Great American Recipes and Their Popularity Worldwide

There are a few great American recipes that have become part of our culinary heritage. At home they are enjoyed with good company and are a vital part of our celebrations. Overseas, they remind us of home and the family and friends who wish we were with them. These great American recipes are robust and simple and hark back to a time when the world was a simpler friendlier place.
America has a diverse culinary tradition, reflecting the origin and growth of this country. For years American food has been given short shrift because of its hearty nature, but it is now valued for its variety and creativity. Some American foods have been accepted worldwide by young people because of its association with modernity and a fast paced life. American fast food chains can be found almost all over the world, catering to young people's cravings for hamburgers, hot dogs and pizzas.
American restaurants are also holding their own against their more sophisticated cousins from Europe or Asia. They tend to be more vibrant and lively and this goes well with the nature of the food. The generous portion sizes of American meals reflect the warmth and openness of its people. What could be more American than sinking your teeth into a New York Pizza or a licking Texas barbecue sauce off your fingers? Tex-Mex food is also extremely popular worldwide.
Not just American mothers are preparing Meatloaf and Macaroni and Cheese to feed their growing children. Made of simple ingredients and easily assembled, these are recipes that appeal to children all over. And who can deny the appeal of those American classics - Brownies and Apple Pie?
No list of great American recipes is complete without mentioning the cuisines of the South, namely Creole and Cajun. These cuisines are typically American, being a blend of French, Spanish and African techniques used to cook local ingredients. Jambalaya, Black Eyed Peas, Smothered Chicken and Gumbo are some dishes unique to the American south. Rice is a staple of both these cuisines and they make ample use of freshly caught or harvested local foodstuffs such as yams, pecans and okra. Crayfish, crab and oysters are also used frequently.
Growing numbers of restaurants world wide have started to look to great American recipes to include in their menus. That comes as welcome news to Americans looking for a piece of home when they are abroad.