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Great Lakes Midwest

The five Great Lakes touch on eight American states, of which six are considered part of the Midwest’s Great Lakes sub-region: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. (New York and Pennsylvania, you’re part of the Mid-Atlantic.) Native tribes hunted bison and foraged for wild berries, mushrooms, and the wild rice that grows along the shores of many northern lakes. French fur trappers explored the area in the early 17th century. They planted cherry trees along the shores of northern Michigan and settled towns like Detroit. The area grew up around fishing, fur trapping, farming, and finally big industry. During the 18th century, when the area was first opened to settlement, the Great Lakes and their river systems were crucial in moving people and supplies. Westward expansion brought Germans, Poles, Italians, Irish, Czechs, and many others into the Midwest. The cuisine that grew up around the Great Lakes area took the rich local bounty that the land and waters offered up and flavored it with the spice of the many cultures and traditions that have come together here.

Featured Cook MOMOF2TWO Cooking Level: Intermediate Home Town: Navarre, Ohio, USA Living In: Massillon, Ohio, USA

About me: I have two daughters and I am a single mom. I have always enjoyed cooking and baking. My father and grandparents are from Belgium where my grandfather was a pastry chef. My grandmother is (in my eyes) an excellent borderline gourmet cook making European dishes to die for! My mother's side of the family was more traditional American and I have wonderful recipes from them too! But, my favorite thing to do, besides feed my family, is ENTERTAIN! I love having people over for football games, home parties, holidays and birthdays. Any chance I get, I host! My Profile | Reviews | Photos | Recipes | Menus Favorite Food Lists Create your own Cook's Profile | MORE Cooks »