Minnesota

These recipes showcase just some of the foods that Minnesota is famous for. “The North Star State” was the 32nd state to join the U.S.A in 1858. It’s home to more than 10,000 lakes (Minnesota is also called the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”), including the largest lake in the United States – Lake Superior. All that water makes for perfect growing conditions for wild rice, which is not actually rice at all, but grass seed. It’s Minnesota’s state grain and our favorite way to use it is in wild rice soup.

If you visit Minnesota, be sure to try a Juicy Lucy burger in Minneapolis. Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club both claim to be the original inventors of the controversial burger with cheese stuffed in the middle. Also popular is “hot dish” which is a blanket term for a casserole, although tater tot casserole is one of the most popular.

Norwegian and Swedish immigrants made up a large part of Minnesota’s early population and brought with them beloved dishes like Swedish meatballs.

And when it comes to dessert you have Minnesota to thank for bundt cakes – the design we are familiar with today was introduced there in the 1950’s by Nordic Ware. You’re also likely to see plenty of bars when you visit Minnesota. We’re talking about square-shaped desserts baked in a rectangular baking dish with everything from scotcheroos to lemon bars being popular.