Slovenian in the U.S.A. – Food Edition

Before I tackle the blog’s topic, quick update. My new book is going to be titled Deathway and is almost finished. In fact, by the middle of the week the first draft should be done! In the coming few weeks I’ll be focusing on some short stories and other stuff and then, as I start editing I will be publishing the chapters one by one.

I will mention this now and ask again in the future: If anyone is willing to be a beta-reader for Deathway by just providing feedback (any kind of feedback welcome – suggestions, criticism, etc …), I will acknowledge their first and last name (or nickname if someone doesn’t want to use their actual name) when it is published.

Onto the post title now: me and my wife were talking about what I was thinking to write about in the blog and she suggested I do at least one post about food, as a European living in the U.S.A. I might do some future posts about some other differences.

A few disclaimers:

• This post is about prepared food not counting sweets / deserts – those deserve a separate entry
• I will not be including Mexican or other countries cuisine – though I can say Mexican food in Europe is terrible compared to the one here
• I am obviously speaking about my personal experience, specifically with the “Southern” U.S. cuisine, primarily Tennessee
• And finally, this is by no means an exhaustive list. Future food posts may follow

In the following there are a few different styles of preparing food as well as two specific dishes that have definitely won me over.

Anything Grilled

I have to be honest here. For most of my life, I’ve been used to typically gas grills. Yes, of course there are other styles of grills in Slovenia (Europe in general) and a few of my friends would occasionally use a wooden grill. However, at least where I’m from, gas is by far the most prevalent one. Compare that to the Southern U.S.A., charcoal grill is basically the default. And I love it.

The food – any kind of food – just tastes so much better on a charcoal grill compared to a gas one. Like, the two can’t even compare. And this is not even taking into account the smokers and other ways of prepping the meat for grilling. I know we often times joke in Europe about the U.S. being the land of the burgers and this definitely holds true (proof in pictures above). But not just that. Chicken, vegetables, you name it, grilling here is on another level entirely.

There is a small downside that I have to mention – for whatever reason, the bread (all kinds of bread, including hamburger buns) just seems to taste sweeter, but it’s not a big deal for me. My brother who spent several months studying in Texas absolutely hated it though.

Casseroles

Similar to the one above, there are some casserole dishes I’ve eaten in Slovenia and Europe in general, but they are by far more common in Tennessee and U.S.A. My favorite one is undoubtedly the chicken & rice casserole that is often at fault for me being in a food coma. When my parents visited us 2 years ago, I found out my dad had the same problems as me when eating it – just can’t get enough.

A honorable mention goes also to broccoli casserole – making that disgusting vegetable delicious. I’m telling you, this is some kind of sorcery!

Fried Foods

In today’s day and age anyone has probably eaten at least some fried food. Well take that experience, dip it in butter and fry it again! Unhealthy? Absofuckinglutely! But is it delicious? Hoooly shit yes! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but fried green tomatoes and fried pickles are so damn good they should be illegal. It makes absolutely no sense to take something healthy, turn it around and elevate the taste beyond human comprehension.

A special mention here for the Nashville-style hot fried chicken. Starting from the batter and (at least) 24 hour soaking in it, this is a delicacy that blows away any attempt at fried chicken I’ve ever had in Europe. The two experiences aren’t even on the same planet. Some other of my favorites are fried fish or shrimp.

Sausage Balls

Jalapeño Poppers (with Bacon)