Ask a passerby what states make up the Midwestern United States, and you will get a different answer every time. Some will even say that the Midwest includes everything between New York and California except for the deep South. Growing up in Wisconsin, I never really considered North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri to be part of the Midwest, but I believe they technically are along with Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.
I only mention the Midwest, because I want to recommend three cookbooks from the Heartland that I own and appreciate. Each contains recipes from a broad range of Midwestern states and would make a wonderful gift singly or as a trio. Practical, beautiful, and interesting reads, you may want to add them to your own collection to turn to repeatedly in the kitchen for inspiration and guidance. New or tried and true, these cookbooks are certainly worth a peek:
I only mention the Midwest, because I want to recommend three cookbooks from the Heartland that I own and appreciate. Each contains recipes from a broad range of Midwestern states and would make a wonderful gift singly or as a trio. Practical, beautiful, and interesting reads, you may want to add them to your own collection to turn to repeatedly in the kitchen for inspiration and guidance. New or tried and true, these cookbooks are certainly worth a peek:
Celebrating the Midwestern Table by Abby Mandel
The New Midwestern Table by Amy Thielen
Prairie Home Cooking by Judith M. Fertig
I found a favorite new and easy pea salad in Prairie Home Cooking that I wanted to share. In late spring, our local farm stand carries two cup bags of fresh shelled peas. Exceptionally flavorful and perfect for this salad, these peas are worth buying in bulk and freezing for future use in any number of recipes like this throughout the year.
Use turkey or uncured bacon, whole grain pasta, and well-aged cheddar for nutrients and full flavor.
Iowa Pea Salad
3 strips bacon, fried crisp and crumbled
1/2 cup chopped green onions with some green
2 cups cooked peas, fresh or frozen and thawed
1 cup cooked macaroni
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Combine all ingredients. Chill for at least 2 hours.
