Possible additions: Tibet: stuffed sheep lung (I have a recipe if you'd like). Re: natto

: My Malaysian _style_ cookbook calls for the ingrediant Belacan in several : of its recipes.  I gather belacan is dried shrimp paste but I cannot find : it in any speciality food stores, nor has anyone in these shops ever heard : of it.  Does anyone know if belacan also goes by another name or if there is : a more widely available substitute?  Thanks. There is not substitute.  It is often sold in a retangular brick. It has a very strong smell that might put off the untrained nose. It is extremely nice. like blue cheese, it's an acquired taste. A word of warning,  make sure you are in a well ventilated room when you open it.  try to shut off the kitchen to other parts of your house.  Another few hints: 1.  you want to make sure you seal off the kitchen from other parts of the house.  The smell is VERY potent. 2.  try to open all windows,doors, etc in your kitchen to make sure the smell goes out. 3.  belachan can be stored in the fridge.  just keep it wraped up in the paper it
... wi?cej »

There are a couple of items indigenous to the U.S. I think should be added to your list. First, to the Midwest List:  Miracle Whip.  It is a well known fact that when in the Midwest if you request mayonnaise you will receive Miracle Whip! My second addition to your list would be for the Northeast - quahogs - hugely popular, particularly in Rhode Island.  Coffee Milk also an odd must-have in Rhode Island and vicinities. Loved you list - major project! Peggy Makolondra

One addition and a piece of trivia that will disgust those who don't already know it. First

My second addition to your list would be for the Northeast - quahogs - hugely popular, particularly in Rhode Island.  Coffee Milk also an odd must-have in Rhode Island and vicinities.   What is Coffee Milk?   jan

Why do so many cultures have blood-_base_d dishes? You can add one for Sweden - blood sausage.  When my mother just had to have her fix of it, my brother and I would block off her side of the table with cereal boxes.  So she would explain, from behind her wall, all the fine details involved in making this wonderful treat.  And she poured syrup on it!