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.
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.
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.
