the united states of america, is most commonly described as a melting pot and there is no better expression to define its cuisine - the first thing that comes to mind are the diners and crowd pleasers, such as soda fountains, milkshakes, hambburgers, fries, hot dogs, and maybe a side dish of macaroni and cheese.

beyond the stereotypes, understanding how regional cuisines emerged and how immigrants modified their culinary traditions to suit local climates gives a better understanding of what america's cuisine is all about - after all, it is hard to imagine how british settlers would have survived without native americans imparting their knowledge about corn, beans, and squash. 

the northeast, clearly influenced by british cuisine, has many hearty dishes that are just right for cold weather - meats and vegetables from the old country fused with local ingredients like turkey, cranberries and corn to produce indian pudding or heavy soups and stews.