The food. There, I said it. I am not ashamed to admit it although maybe I should be. That is the plain and simple gluttonous truth of one of many reasons why I love the Midwest so much. Maybe I should explain.

I am a native Californian. I grew up on fresh and healthy. Oil was organic and used sparingly on pasta or salads. A thing to be savored delicately on the earth's bounty. I have Vegans for family members. Get the picture. Then thirteen years ago my husband and I moved to Oklahoma. I understand technically speaking Oklahoma is Southwest however after traveling the country I can earnestly say we eat like the officially Midwesterners do.

My hips and belly testify boldly of my love for the Midwest lifestyle. Not once in all my years growing up on the West Coast did I ever realize there were such delicacies to be had as fried okra and biscuits smothered with gravy. The only hushpuppies I ever encountered in California were on people's feet. The idea of frying coke, cheese or Twinkies had never crossed my mind. Then there were the holidays!

That first Thanksgiving I was introduced to deep fried turkey was when I realized there truly was a Nirvana and I had reached it. Forget a holiday table laden with fresh fruits and vegetables. Our thanksgiving feast would forever more consist of jellos loaded with pretzels and berries. Salads dripping with Ranch dressing, the ONLY true dressing not only for greens but also to be added to pizza, pretzels, sandwiches, you name it, throughout the year. Ranch is the Midwest version of ketchup! There would be fried corn, green bean casserole loaded with cream soup and of course fried okra. Bowls of mashed potatoes would accompany massive amounts of gravy along with sweet potatoes done in several ways, each more fattening and delicious. All this would be relished while gulping down goblets of sweet tea, the Midwesterners answer to water.

After sitting down to that first Thanksgiving in our new state thirteen years ago I thought I would pop if I didn't have a coronary first. Then they brought out dessert. Not the one little pumpkin pie of the past. More pies than I had ever seen in my life. There were fried pies, cream pies, fruit pies, hot pies and cold pies. This is when I learned another difference between my old life and my new. On the west coast a tablespoon of fresh whip cream on a sliver of pie is savored with your after dinner espresso. In the Midwest, tubs of store bought whip cream are really a sweet version of gravy to be slathered over your huge hunk of homemade pie while gulping down more sweet tea.

Of course, there are other reasons I do love this part of the country so very much. The people are honest and friendly. The seasons change four times a year bringing excitement and beauty. The life is slower and simpler. But oh the food!

Learn more about this author, Marla Hansen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Testimonies: Why I love the Midwest?
We want to hear your view. Write now!