West and Southwest Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas

Info. Abandoned mining towns, desolate deserts, sprawling ranches, mountains, plateaus, and oil fields make up much of the landscape. The climate and terrain have made Westerners independent, self-reliant, and resourceful people. Learned to make do with whatever is available and to rely upon themselves for survival.

Foods Eat as simply as they live Cattle, sheep, and wild game provide meat Biscuits and breads are baked at home Fruits and vegetables are preserved during the summers Beef plays an important part in Western cooking –More beef is eaten in the west and Southwest than in any other part of the US. –In some parts, lamb ranks second in popularity. –In remote areas, wild game, such as antelope, rabbit, deer and pheasant, accounts for as much as 1/3 of the diet

Influences on Food Most people associate cowboys and chuck wagons with the Southwest. Indians, Mexicans, and the Spaniards just as much significance as the cowboys in the development of the Southwestern style of cooking. During 16 th century, the Spaniards explored the southwestern part of the US. –Ruled area for 200yrs before Mexico gained control. –Area was populated mainly by Mexicans and Indians

Influences on Foods Cont. Native foods of American Indians in the region included: –Corn –Squash –Beans To this the Spanish added: –Cattle –Sheep –Saffron –Olive oil –Anise The Aztecs of Mexico introduced: –Red and Green Peppers

Beef Beef always has been an important staple in the Southwest Tongue, liver, sweet breads and heart of a freshly slaughtered steer were used to make “ Son-of-a-Gun Stew” –A favorite of cowboys –Beans and homemade biscuits often were served with the stew Chunks of beef were used in chili, chuck wagon beans, and many other filling dishes –The first chili originated from Texas and contained cubes of beef, peppers, and seasoning. –Did not include beans.

Foods From across the Rio Grande came the spicy Mexican foods which were quickly adopted by the Southwesterners. Beans, corn, and dishes like tortillas, tostadas, and tacos all have Mexican origin Other popular Southwestern foods which originated in Mexico are tamales (a corn meal and peppered ground meat mixture wrapped in corn husks and steamed) and Sopapillas ( sweet fried pastries)

Foods Cont. Barbecues continue to be an important part of the Southwestern cooking. The climate of the Southwest is hot and sunny, so many fruits and vegetables can be grown year round. Texas produces large quantities of grapefruit, oranges, and strawberries

LABS Nachos Sopapillas Corn Bread