Massachusetts is a U.S. state with a rich culinary history, going all the way back to the first Thanksgiving feast. Held in Plymouth, MA in 1621, the three-day gathering celebrated the harvest of the Pilgrims. Ninety Native Americans joined the festivities, bringing food that they had hunted. Right before the celebration began, the Pilgrims went hunting and brought back four turkeys, which were roasted for the meal. Ever since then, turkey has been the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving Day dinner, though every family has its own favorite recipes and traditions.

The state's famous Boston Baked Beans also originated with the Native Americans and Pilgrims. Native Americans traditionally added maple syrup and bear fat to their beans and stored them underground and surrounded by hot coals. The Pilgrims adapted this technique, substituting molasses for the syrup and pork fat for the bear fat. They then “baked” the beans over a fire in cast-iron cauldrons.

Massachusetts is also the home of other food “firsts.” One tasty example is the invention of the chocolate chip cookie in 1930 by the Tollhouse Restaurant in Whitman, MA. And Boston Cream Pie was first created by French chef Sanzian at the Parker House Hotel in Boston.

Did you know…?

…Boston Cream Pie really isn't a pie, but a cake with a custard filling?

…Massachusetts has the largest cranberry crop in the nation?

…The state has many interesting “official” foods?

• State Muffin: Corn Muffin
• State Cookie: Chocolate Chip Cookie
• State Bean: Navy Bean (the official bean found in Boston Baked Beans)
• State Dessert: Boston Cream Pie
• State Berry: Cranberry
• State Beverage: Cranberry Juice
• State Fish: Cod

So try some of these delicious recipes that originated in the great state of Massachusetts. Don't forget to ask an adult for help!

• New England Clam Chowder
• Boston Brown Bread
• Corn Muffins
• Baked Beans