IowaDee

Has anyone mentioned Utah and funeral potatoes? The residents also eat more Jello than any other state.

So you're taking away "my" tenderloin? Well, I always have The Butter Cow to fall back on

Imagine moving to to Iowa in the early 70's and trying to describe an artichoke. Even hoping to find an avocado was dicey! To me, both are iconic California foods.

Iowa is the home of Eskimo Pies and the Red Delicious apple. Also known for Maid Rite sandwiches, tenderloins as big as your head and get ready, corn cob jelly. It is also home to some of the best ice cream in the world and produces huge amounts of it. I used to think it was the home of grey food coloring because so many dishes were just blah. Things have started to improve in recent years. Once in a while I even see a small bottle of Tabasco sauce on the table at a local eatery.

Yes, I do need help. The way I say always causes people to say "God bless you". after I do.

We moved to small town Iowa from big city California many years ago. I was in the one and only market looking for tortillas. I asked where they might be and said the word as I always had. A woman next to me corrected me by saying that the word was tortilla and the" till " rhymed with "fill" Later I found out that she was the Spanish teacher at the local high school! . Watcha gonna do?

Maybe she has another site for people who like to watch bulimics? Sorry that's terrible but was my first thought.

Oh God, I love those cookies too! My latest favorite is T.J's fig butter. Lightly toast a piece of cocktail bread and melt a slab of stinky cheese on it. Add a dollop of fig butter and meet a version of heaven. Extra good when washed down with champagne, but what isn't?

chocojones.....?

I probably shouldn't even mention this but wow did I score big. We have an Amish owned scratch and dent store here. They were selling 27 ounce cans of Hatch chilies for 85 cents each. Damage was so minor you really had to look. More like a scuff than a dent. Did I buy anyway? You bet I did, every single one.

Amen, Shel, exactly my thoughts. Nice if you can go that way but it isn't always possible.

Just started Anything that moves- Renegade chefs, fearless eaters and the making of a new American food culture. Author is Dana Goodyear. So far,I'm really enjoying it. Host Note: eGullet friendy link to the book

TJ's Kona coffee shortbread cookies...swoon

Anyone remember Descoware? That was good stuff. I got several pieces as wedding gifts and used them constantly. I always home in on the housewares section in thrift shops hoping to find a treasure. No luck.

Blogs like this are exactly the reason I joined this place! Thank You.

I find it interesting that Barilla has a large factory in Iowa which was one of the first states to allow gay marriage. I also refuse to buy certain products because of my feeling about the owners, Coors beer is right up there along with anything the "K' Bros control. But far be it from me to tell you what to buy and whom to buy it from. Other than making me feel better, I don't suppose my stand makes much, if any, difference.

I'm picturing a Hawaiian hula dancer broom. The grass skirt is already provided.

Well hot doggie!

The hibiscus flower is native to Mexico and the dried form can be found at most Mexican markets or any grocery store with a good selection of Latino foods. Hibiscus tea, loose and in bags is available on Amazon as well. I have also seen a powered version for sale much like Kool Aid.

Those are just beautiful. If I were Daniel, I would insist that next year you use Roman Numerals and fill the extra spaces with many !!!!!!!!!s

Isn't that the source of corn nuts? Used to love those things but now I'd be worried about breaking my teeth on them!

Bought a block of the TJ Blue Goat last week. Was told it was a seasonal item and wouldn't be available after the end of January. Get it while you can because it is good!

That post stirred up a lot of memories for me. Love everything about Mazatlan. Best shrimp ever- bought fresh from the shrimp ladies in Centro or from the guys that come right to your hotel. Even the beach vendors sell cups of shrimp ceviche. Son in law could live on the stuff but I like my shrimp cooked a bit and piled in an avocado half and washed down with a cold Pacifico Or shrimp tacos in Machado Plaza.......

I enjoyed Dearie by Bob Spitz. New insight into Julia Child.

A small point but i'm impressed by the lovely plates and dishes the food is served on. No soggy paper plates or nasty foam in sight. I'm enjoying this so very much.