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Jamie's united tastes of America; Jamie Oliver spent a year scouring the States to find its finest food - from classic burgers to sweet potato pie. Now, in a three-part series, he dishes up his American beauties...

Article Excerpt
Byline: Jamie Oliver

We're all familiar with the cliches of American food: junk food and supersizing... but what is real American food all about? In writing this book, I wanted to get under the skin of the country, find the answers to these questions and, most importantly, bring the best of what I learnt there home for my family, my friends and you guys. So as you can see, the idea for this book came from a really personal and curious place; but fast-forward 18 months and the world that most of us live in has definitely changed, especially for Americans. A kickass world recession that seemed to come overnight, and the election of America's first black president, Barack Obama, who stormed to victory with his inspirational words and promise of change, have turned America upside down and made it an even more fascinating place. Incredibly, just one week before sitting down to write this introduction, I cooked the state dinner for the G20 London Summit on the global financial crisis, which President Obama and his wife, Michelle, attended. They were such a lovely couple. Never when I started this journey did I imagine I'd be chatting with them before the end of it!

When I told people I was writing a book about American food, all the familiar jokes about junk food would come up. But that didn't put me off in the slightest, because if there's one thing I know, it's that we are all guilty of clinging to a cliche. I've spent ten years of my career defending British food against the perception that it's nothing but slop.

It's true that Americans' fast-food culture and huge portions have led to massive health problems there. But anyone with half a brain knows that how people feed their families is where the real story is. Everywhere I went in America, it seemed people were focusing on the simpler things and family life. Instead of being shown glitzy, flamboyant food, I was being welcomed into homes and seeing sides of America I'd never dreamed existed.

Because of that, I've been able to pick up on new and innovative ways of cooking, as well as learn more about the old-school, accessible and affordable comfort classics that make the country tick. And without sounding too pleased with myself, I'm really proud of what I'm now able to share with you.

Did you know?

Jamie's first book and TV series, The Naked Chef, were produced ten years ago when he was just 24. His shows are now seen in 50 countries around the world

BURGERS & SLIDERS

Serves 6

I couldn't possibly leave the great American burger out of this book. Sadly, the classic burger has gone from humble beginnings (as something brought over by German immigrants) to become a symbol of fast food. But when made with quality ingredients, it's an absolute joy. So, introducing my great American burger, and its little cousin, the 'slider', or mini burger.

FOR THE BURGER MIX

Olive oil

2 medium red onions, peeled and finely chopped

6 Jacob's crackers or 4 slices of bread, crusts removed

500g (1lb 2oz) good-quality lean minced beef

1tsp sea salt

1 heaped tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 large egg, preferably free-range or organic, beaten

A handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

FOR THE SPICY MAYO

4tsp mayonnaise

1tsp tomato ketchup

A good pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

TO SERVE

12 rashers of smoked streaky bacon, the best quality you can afford

6...

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