91 of 365 - Midwest American Staples

I would be derelict if, as a member of an international group with a theme of Food, I didn't introduce the Midwest American "Hot Dish". Not to be confused with a cassoulet, a ragu or even a casserole, this is a uniquely upper Midwestern USA, phenomena crafted, more often than not, for the church basement gatherings or the school potluck. Often seen accompanied by Jello salads of every ilk and maybe a mayo soaked seven layer salad (which in many ways is a cold hot dish!) or, more recently, the "Chinese" salad that includes uncooked Ramen noodles.

All kidding aside though, it is the ultimate comfort food for many of us, whether in the form of the tomato based pasta with corn and ground beef as shown above, or the Tuna hot dish complete with smashed potato chips on top. In full disclaimer, a true hot dish would never be so showy as to use the pasta used above; only elbow macaroni is found in a true Hot Dish.

The other staple I am proud to portray is Peanut Butter Toast. It is my breakfast of choice. I will admit that I have "graduated" from the squishy white bread of my youth to grainier goodness, but the comfort level has never decreased for me.