The “breadbasket” of the nation Midwest The “breadbasket” of the nation
States of the Midwest North Dakota South Dakota Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma Minnesota Iowa Missouri Wisconsin Illinois Michigan Indiana Ohio
About the Land Rich soil Good climate Advanced farming techniques
Exported crops (WORLDWIDE) Soy Corn Wheat
Livestock/Dairy Large quantities produced: Beef Pork Lamb Poultry Recognized for dairy production: Wisconsin Minnesota
Other News Worthy States Kansas Leading producer of wheat in the United States Iowa Leading producer of soybeans and corn in the United States
County/State Fairs Popular items judged: Cakes Pies Homemade breads Cookies Jams Jellies
Popular Festivals Cities and towns hold festivals based on harvests of the following products Apples Pumpkins Strawberries Other fruits and vegetables
Let’s All Share Buffet- Dinners created to satisfy hunger of farmers during harvest time Potluck- Shared meal; each family brings a dish to share
Foods of the Midwest Broiled steak Roast beef Baked/hash brown potatoes Corn on the cob Coleslaw Tomatoes (from garden) Home baked rolls Apple pie Brownies
A Midwest breakfast Hot cereal Pancakes Bacon Eggs Toast Coffee
A Few Midwest Tidbits Cooking is hearty and uncomplicated “Comfort foods” History of the potluck… These meals get their name from a tradition of hospitality in which a prepared meal would be shared with an unexpected guest. Since the cook did not know the guest was coming, the guest would have to take “the luck of the pot”