1. Midwest The “breadbasket” of the nation

2. States of the Midwest North Dakota South Dakota Nebraska Kansas Oklahoma Minnesota Iowa Missouri Wisconsin Illinois Michigan Indiana Ohio

3. About the Land Rich soil Good climate Advanced farming techniques

4. Exported crops (WORLDWIDE) Corn Wheat Soy

5. Livestock/Dairy Large quantities produced: Beef Pork Lamb Poultry Recognized for dairy production: Wisconsin Minnesota –Alton Brown - Mac & Cheese (4 mins)Alton Brown - Mac & Cheese

6. Other News Worthy States Kansas –Leading producer of wheat in the United States Iowa –Leading producer of soybeans and corn in the United States –Beef is also an important export of Iowa Best Burger in Iowa (3 mins)Best Burger in Iowa

7. County/State Fairs Popular items judged: Cakes Pies Homemade breads Cookies Jams Jellies

8. Popular Festivals Cities and towns hold festivals based on harvests of the following products –Apples –Pumpkins –Strawberries –Other fruits and vegetables

9. 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

10. 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 - made easy (4 mins)made easy Brownies

11. A Midwest breakfast Hot cereal Pancakes Bacon Eggs Toast Coffee

12. 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”