Kansas
I was born in Topeka, the capital of the Sunflower State, Kansas, so this state will always hold a special place in my heart. Sitting right in the middle of the US, with miles and miles of farmland, Kansas may not be known for its impressive cuisine, but there are still a few gems of delicious food.
Kansas has over 27,000 cattle ranches, which means beef is a big part of the local cuisine. If you've never had Kansas City BBQ, you are in for a treat! There's nothing quite like burnt ends smothered in a tangy sauce.
The first wheat crop was planted in Kansas in 1839, and Kansas is now one of the largest wheat producers in the nation. It grows enough wheat to produce more than 36 billion loaves of bread each year!
Chili and cinnamon rolls are an interesting combination that probably started as a school lunch combo. The pairing became so well-loved that it is now often served together at dinner tables across the state.
Even fast food got its start in this state! The country's first hamburger joint fired up its grill in Wichita back in 1916. Keeping that legacy alive today are beloved local chains like NuWay, selling their signature loose meat sandwiches - cousin to the iconic Midwest Maid-Rite burger.
Pot Roast
When Kansas farmers worked all morning in the field, they looked expectantly to lunch to provide the sustenance to fuel the rest of their day. A meal like pot roast would be started early before moving on to farm chores, allowing the meal to cook while they were working.
