As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, there are few things as American as the hamburger. So how has Illinois and the greater Midwest contributed to America’s favorite hand-held food? 

A new book “Sweet, Tart and Golden: Apples in the Midwestern Imagination" takes a deep dive into the historic connection between apples, Americana, and Midwestern values.

A new book discusses how Midwestern food fits into the bigger picture of American culture.

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We talk with Illinois chef Paul Fehribach, who’s out with a new book on Midwestern cuisine: what it is, where it came from, and how it’s influenced the American menu beyond our region. The book is Midwestern Food: A Chef’s Guide to the Surprising History of a Great American Cuisine, with More Than 100 Tasty Recipes.

We talk with Illinois chef Paul Fehribach, who’s out with a new book on Midwestern cuisine: what it is, where it came from, and how it’s influenced the American menu beyond our region. The book is Midwestern Food: A Chef’s Guide to the Surprising History of a Great American Cuisine, with More Than 100 Tasty Recipes.