American Cuisine

When you think of American food, what first comes to mind? For most people it is probably hamburgers, hot dogs, apple pies, etc. In his article "Eating American," Sidney Mintz analyzes American eating habits and in the process claims that there is no such thing as the "American cuisine." Looking at our history and the amount of diversity we have in the US, it is obvious that the country is composed of many, many cultures and traditions. Each of these cultures contributes its own cuisines and traditional foods to the countless different foods we Americans consume. Also, since the US is so large in area, there are different foods in different regions spread out all over the country.

Mintz also recognizes some trends in our eating habits in his article. He states that we are eating more and more meat, processed foods, and sugar. We are also cooking in less and eating out a lot more. Perhaps fast food is our national cuisine since so many people eat it. Or maybe it's just the way we eat. It is debatable whether or not we have our cuisine, but is it possible that over a period of time that we could develop a national cuisine? What kinds of cultural or social changes would have to occur for that to happen?