Today is Independence Day.

No, we are not talking about the latest film of the name (although while we are on the subject, why did it take 20 years to make a sequel?) but, of course the 4th of July, America Independence Day.

Our cousins across the pond will be sitting down in their homes today to celebrate kicking some English backsides, or butts if you are an American, in 1776.

In all seriousness though, aside from Thanksgiving, there’s probably no better time to celebrate being an American and when it comes to celebrating with food, no one does it better.

So, in no particular order, here’s just a small list of quintessential American food which will be getting eaten in large quantities today:

  • Mac and cheese – they don’t even bother calling it Macaroni in the US and why should they when they make something so amazing? Pasta, cheese, bechamel sauce, need we say more!
  • Beef burgers – Americans contend they were the first to combine two slices of bread and a steak of ground beef into a “hamburger sandwich” and sell it. Even if this is not the case, we don’t think anyone would argue that the US is the place you think of when burgers are mentioned. If you are ever in the US and in cities such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas (unfortunately not New York City) you simply must visit In N Out burger. You will never want to step in McDonalds or Burger King again after, because the burgers are soooo good.
  • Clam chowder – No visit to the east coast of America is complete without a bowl of steaming clams in a vegetable inspired broth. There are different variations but the classic version remains the best
  • Key lime pie – Legend has it that the famous pie was created with what the Florida sponge fisherman had on hand in the early 20th century, namely sweetened condensed milk, limes and crackers. Today, it’s beloved by many and is even the official state pie of Florida.
  • Doughnuts – Americans rightfully lay claim to inventing the doughnut, although not surprisingly, we British dispute that, but it’s hard not to think of the US of A when you eat a doughnut. Thankfully, in recent years American chains Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts have brought their sweet delights to these shores and it’s certainly made the British up their game because the likes of Greggs now also do some great versions.

In honour of Independence Day, we have come up with own doughnuts in the SK Chilled Foods’ kitchen, so if you would like the recipe for sweetcorn and jalapeno doughnut with salted chilli caramel tipping and crispy onion and bacon bits, Mexican fajita seasoned doughnut, Chocolate ring doughnut and Vanilla sugar ring doughnut, please get in touch.

About Neil Shaefer
Marketing & Communications Executive of SK Foods.
Your food. Our Passion.