Michigan's Food History Starts With Pasties

By Amy Brantley, Contributing writer

Michigan is a state where food history runs deep. According to Kelloggs.com, health enthusiasts were introduced to cold cereal for the first time by Dr. W. K. Kellogg in the late 1800s. (The Kellogg's factory in Michigan would later invent the recipe for Rice Krispie treats).

During the Civil War, Michigan gave the world Vernor's Ginger Ale. It is also world famous for mint and its Mackinac Island fudge. But before these foods made Michigan a foodie haven, the state began its food history with the simple and delicious pasty.

What Are Pasties?

According to Upper-Peninsula-Now.com, pasties are a simple pastry filled with meat and vegetables. Pasties are a wonderful way to take yesterday's meal and turn it into something new. They are perfect for eating on the go, which makes them a must when traveling through Michigan.

History

Around 1850, miners began to mine for copper in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As with any other mining operation, miners came from all over the world. According to FoodTimeline.org, there were miners from Cornwall, Ireland, Canada, Finland and Eastern Europe.

A little treat the Cornwall miners were carrying with them was pasties. The meat- and potato-filled pastry was easy to reheat on the blade of a shovel, though it could also be eaten cold. The meal quickly caught on and can still be found in restaurants across Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Varieties

While the original pasties were filled with slices of beef, potatoes and vegetables, pasties now can be found in a variety of flavors. DobbersPasties.com offers a chicken pasty filled with fresh chicken, vegetables and a cream of chicken sauce. It even sells a veggie pasty with Wisconsin cheddar cheese, vegetables and a cream of mushroom sauce. Don't be surprised if you come across restaurants that even offer sweet varieties.

Where to Find Pasties

Pasties are such a traditional Michigan food that you will find them throughout the Upper Peninsula. You can even order them online. To get the best pasties possible, it's best to choose a restaurant that specializes in the food rather than offering them as a novelty. Restaurants that specialize in pasties not only offer the best pasties, but also they often offer a signature recipe, too.

Here are a few locations to choose from: Marquee Marque Pasties, 43568 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights, Mich.; Gram's Pasties, 2418 Ludington St., Escanaba, Mich.; and Weldon's Pasties, 19161 Merriman Road, Livonia, Mich.

If you plan to visit Michigan, or just want to order some Michigan food online, you can't go wrong with pasties. The pasty is a simple, hearty dish that has been around for hundreds of years. Long before the people of Michigan enjoyed them, people in England prepared pasties. Best of all, pasties are like pizza; each restaurant offers a different take on this classic dish. If you're adventurous enough, you also can make pasties at home from one of the wonderful recipes available online.