Evening Series

Central Plains - Midwest

Reservations available from 5:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Events are held in the Commodity Council Room, 154 Eckles Hall.

Nov. 10, 2009

The Central Plains became a part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. This purchase was made by President Thomas Jefferson and constituted 800,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River. The Central Plains consists of the corn and wheat belt and has a colossal amount of streams, rivers, and lakes. Illinois produces more than half of all the corn in the U.S. and another large portion comes from Nebraska, making the Corn Belt a large part of the area. An immense amount of dairy is also produced in the Central Plains, which makes it possible for Wisconsin to produce the most cheese of any state in the country. The Central Plains help feed our country because of its vast amount of land and the resources it has.

The foods of the Central Plains have derived from many different cultures that have settled in this region. Indigenous Native American tribes established efficient ways of harvesting and preparing crops. Early European immigrants learned these methods from the Native Americans and many of these techniques can be seen in modern Midwest society. The diverse amounts of cultures that have migrated to the Midwest and the plentiful rich soil throughout the region have allowed the Midwest population to experience a large variety of different foods. The Central Plains has been considered the breadbasket of America due to the numerous farms that produce a substantial amount of the nation’s food supply. The foods of the region are strongly influenced by the seasons and are mostly known for being simple and hearty. Wheat, corn and potatoes are staples of the region and are represented in almost every meal. Stews and roasts are typical dishes served at dinner because of their simplicity and accessibility.

When you think of the Central Plains and Midwest cuisine, you think of simple, but hearty meals comprised of home grown foods. Our menu provides a wide variety of foods from the Heartland, such as garden vegetables, a variety of grains, and dairy products from Wisconsin. Since the Midwest is known for beef and pork it only seems natural to incorporate those items into our entrees. Our menu also features wild game and plants native to the Central Plains, such as duck, mushrooms, and blackberries. We also incorporate some of the traditional dishes such as pirogi, an Eastern European dumpling, and apple pie… with a creative appearance.

The Hardy Calf