July 20 is NATIONAL PENNSYLVANIA DAY!

Let's hear it for PA!

National Pennsylvania Day on July 20 recognizes the second state to join the Union.  Once the home of the temporary capital of the United States in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is also known as the Keystone State. While the source of the nickname has been forgotten, the meaning is not lost. Bridge builders know leaving the vital keystone out of their structure would be folly and would lead to collapse.

 

Pennsylvania played many roles that could be considered keystones. Its vote for independence was split between its eight delegates and played a vital role in deciding to move toward independence and cementing the union of the newly formed country.

Throughout military operations, Pennsylvania provided forces to support the cause. Valley Forge tells the story of leadership and sacrifice of a young and developing army and citizenry.

The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in Philadelphia during its tenure as the temporary capital. It was geographically centered among the 13 original colonies.

Pennsylvania Flavor

We can eat our way through history, too! To understand Pennsylvania’s flavor profile, we will start in Lancaster County and the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch country. 
German and Swiss immigrants brought with them a wide range of hearty recipes that they incorporated into the fresh ingredients available in Pennsylvania countryside. 
From pork and sauerkraut, pot pies to scrapple, they filled the tables with the bounty of the land.

Much of more of the sweeter side of Pennsylvania Dutch flavor finds its way into restaurants than the savory does. The whoopie pie, shoofly and funnel cakes are a tourist and fair favorites, but the home-cooked seasoning of chicken corn chowder or stuffed cabbage rolls often cannot be found in a restaurant.

The Philly Cheesesteak originated here in Philly from a hot dog vendor, Pat Olivieri, who created the cheesesteak in the 1930s. Made with thinly sliced beef rib eye, sautéed onions, peppers and mushrooms, and melted cheese on a long, crusty Italian roll, you can’t go wrong with this Philly favorite.

In Central PA, Hershey has all the chocolate goodies you want, plus an amazing spa, theme aprk, and more in ChocolateTown USA, the sweetest place on earth. Don’t stop there! Pennsylvania’s sweet tooth has deep roots.

If your preference is more on the salty side, Pennsylvania has that covered, too. They’ve mastered soft and hard pretzels and have a terrific competition between four regional potato chip brands.

Full of regional festivals and local cuisine, Pennsylvania is also home of Kennett Square, Mushroom Capital of the United States.  Every year, they shut down the town square for a mushroom festival.  Their mushrooms make it into dishes around the world, even into your very own.

#NationalPennsylvaniaDay