DIG IN!

CLASSIC COMFORT FOODS FROM ALL 50 STATES

- Emily Tyra

Fried
Green Tomatoes

The book and blockbuster film (both written by Birmingham-born Fannie Flagg) are beloved by Alabamians. So are tangy slices of tomatoes plucked still green from the garden, dredged in a seasoned cornmeal coating and crisped in a cast-iron skillet.

ALASKA
Kenai Dip

A bold and smoky mix of grated sharp cheddar, creamy mayo, spices and jalapeno peppers is a deli counter darling in the 49th state, ready to scoop up with tortilla chips, slather on a burger or take a grilled cheese sandwich to new peaks.

ARKANSAS
Fried Pickles

Bernell "Fatman" Austin perfected the fried pickle at his tiny pink drive-in in Pope County in 1963: a plump dill sliced lengthwise, dunked in spicy batter and fried till golden.

CALIFORNIA
Ice Cream

Here's the scoop: Not only does the Golden State lead the nation in ice cream production, but Oakland is also the birthplace of Rocky Road. The marshmallow-and-nut-studded flavor was originally intended to help buoy sinking spirits during the rocky times following the stock market crash in 1929.

ARIZONA
Chimichanga

A Spanish slang word for “thingamajig,” this deep-fried masterpiece is said to have made its debut in Tucson in the late 1940s when Monica Flin, the owner of El Charro Café, fumbled a beef burrito into hot cooking oil and cried out “Chimichanga!” instead of swearing.

COLORADO
Green Chili

From burritos to french fries to hot dogs, there are few foods Coloradans haven’t smothered with this rich pork stew simmered with mild green chile peppers. Purists prefer it in a bowl, with warm tortillas to dunk.

CONNECTICUT
Apizza