How Well Do You Know American Food?

Do you love eating? Do you love America? Let's see just how well you know American cuisine. Test your smarts with this American food quiz, we guarantee you will leave hungrier than when you arrived.

What is the spice blend that's a staple in a classic Maryland crab cake?

Correct

Old Bay was created in New England to compliment the fresh seafood from the Atlantic. The spice blend has a subtle kick, an herbal quality, and a distinct salty tanginess that has been complimenting sweet fresh seafood for decades. Old Bay is extremely easy to replicate on your own, consider the possibilities!

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Old Bay was created in New England to compliment the fresh seafood from the Atlantic. The spice blend has a subtle kick, an herbal quality, and a distinct salty tanginess that has been complimenting sweet fresh seafood for decades. Old Bay is extremely easy to replicate on your own, consider the possibilities!

Where was the first McDonald's location when they opened in 1940?

Correct

The massive chain started in the small town of San Bernardino in 1940. Now, McDonald's is the most recognized restaurant in the entire world. 

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The massive chain started in the small town of San Bernardino in 1940. Now, McDonald's is the most recognized restaurant in the entire world. 

Where was the banana split invented?

Correct

The banana split was invented in 1904 by a man named David Evans Strickler. He was an apprentice at the Tassel Pharmacy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

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The banana split was invented in 1904 by a man named David Evans Strickler. He was an apprentice at the Tassel Pharmacy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

What American state is known as the "peach state?"

Correct

Georgia is the peach capital of the world, not just America. If you've ever had a Georgia peach, you probably know why. 

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Georgia is the peach capital of the world, not just America. If you've ever had a Georgia peach, you probably know why. 

What ingredient is NOT typically used while making traditional Buffalo sauce?

Correct

Buffalo sauce typically combines white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, white pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, a non-vinegar based hot sauce, and a ton of butter. You can make your own variant of the sauce, but this is the traditional way it's been made since 1964. 

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Buffalo sauce typically combines white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, white pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, a non-vinegar based hot sauce, and a ton of butter. You can make your own variant of the sauce, but this is the traditional way it's been made since 1964. 

Where was the Chocolate Chip Cookie invented?

Correct

The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Mass. in the 1930s. 

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The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Mass. in the 1930s. 

Which of these ingredients is NOT typically present in a key lime pie?

Correct

Although corn starch is a magnificent natural thickening agent, between the egg yolks and the sweetened condensed milk, key lime pie doesn't really need any additional help thickening up.

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Although corn starch is a magnificent natural thickening agent, between the egg yolks and the sweetened condensed milk, key lime pie doesn't really need any additional help thickening up.

What ingredient on this list is the only ingredient (besides lobster) that belongs on a Connecticut style lobster roll?

Correct

A Connecticut lobster roll typically has three ingredients: lobster, butter, and a roll. Anything else is considered blasphemous. 

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A Connecticut lobster roll typically has three ingredients: lobster, butter, and a roll. Anything else is considered blasphemous. 

Where is the origin of the Po Boy sandwich?

Correct

The Po Boy sandwich was first made in New Orleans. It combines French bread, fresh veggies, mayo, and either fried oysters or chicken. 

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The Po Boy sandwich was first made in New Orleans. It combines French bread, fresh veggies, mayo, and either fried oysters or chicken. 

Where were potato chips invented?

Correct

Chef George Crum invented potato chips in Saratoga Springs, NY in 1853. One of his customers always complained that his potatoes weren't crispy enough, so the chef fried thinly cut potatoes to a crisp to spite the customer. In the end, he loved them. 

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Chef George Crum invented potato chips in Saratoga Springs, NY in 1853. One of his customers always complained that his potatoes weren't crispy enough, so the chef fried thinly cut potatoes to a crisp to spite the customer. In the end, he loved them. 

What are the three ingredients in S'Mores?

Correct

This campfire delicacy is made by roasting a marshmallow and sandwiching it between two graham crackers that both hold a piece of chocolate. If you don't like s'mores, you probably don't have a tongue. 

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This campfire delicacy is made by roasting a marshmallow and sandwiching it between two graham crackers that both hold a piece of chocolate. If you don't like s'mores, you probably don't have a tongue. 

What cut of beef is typically used for a chicken fried steak?

Correct

Country fried steak (aka chicken fried steak) utilizes an expedient cooking method that helps keep the eye round steak tender and enjoyable. The eye round is the cheapest and toughest cut of beef, so by breading and frying it, the chef locks in the moisture and keeps the inside nice and tender. It's usually served with white gravy. 

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Country fried steak (aka chicken fried steak) utilizes an expedient cooking method that helps keep the eye round steak tender and enjoyable. The eye round is the cheapest and toughest cut of beef, so by breading and frying it, the chef locks in the moisture and keeps the inside nice and tender. It's usually served with white gravy. 

What are the ingredients in a Philadelphia cheesesteak when you order it "wiz-wit?"

Correct

Wiz-wit is the Philly jargon to order a cheesesteak with cheese wiz and cooked onions. However, the classic cheesesteak has American cheese, grilled tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, oregano, and black pepper (this is not a joke, they make them like that at Philip's Steaks).

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Wiz-wit is the Philly jargon to order a cheesesteak with cheese wiz and cooked onions. However, the classic cheesesteak has American cheese, grilled tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, oregano, and black pepper (this is not a joke, they make them like that at Philip's Steaks).

What is the ingredient difference between New England and Manhattan clam chowder?

Correct

Manhattan clam chowder has been under scrutiny by New Englanders for generations. Can Manhattan clam chowder be considered chowder? Well, the definition of chowder is "a type of soup or stew that is made with milk or cream and thickened with crackers, biscuits, or a roux." Since Manhattan clam chowder has a broth base, and none of the thickening agents mentioned, let's assume it's just soup. 

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Manhattan clam chowder has been under scrutiny by New Englanders for generations. Can Manhattan clam chowder be considered chowder? Well, the definition of chowder is "a type of soup or stew that is made with milk or cream and thickened with crackers, biscuits, or a roux." Since Manhattan clam chowder has a broth base, and none of the thickening agents mentioned, let's assume it's just soup. 

What is mac and cheese thickened with?

Correct

A traditional mac and cheese's foundation is typically bechamel sauce. This is a member of the "mother sauce" classification of french cuisine, and the bechamel is essentially just a cheese sauce that's thickened by beginning the process with cooking flour with butter. A roux is that combination of flour and butter. 

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A traditional mac and cheese's foundation is typically bechamel sauce. This is a member of the "mother sauce" classification of french cuisine, and the bechamel is essentially just a cheese sauce that's thickened by beginning the process with cooking flour with butter. A roux is that combination of flour and butter. 

What do people NOT put on slices of apple pie?

Correct

Believe it or not, all of these things are commonly placed on top of apple pie except for the chocolate sauce. We know, it's crazy. 

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Believe it or not, all of these things are commonly placed on top of apple pie except for the chocolate sauce. We know, it's crazy. 

Where is this deep dish pizza from?

Correct

This pizza is called "Chicago deep dish," and it's more of a casserole than a pizza when it comes out to it. 

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This pizza is called "Chicago deep dish," and it's more of a casserole than a pizza when it comes out to it. 

This was Elvis's favorite sandwich. It's typically a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with one jar of peanut butter, one jar of jelly, and an entire pound of bacon. It's also the state sandwich of Colorado. What is it called?

Correct

The Fool's Gold Loaf is actually one of the reasons Elvis died as young as he did. Legend has it, he would fly to Colorado, eat two of these sandwiches, and fly right back to Memphis. 

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The Fool's Gold Loaf is actually one of the reasons Elvis died as young as he did. Legend has it, he would fly to Colorado, eat two of these sandwiches, and fly right back to Memphis. 

On average, how many turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving alone every year?

Correct

There are just over 300 million people in America, so this adds up to roughly 11.5% of the population of the country eating Turkey on one day. 

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There are just over 300 million people in America, so this adds up to roughly 11.5% of the population of the country eating Turkey on one day. 

Both jambalaya and gumbo use some of the same ingredients. But, there is a distinct difference between the two. What is it?

Correct

Jambalaya is arguably the more popular dish of the two because it is a one-pot meal. You cook the rice along with the rest of the ingredients in the broth and the roux, whereas gumbo is served as a standalone soup with rice on the side. 

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Jambalaya is arguably the more popular dish of the two because it is a one-pot meal. You cook the rice along with the rest of the ingredients in the broth and the roux, whereas gumbo is served as a standalone soup with rice on the side. 

Where were fortune cookies invented?

Correct

Fortune cookies were invented at a bakery in San Francisco by a man named David Jung, who was the founder of the Hong Kong Noodle Company in Los Angeles. 

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Fortune cookies were invented at a bakery in San Francisco by a man named David Jung, who was the founder of the Hong Kong Noodle Company in Los Angeles. 

What state has the most diners in it?

Correct

New Jersey actually has the most diners per capita in America, despite being one of the smallest states. This has to do with the massive population density in New Jersey. Diners feed people and get them out the door faster than traditional service restaurants, so more diners means more turnover, which leads to more profit. 

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New Jersey actually has the most diners per capita in America, despite being one of the smallest states. This has to do with the massive population density in New Jersey. Diners feed people and get them out the door faster than traditional service restaurants, so more diners means more turnover, which leads to more profit. 

What famous TV chef said, "If you're afraid of butter, use cream"?

Correct

Paula Dean would never advocate replacing butter with cream. Julia Child said this jokingly, but she did plant the seed of decadence in mass followed French cooking for her American audience.  

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Paula Dean would never advocate replacing butter with cream. Julia Child said this jokingly, but she did plant the seed of decadence in mass followed French cooking for her American audience.  

In England, they use the name of this pastry to identify what Americans call a "cookie." What is this?

Correct

This is the classic unleavened, quick butter dough that is exclusive to the traditional southern style biscuit. You literally cannot get this anywhere else but America.

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This is the classic unleavened, quick butter dough that is exclusive to the traditional southern style biscuit. You literally cannot get this anywhere else but America.

What is this southern delicacy called?

Correct

This combination of incredibly decadent flavors is both savory and rich without being overpowering. This is another dish that is pretty much only available in the south. 

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This combination of incredibly decadent flavors is both savory and rich without being overpowering. This is another dish that is pretty much only available in the south. 

What's the standard fat to lean meat percentage that makes the essential beef burger?

Correct

Although some individuals swear by the 80-20 rule, the classic American burger is usually most flavorful when cooked medium-well over high heat with 30% fat beef. 

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Although some individuals swear by the 80-20 rule, the classic American burger is usually most flavorful when cooked medium-well over high heat with 30% fat beef. 

What hot sauce brand bottled their pepper-water mixture in discarded cologne bottles before they got their own?

Correct

Tobasco used to sell their sauce in tiny little bottles that they got second hand. They had to make their sauce strong so people felt like they were getting their money's worth. Hence, the addition of vinegar and lots of salt to complement the complex heat. 

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Tobasco used to sell their sauce in tiny little bottles that they got second hand. They had to make their sauce strong so people felt like they were getting their money's worth. Hence, the addition of vinegar and lots of salt to complement the complex heat. 

Where do most of the country's pumpkins grow?

Correct

The home state of the Windy City grows the most pumpkins in North America. You'd think that Chicago would have a staple dish with pumpkin in it, but they don't!

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The home state of the Windy City grows the most pumpkins in North America. You'd think that Chicago would have a staple dish with pumpkin in it, but they don't!

What is scrapple?

Correct

Scrapple is a popular New Jersey and Pennsylvania treat that's similar to Spam. Bits of uncured pork are mashed together into a loaf-like object, then it gets pan-fried and is ready to eat.

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Scrapple is a popular New Jersey and Pennsylvania treat that's similar to Spam. Bits of uncured pork are mashed together into a loaf-like object, then it gets pan-fried and is ready to eat.

If you're making a traditional pie crust, what ratio of flour to fat to water should you use?

Correct

The best rule of thumb for making pie crust is to remember that there is a 3:2:1 scale, meaning that three parts flour goes to two parts fat, and then one part water. 

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The best rule of thumb for making pie crust is to remember that there is a 3:2:1 scale, meaning that three parts flour goes to two parts fat, and then one part water. 

Which one of these dishes is 100% Tex-Mex in origin?

Correct

Believe it or not, the fajita was invented by white Texans who ran a burrito shop that employed several Mexican individuals. They came up with the recipe together! 

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Believe it or not, the fajita was invented by white Texans who ran a burrito shop that employed several Mexican individuals. They came up with the recipe together! 

Bologna wasn't an original idea. What was the Italian inspiration behind bologna?

Correct

Mortadella is a rarely used Italian pork product that was essentially dumbed down to make bologna. While bologna has a recognizable spice blend in it, mortadella is far more complex and it typically has pimentos or olives embedded into it. 

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Mortadella is a rarely used Italian pork product that was essentially dumbed down to make bologna. While bologna has a recognizable spice blend in it, mortadella is far more complex and it typically has pimentos or olives embedded into it. 

What are the ingredients of a reuben sandwich?

Correct

Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, a reuben sandwich contains corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing. If it's not served on rye toast, send it back and ask the chef if they know what they're doing. 

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Don't let anyone tell you otherwise, a reuben sandwich contains corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss cheese, and thousand island dressing. If it's not served on rye toast, send it back and ask the chef if they know what they're doing. 

What are the characteristics of Kansas City barbecue?

Correct

Kansas City is famous for its sweet smoked ribs and pulled pork. Typically, sauces that are from classic Kansas City restaurants are either just sweet and smoky, or sweet smoky and spicy.

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Kansas City is famous for its sweet smoked ribs and pulled pork. Typically, sauces that are from classic Kansas City restaurants are either just sweet and smoky, or sweet smoky and spicy.

This dish is fried spam wrapped with nori like sushi—where is this interesting dish from?

Correct

This dish was a dual combination of the Japanese and native Hawaiian influence in the Hawaiian islands. Much like Vietnamese and French cuisine, or French and Southern cuisine, this dish (it's called Spam musubi) would have never happened if it weren't for immigration. 

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This dish was a dual combination of the Japanese and native Hawaiian influence in the Hawaiian islands. Much like Vietnamese and French cuisine, or French and Southern cuisine, this dish (it's called Spam musubi) would have never happened if it weren't for immigration. 

This famous Kentucky soup is supposed to be called Burgoo, but locals know it as something a bit more silly. What's this dish called?

Correct

This dish, which is created by adding cornbread to the broth to thicken it, is colloquially known as "Roadkill Stew." There is no roadkill in this dish, but it does kind of look like something you might glance down and see while walking next to a busy road. 

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This dish, which is created by adding cornbread to the broth to thicken it, is colloquially known as "Roadkill Stew." There is no roadkill in this dish, but it does kind of look like something you might glance down and see while walking next to a busy road. 

In 1978, Charles Hires of Philadelphia began making and marketing a "healthy alternative to alcohol." What he really made was the original recipe for root beer. What was his "supposed" main ingredient?

Correct

Actually, Root Beer should be called "herb beer." The main flavor of rootbeer came from anise, mint, cinnamon, licorice, vanilla, and the bark of the cherry tree. 

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Actually, Root Beer should be called "herb beer." The main flavor of rootbeer came from anise, mint, cinnamon, licorice, vanilla, and the bark of the cherry tree. 

What brand of chips was invented at Disneyland? 

Correct

Doritos were originally sold at the Casa de Fritos at Disneyland in California. They would take the unused scraps of tortillas, fry them, and coat them in seasoning as a table snack for the guests. Frito-Lay picked up on the snack's popularity and released the product nationwide in 1966. 

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Doritos were originally sold at the Casa de Fritos at Disneyland in California. They would take the unused scraps of tortillas, fry them, and coat them in seasoning as a table snack for the guests. Frito-Lay picked up on the snack's popularity and released the product nationwide in 1966. 

Where was the lobster roll invented?

Correct

The original lobster roll was made in Connecticut, and the original recipe is still the most popular option for the sandwich. 

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The original lobster roll was made in Connecticut, and the original recipe is still the most popular option for the sandwich. 

What is the world record for the most hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes?

Correct

Joey Chestnut beat his former world record of 72 at this year's Nathan's Famous hot dog eating competition. He changed his strategy to allow him to swallow the dogs faster than before. 

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Joey Chestnut beat his former world record of 72 at this year's Nathan's Famous hot dog eating competition. He changed his strategy to allow him to swallow the dogs faster than before. 

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The More You Know

  • About 700 grapes go into one bottle of wine.
  • North Korea and Cuba are the only places you can't buy Coca-Cola.
  • The first American woman to go to medical school was admitted as a joke. Geneva Medical School thought it was joke when Elizabeth Blackwell applied to attend 1847. She graduated in 1849, started her own practice, and opened an infirmary for the poor.
  • There's a shrimp-like creature that makes aluminum armor to protect itself.
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