Residents here know that when you eat in Kentucky, our delicious dishes provide a taste to remember us by. We have a variety of southern cuisine that will literally melt in your mouth, though some might be considered an acquired taste. Some of these foods may not appeal to everyone, as we each have our own tastes. If you give them a try, you might find some of our southern fare more appealing than you think.

Here are 14 dishes to eat in Kentucky, if you haven’t already:

14. Fried Pickles

I never thought of frying a pickle, but after experiencing them, they are quite tasty. I’ve had them in Central Kentucky and all along the Ohio at different spots.

13. Modjeska or Caramel Biscuits

This caramel marshmallow treat has been made since 1880s via Bauer’s Candies in Lawrenceburg. It is named Modjeska after the actress from the era who loved the candies, but initially, they were called caramel biscuits.

12. Spoonbread

This is a cornmeal based dish that has more the consistency of a hearty pudding than a bread. It was once a favorite in the Appalachian community and more rural parts of the state.

11. Corn Pudding

There are many recipes of corn pudding, as it has been a southern comfort food for centuries. The most common has cream style corn mixed with flour for a smoother consistency, or corn meal for a slightly more rough texture. Some add honey, molasses or brown sugar, creating a sweet and savory, yet moderately healthy dessert.

10. Thoroughbred Pie, aka Walnut Bourbon Fudge Pie

This is a different take on Derby Pie. Instead of using Pecans, bakers substitute walnuts and add bourbon and chocolate. It is a combination of wonderful tastes that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next time you get it.

9. Derby Pie

This is Kentucky’s version of the Pecan Pie. We improved it by adding dark chocolate, and it is truly delicious.

8. Hot Brown

The Hot Brown has been a part of Kentucky’s cuisine since the early 1900s. It is an open face turkey sandwich with tomatoes, bacon and Mornay Sauce.

7. Burgoo, mutton is shown

This classic dish is made from whatever meat and vegetables are available. A barbecue, tomato and spicy sauce are the most common, but any mix of vegetables and meats will work. It is nice alone or with crackers or noodles.

6. Benedictine Spread

This is a creamy spread made of cucumbers and cream cheese that have been favored here since the early 1900s. People have it on bread, as a dip, or on sandwiches to replace mayo or mustard. It is a cool, creamy treat that is surprisingly good.

5. Country Ham

This salty ham is a favorite with almost any country breakfast. It is one of the meats that was often served at our table and that of many others we knew. It goes great with a Red Eye gravy too.

4. Fried Chicken

Colonel Sanders made it famous, but fried chicken has been a tradition here since before he invented KFC.

3. Cornbread with anything

Cornmeal use to be considered survival food, as a pan of cornbread could feed the family. Mix it in a glass of milk and it makes a wonderful snack. Some people prefer it with a little butter, others like to serve it with beans. It is a flexible, filling meal.

2. Ale 8

Ale 8, our very own Ginger Ale, is bottled in Winchester. It offers a crisp unique Ginger taste that is different from other brands.

1. Barbecue

This is a favorite in Kentucky from border to border. Different parts of the state do it differently though. Some mixes are more tangy and vinegar like, others are smoky or sweet. It is served on pork, chicken, beef and mutton is a favorite.

One thing I’ve always been told is that Kentuckians cook with love, and that is why our food is so special. When I travel, I often find I miss our delicious dishes, and nothing tastes quite the same. What are your favorite dishes to eat in Kentucky?