What is a classic American dinner?

Question

I have a friend who's from China and she thinks americans only eat hamburgers and pizza, so I want to cook a nice non-junk food american meal. What's truly american that's healthy and tasty? I am willing to cook several courses to give her a lot of choices.

Answer 1

How about a traditional Thanksgiving-style dinner? Roasted turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole (northern or southern, generally), green beans or green bean casserole, apple pie and ice cream. Of course use any particular family preferences/traditions that you have, makes it more interesting to the observer.

I had a roommate from Cyprus in college, who was rather fascinated by the dorm masters' Thanksgiving celebration they threw for those of us staying the holiday. She couldn't believe that we ATE BREAD WITH TURKEY (i.e., the stuffing). I showed her how I spice it up a bit, adding freshly sauteed mushrooms and onion, and a bit more herbs, and she decided that maybe we Americans weren't so wierd after all after she tried it.

Answer 2

A really juicy tender pot roast cooked with all of the good vegetables such as carrots, potatos, celery, onion etc. is always a good choice, some other would be Meatloaf, steak, pork chops, fried chicken. Just think meat and potatos.

Answer 3

Virtually any meal, my friend. People have often asked, "What is American food? We have Italian food, Chinese food, and even British food. But what defines American food?"

The answer is simple. Most of everything we eat today is actually American food, regardless of where it came from, whether it's from China, Italy, Germany, France, or Mexico. Why? Because the United States is the melting pot country of this world, so many cultures and so many ethnicities are binded into our great country.

You can also picture it like, "Is there such a thing as American blood?" The answer is no. We have different races combined into one country. So is there REALLY REALLY a thing as American food? Maybe, like burgers and fries, but again, most likely not. We have different kinds of food combined into one country. And all taken part from the rest of the world.

Answer 4

I would go with the old saying of a home cooked meal. Meat and potatos is always good. Some kind of BBQ food with maybe mashed potatos, macaroni, salad, various kinds of vegetables, etc. Baked chicken is good, meatloaf, these kinds of things. You can find lots of good ideas at cdkitchen.com

Answer 5

Start out with some healthy appetizers, like mini quiche or a vegetable tray with dip. How about a baked chicken with roasted vegetables for a main course. Finish off with some fruit for dessert. Chinese people love fruit.

Answer 6

The last time I had heard, it was a cheeseburger, a milkshake or cherry coke, and some fries. I have also heard "All American dinner" desscribed with mac an cheese,, so that would be the socially accepted way.
In my opinion, and all american dinner needs a nice tender, juicy steak! lol
good luck

Answer 7

that's out of season, yet green bean casserole, roasted turkey, dressing and candy potatoes are all very American, and that they do no longer look to be very infrequently eaten outdoors the U. S.. Turkey breast works superb rather for an entire turkey. u . s . fried steak with gravy, cornbread, and okra are additionally very American, yet they take the time and a few experience interior the kitchen. Pasta casseroles with "cream of something soup" are additionally very Mid-Western American, yet they are additionally very disgusting, so i does no longer propose serving them. in case you prefer greater casual nutrition, you may attempt making small philly cheese steak sandwiches, small coney canines, perchance corndogs. For wasteland, serve muffins, Rice Krispies treats, and choc chip cookies.

Answer 8

this is a good one!!! you should watch dinners drive!! on the food network!!!

starter my best ideas are dinner
nachos
spinach and artichoke dip
blooming onion
bake potato

dinner
BBQ Brisket, Bake beans,
Cook out on the grill Chicken, Corn, and more
Pot Roast from he crock pot
Pork Chops, Red Potatoes and more
Chili and corn bread or chili pie "i dont like corn bread"
Italian stuff American loves that
Chicken fried steak, potatoes mashed, gravy, and more!
chicken and dumplings/noodles
FRIED CHICKEN




yummy treats!!!

apple pie
cake
bunt cake
home made ice cream and brownies


i could go on for every true American classics

Answer 9

Yankee Pot Roast!

http://www.yankeepotroast.org/bottom/recipe.html

http://southernfood.about.com/od/potroastrecipes/r/bl30120d.htm

http://southernfood.about.com/od/potroastrecipes/Pot_Roast_Recipes_Beef_Pot_Roasts.htm

http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-00,yankee_pot_roast,FF.html

http://www.thatsmyhome.com/momsdiner/beef/yankpot.htm

Other American Recipes:

http://www.foodbooks.com/recipes.htm

Don't Forget Apple Pie for Dessert!

http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Desserts/Pies/Fruit-Pies/Apple-Pies/Main.aspx

http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Desserts/Pies/Main.aspx

http://www.myhomecooking.net/apple-pie/

http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/recipe/apple_pie_recipe.htm

http://applepierecipes.recipecottage.com/

http://www.applesource.com/applepierecipe.htm

Have a Great Dinner! Let us know how it goes!

Answer 10

Have a green salad.Then serve up some meat loaf,mashed potatoes,mixed carrots and sweet peas,rolls,and iced tea.Dessert would be jello and cool whip...