Here Are 15 Mouth-Watering Foods That Everyone From Kentucky Loves
By Jenn Shockley|Published May 12, 2015
×
Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Food for thought in Kentucky varies dependent on where we grew up, along with funds available, and grocery accessibility. Those of us who grew up in rural areas often ate everything grown or raised on the farm, including beef, chicken and pork. No matter where we were raised, our parents usually provided meals during childhood. As adults, nutritional habits vary according to individual, and environment. All of us have personal preferences, however, the foods eaten during childhood can remain staples in our diet.
Most Kentuckians grew up eating the same things from different sources, aka the garden or barn versus a local grocery. Here are 15 mouthwatering foods often enjoyed in Kentucky, though not necessarily in this order:
15. Benedictine was created in Kentucky by an entrepreneur named Jennie Carter Benedict. She opened a restaurant called Benedict’s and created the spread around 1893. It is a light, airy spread made from cucumbers scallions, spices, and cream cheese. Benedictine is seldom seen in restaurants outside the Bluegrass state, but it is delicious as a dip, on a sandwich, or just on a slice of bread.
14. Burgoo is actually a Cajun dish, but Kentuckians made it their own. It is just a thick, hearty stew made with whatever meats and vegetables are available.
13. During the Depression, beans and cornbread was a staple for the table, as many families couldn’t afford meats. It is still a hearty, traditional meal that can be altered by adding cheese, spices, or ham. Mixing some cornbread in a glass of milk is another treat my mother shared.
12. All together or eaten separate, a salty slice of country ham is good on a biscuit alone or smothered in gravy. We usually throw and egg or two in the mix for a complete, old fashioned, southern breakfast.
11. Sorghum is preferred by some over syrup. It can be used over flapjacks, on French toast, or poured over some country ham. Some people add it to their pot of beans or chili. It is not a quick process to make, as shown in the picture. There are multiple steps necessary to achieve that thick, sticky sweetness.
9. Rather it is from Kentucky Fried Chicken, or our own kitchens, fried chicken with greens, mashed potatoes, and a biscuit with gravy is a great meal. Not to be cliché, but it works fantastic for a picnic too.
8. My mother has made these since she was a girl herself, and she learned from her elders. These quick skillet pies can be made from biscuits or from scratch. Stuff the dough with a favored fruit, pan fry it in butter and serve plain or ala mode.
7. Most our mothers or grandmothers have a banana pudding recipe. There are quick fixes with instant pudding and whip cream, but there is no comparison. You just cannot beat homemade vanilla pudding, layered with sliced bananas and vanilla wafers, then topped with meringue.
6.Boil some chicken with celery, carrots, onion, garlic and seasoning. Put your dumplings in the broth, and simmer till their done. Throw in the meat, dark, light, or a mix, and it’s a meal that will stick to your ribs. It goes great with a side of cornbread.
5. A pot roast with vegetables cooked in a crock pot is a nice meal for family or friends. We usually end up turning the broth from the seasoned meat and veges into a stew. It’s a quick cheat on burgoo.
4.Kentucky cities near a river tend to serve up some fine seafood. Everything from rolled river oysters to some finely grilled, baked or fried fish varieties. The Catfish served at King Fish in Louisville is often so tender it melts in your mouth.
3. This dessert that is the namesake of the Kentucky Derby is a delectable slice of heaven. It is like a pecan pie, only mixed with dark chocolate chunks. Once you’ve tried it, it will find its way back to your table in the future.
2. We love to barbecue! It doesn’t matter if it is hot dogs, burgers, steaks, fish, deer, pork, or mutton, we can make it taste good on the grill. Actually, even vegetables taste great grilled. Try cooking corn on the cob, potatoes, asparagus, onions and mushrooms wrapped in foil. If grilling is done right, you’ll want to retire the oven.
1. Kentucky is known for its bourbons, from distilleries to recipes. Mix in some bourbon with chocolate and a few other ingredients, and it tastes EPIC! There is a variety of ways to make bourbon balls. Some add mint, or slivers of nuts, and others add cherries. There is no wrong way to make them… unless you forget to add the bourbon.
Many people have probably enjoyed a lot of these dishes outside Kentucky. To be honest, they could each be considered fine southern cuisine. There are a lot more delicious southern foods I could have listed, like frog legs, country fried steak, deviled eggs and potato salad, but this was a nice start.
If you have never experienced any of these delectable dishes, put it on your bucket list of foods to try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. If you have an interesting recipe or opinion, please share. I’m always looking to add to my recipe book.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
