the breast meat (pectoralis
major).
Chicken tenders are prepared by dipping
chicken meat in a breading mixture and
then deep frying them, in a manner similar to
the preparation ofSchnitzel.
8. Ice cream
Ice cream (derived from earlier iced cream or cream
ice[1]) is a frozen dessert usually made from dairy
products, such as milk and cream and often combined
with fruits or other ingredients and flavours. Most
varieties contain sugar, although some are made with
other sweeteners. In some cases,
artificial flavourings and colourings are used in
addition to, or instead of, the natural ingredients. The
mixture of chosen ingredients is stirred slowly while
cooling, in order to incorporate air and to prevent
large ice crystals from forming. The result is a
smoothly textured semi-solid foam that is malleable
and can be scooped.
The meaning of the phrase "ice cream" varies from
one country to another. Phrases such as "frozen
custard", "frozen yogurt", "sorbet", "gelato" and
others are used to distinguish different varieties and
styles.

9. Donuts (Doughnut)
A doughnut or donut (/ˈdoʊnət/ or /ˈdoʊnʌt/) (see spelling
differences) is a type of fried
dough confectionery or dessert food. The doughnut is
popular in many countries and prepared in various forms as
a sweet snack that can be homemade or purchased in
bakeries, supermarkets, food stalls, and franchised specialty
outlets. They are usually deep-fried from a flour dough, and
typically either ring-shaped or without a hole and often filled. Other types of batters can
also be used, and various toppings and flavorings are used for different types, such as
sugar, chocolate, or maple glazing. In addition to flour, doughnuts may also include such
ingredients as water, leavening, eggs, milk, sugar, oil/shortening, natural flavors and/or
artificial flavors.
 10. Potato Chips: The # 1 Snack Food

A potato chip (American English) or crisp (British

English) is a thin slice of potato that is deep fried or
baked until crunchy. Potato chips are commonly
served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. The basic
chips are cooked and salted; additional varieties are
manufactured using various flavorings and
ingredients
including seasonings, herbs, spices, cheeses, and
artificial additives.
 "Crisps", however, may also refer to many different types of savory snack products sold in
the United Kingdom and Ireland, some made from potato, but some made
from corn, tapioca or other cereals, just as there are other varieties of chips in the United
States.