Ranch dressing is a staple condiment in almost every home in the Midwest. It really does go on almost everything. Children prefer to mix ranch dressing into their macaroni and cheese and add it to nearly any vegetable that ends up on their plates. The good thing is that the flavor of ranch dressing is pleasing and does enhance the flavors of some foods.
Mayonnaise on French Fries
Mayonnaise either on or with French fries is definitely a Midwest food thing. The crispy fries blend so well with the creamy texture of mayonnaise. Some Midwesterners blend mayo with ketchup for their French fries. It adds a little different flavor to traditional ketchup.
Sweet Corn is Bi-Colored
A majority of the United States assumes that sweet corn is just one color. The Midwest, where most of the country?s crop grows, knows different. True sweet corn is both yellow and white. The best time to purchase sweet corn is from July through September when it is the ripest and sweetest.
Onions Belong in Fried Potatoes
In the Midwest, anytime that fried potatoes, breakfast hash browns or home fries arrive on a plate, onions are a must. Some restaurants leave the onions out just because of the food allergy ratio, but the fried onions are of no charge when asked for them in the potatoes.
Chili Includes Bell Peppers and Chunks of Tomatoes
A true Midwestern style pot of chili includes bell peppers. Most chili recipes include beans and meat only. Midwesterners add chunks of tomatoes along with bell peppers for texture and more flavor.
Soda Is Called Pop
Except for Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky, a lot of Midwesterners call soda pop. National brands sold in stores are the same all over the country. It is a simpler terminology used for a common item to help distinguish residents of Ohio from other parts of the country.
There Is Only One Kind of Real Mayonnaise
Hellmann's is the only real mayonnaise recognized in the Midwest. Other brands do not have the same flavor or texture that Midwesterners grew up eating. Salad dressing, sold next to the mayonnaise, does not come close to the flavor or texture. A true Midwesterner can tell the difference between mayonnaise, salad dressing, and any brand other than Hellmann?s.
Cheddar Cheese Goes with Apple Pie
Cheddar Cheese Goes with Apple Pie

A slice of sharp cheddar cheese helps to cut the sweet taste of apple pie. In the Midwest, it is a must to have a slice alongside the pie. Vanilla ice cream usually stays in the refrigerator as the cheese is satisfying enough.
Elderberries Are Real Berries
Elderberries Are Real Berries

Elderberries grow mainly in the Midwest. These tiny clusters of berries make pies, jams, and cookie fillings. The berries have a slightly earthy taste to them in combination with hints of raspberry or blackberry.
Cincinnati Style Chili
Cincinnati Style Chili

Common to Ohio residents is Cincinnati Chili. This combination includes a healthy helping of chili on top of a bed of spaghetti noodles. To top off this dish, a massive mound of shredded cheddar cheese melts over the chili. It is a delicious dish and is ideal for a meal of leftovers.
Toasted Ravioli
Toasted Ravioli

"Toasted" is a bit of a misnomer. These raviolis are fried and delicious. The St. Louis staple is common at every state fair, bar and grill and restaurant throughout the state.
Cheese Curds
Cheese Curds

This upper Midwest delicacy is just as delicious as it sounds. They literally make noise. A good cheese curd will squeak as you chew it.
St. Paul
St. Paul's Sandwich

Egg foo young, dill pickle, onion, mayo, lettuce and tomato all smashed between two pieces of white bread. This is a staple at St. Louis Chinese restaurants but impossible to find anywhere else. If you are ever in the area, you should check one out.

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