1

25 times a year

Image: Johannes Plenio

Its tall, elegant steel structure is definitely captivating; no wonder thousands of photographers, painters, and filmmakers have chosen the Empire State Building as the backdrop for their work. However, that imposing height comes with something a little scary: it's estimated that the building is struck by lightning about 25 times a year! Fortunately, it was designed to handle these strikes, so it's completely safe.

2

Really fast

Image: Guilherme Cunha

There are buildings that took decades to complete. But this is not the case with the Empire State Building. In fact, this is one of the fastest skyscrapers ever built: It took only one year and 45 days to erect such an architectural masterpiece. That means it was built at a rate of an incredible 4.5 floors per week!

3

Unlikely survivor

Image: Melanie Dretvic

It was 1945 when the Empire State Building was accidentally struck by a B-25 Mitchell bomber due to the thick fog that covered NYC. A worker named Betty Lou Oliver was on the 80th floor when the plane crashed into the 79th. She was severely injured, but incredibly, she survived. Hours later, while being rescued in an elevator, the damaged cables gave way, and Betty fell 75 floors to the basement. She survived that too!

4

40 million dollars

Image: Pepi Stojanovski

A tremendous building like the Empire State couldn't be built on a shoestring budget. When it was constructed —in the midst of the Great Depression, no less— it cost about $41 million . That's a hefty sum, even today! Adjusted for inflation, that would be around $600 to $700 million in 2025. Wow!

5

Secret floor

Image: roemer overdiep

If you are afraid of heights, be prepared: the Empire State Building has two public observation decks, one on the 86th floor and another on the 102nd. But there's another one, and it's even higher! It's located on the 103rd floor, but it's not open to the public and is mostly used for VIPs or special occasions.

6

High security

Image: Pawel Czerwinski

Although an incredible 4 million people visit the building each year on average, getting in isn't easy. Many visitors say it feels like going through airport security, with X-ray machines and metal detectors everywhere. Visitors must also pass through a security checkpoint before reaching the observation decks, and the building is constantly monitored by cameras and security guards.

7

King Kong

Image: Simon Ray

We all remember the iconic scene of the imposing King Kong climbing the towering mast of the Empire State Building. And while that image lives on in our minds, there's one detail many people overlook: When the original King Kong movie premiered in 1933, the Empire State Building was less than two years old! Plus, at the time, the building still held the title of tallest in the world, making King Kong's climb even more epic.

8

Underground waterways

Image: Evgeniy Smersh

Beneath what is now NYC, there was a network of streams and rivers that flowed freely before Manhattan and other boroughs covered them. The land below the Empire State Building is no exception, and these old underground waterways still occasionally cause complications. For example, during heavy rains, water can rise and seep into the building's wind tunnels, sometimes flooding areas with up to two feet of water.

9

The original plans

Image: Jaunt and Joy

The Empire State Building was originally supposed to have a dirigible anchor! That's right; the mast at the top of the building was meant to serve as a mooring post for dirigibles, with a docking platform and a door for passengers to disembark. However, due to the extreme height, high winds, and overall potential danger, the idea was discarded. Today, the mast is used for antennas and other communications equipment.

10

Green building

Image: Chris Ladouceur

This iconic building that defines New York's skyline is considered a "green building." And no, it has nothing to do with the color of its walls; it's about something much more meaningful. The sustainability modifications that the Empire State has undergone over the years have made it one of the most energy-efficient buildings of its size, minimizing its environmental impact and earning it the title of "green building."

1

Smoked mackerel & leek hash

Image: Denis Agati

If you have 250 grams of potatoes, two large leeks, a can of smoked mackerel, and four eggs , you can make this delicious dish.

Cook the potatoes in the microwave for five minutes. Meanwhile, heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat, add the leeks with a pinch of salt, and cook for 10 minutes. Add the potatoes, increase the heat, and fry for a couple of minutes. Flake the mackerel into the pan. Make four indents in the leek mixture, crack an egg into each, then cover the pan and cook for 6–8 minutes, until the whites have set and the yolks remain runny.

2

Cacio e pepe

Image: Immo Wegmann

You probably have a packet of dried spaghetti in your pantry. For this recipe, you’ll need 200 grams of spaghetti , 25 grams of butter , 50 grams of finely grated pecorino or parmesan cheese , and some black pepper .

Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium frying pan over low heat, add the ground black pepper, and toast for a few minutes. Transfer the pasta to the pan along with 100 ml of pasta water. Toss briefly, then evenly sprinkle the cheese over the pasta—but don’t stir. Let the cheese melt for 30 seconds, then toss everything together and stir until well combined.

3

Peanut butter & jam flapjacks

Image: Towfiqu barbhuiya

Peanut butter and jelly have saved the day more than once, and they do it again in this simple recipe. You’ll need 5 tablespoons of salted butter , 250 grams of peanut butter , 8 tablespoons of strawberry or raspberry jam , and 200 grams of rolled oats .

Preheat the oven, butter a 20 cm square cake tin, and line the base and sides with baking parchment. Put 3 tablespoons each of the peanut butter and jam in separate small bowls and set aside. Put the remaining peanut butter, the rest of the jam, and the butter and sugar into a pan set over medium heat and stir. Add the oats, then leave to cool for 5 minutes. Transfer it to the prepared cake tin and gently press it down with your hands. Dot the reserved peanut butter and jam over the top, then bake for 20–25 minutes.

4

Caramelized banana & chocolate pie

Image: Mike Dorner

This is a great dessert to improvise if you have three bananas , 70 grams of hazelnuts , 150 grams of dark chocolate , a 500-gram block of puff pastry , and three tablespoons of brown sugar .

Preheat the oven. Process the hazelnuts in a small food processor, then transfer them to a bowl with the chocolate. Roll out the pastry into a 30 cm circle on a sheet of baking parchment. Sprinkle the chocolate and hazelnut mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving a 5 cm border. Arrange the bananas on top and scatter most of the remaining hazelnuts over them. Fold the pastry edges over the filling. Transfer the pie, along with the baking parchment, to a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes. Bake for 25–30 minutes.

5

Garlic chicken parcels

Image: Claudio Schwarz

You will need two chicken breasts , a 320-gram sheet of all-butter puff pastry , 150 grams of garlic and herb cream cheese , half a lemon , and 200 grams of green beans and broccoli .

Heat the oven. Cut a slit halfway into each chicken breast, then place each one between two sheets of baking parchment and flatten slightly with a rolling pin. Cut the pastry sheet in half widthwise and place both halves on a baking tray. Place a chicken breast on top of each pastry half, then fill the cavities with the cream cheese. Sprinkle with lemon zest, then fold the edges of the pastry over the chicken and pinch to seal. Flip each parcel over so the seam is on the bottom. Then bake for 30 minutes until deep golden. About 10 minutes before your parcels are ready, steam or boil the greens until tender. Toss with a little oil, season, and serve.

6

Red pepper linguine

Image: amirali mirhashemian

The second pasta recipe on our list requires one roasted red pepper , a bit of olive oil , 50 grams of walnuts , a small garlic clove , 100 grams of spaghetti or linguine , and some parmesan cheese .

In a food processor, blend the roasted red pepper with the olive oil, walnuts, and garlic until smooth. Season well and set aside. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions indicate. Drain, reserving a bit of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pan, add the reserved cooking water and red pepper sauce, and warm through over low heat. Serve in a bowl, topped with parmesan and some chopped toasted walnuts.

7

Creamy tomato courgetti

Image: Caroline Attwood

The original recipe calls for Parma ham, but any ham you have in your fridge will do. You will need four slices of ham , half a pack of basil , 350 grams of tomato and mascarpone sauce , and a 250-gram pack of courgetti .

Tear the ham and basil into coarse pieces. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and dry-fry the ham until crisp. Transfer the ham and basil to a plate, then add the sauce to the same pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then stir in the courgetti. Cook for 1 more minute until warmed through. Divide between bowls and top with the ham and basil.

8

Jerk prawn & coconut rice bowls

Image: blackieshoot

If you have a 150-gram pack of peeled prawns , a bit of jerk seasoning , a 400-gram can of kidney beans in chili sauce , and a 250-gram pouch of ready-cooked coconut rice , you can make this quick and flavorful dish.

Heat a bit of oil in a large frying pan, add the prawns and jerk seasoning, and cook for two minutes. Drain the beans, reserving three tablespoons of the chili sauce. Add the beans to the pan along with the reserved sauce and coconut rice. Fry for 3–4 minutes, then season with salt to taste.

9

Sweet potatoes with mushrooms & rosemary

Image: Louis Hansel

If you have sweet potatoes lying around and aren’t sure what to make, here’s an idea. You’ll need two sweet potatoes , 200 grams of halved chestnut mushrooms , a bit of freshly chopped rosemary , and some Parmesan cheese .

Preheat the oven. Prick the sweet potatoes several times with a fork, then microwave them for 8–10 minutes until tender. Meanwhile, heat a bit of oil in a non-stick pan, add the mushrooms and rosemary, and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned. Season to taste. Transfer the potatoes to the oven and roast for 15 minutes until the skins start to crisp. Split them open, top with the mushrooms, and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

10

Sweet chili dogs

Image: American Heritage Chocolate

Who doesn’t love hot dogs? Or chili? This extra-simple recipe combines both. You’ll need four fat sausages , two onions , a bit of chili sauce , four hot dog buns , and two tablespoons of tomato purée .

Preheat the oven. Place the sausages in a roasting tin and cook for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Meanwhile, fry the onions in a bit of oil until softened. Stir in the chili sauce and tomato purée, season to taste, and cook for 1 minute more. Split the hot dog buns, add a spoonful of the sweet chili onions, place a sausage in each, then top with another spoonful of onions. Enjoy!

1

Cornbread

Image: Rafael Cisneros Méndez

With its roots planted in Native American cuisine, cornbread has become a unique staple, especially in the South of our country.

Easy to make and irresistibly tasty , this quick bread stands out for its versatility , making it a great companion to meals of many Americans at different times of the day .

And the best part? You only need cornmeal, all-purpose flour, buttermilk, melted butter (or vegetable oil), and a couple of eggs to make it! What time of the day do you prefer to enjoy this recipe?

2

Apple Pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

Did you know that apple pie was one of the favorite desserts of our first president, George Washington ? While it originated in England, the apple pie was brought to America by European settlers and stayed here to evolve into the special dessert we know today. It is now so linked with American culture that we have the saying, "As American as apple pie," to prove it!

Often enjoyed during Thanksgiving and other holidays as a tasty autumn dessert , this is a slightly more elaborate recipe, but definitely worth a try.

And if you're looking for a special occasion to bake one, May 13th is the perfect date, since it's National Apple Pie Day in the United States!

3

Pecan Pie

Image: Leila Issa

Pecans are a delightful treat, right? And you know what? They are native to North America , especially the South , which is why the wonderful Pecan Pie is associated with this region of the country.

The formula for this tasty dessert is said to have emerged in the late 19th century , with one of its earliest recipes appearing in an 1886 recipe book!

And, while it's a classic during holidays like Thanksgiving , you can actually enjoy it anytime, all year round. In fact, this recipe is so popular that the state of Texas has declared it their official state pie !

4

Philly Cheesesteak

Image: Ir Like

Enough sweet for now. Now, let's talk about a savory delight, the Philly Cheesesteak .

As its name suggests, this classic was born in the city of Philadelphia , Pennsylvania, and is believed to be the creation of a hot dog vendor in the 1930s .

Who can resist the combination of a crispy hoagie roll, thinly sliced pieces of steak, onion, bell pepper, and melted cheese? We can't!

Of course, people in Philadelphia have a special day to celebrate this dish: March 24. Have you ever joined the celebration? If not, consider this as a sign to do it next year!

5

Thanksgiving Turkey

Image: Megan Watson

As you probably already know, it is believed that in Plymouth, Massachusetts , a special meeting took place in 1621 . According to myth, English settlers there shared a feast with Native Americans that included primarily turkey , among other foods. This gathering is often considered the very first Thanksgiving , forever linking turkey to this day of gratitude.

For this delicious recipe, you won't need many ingredients; just butter, fresh herbs, an onion, a lemon, some garlic, and salt and pepper to taste, along with your turkey , of course! In addition, you can stuff it with the option of your choice.

And while all this may sound familiar, here's a surprising fact: According to the National Turkey Federation, approximately 46 million turkeys are eaten each year at Thanksgiving!

6

Biscuits and Gravy

Image: Stephen McFadden

Originally from the South of the United States , the Biscuits and Gravy recipe is today a classic comfort food that has also spread to other parts of the country.

Mainly consumed as breakfast but also having special appearances as brunch or dinner, this dish is characterized by its flavor and simplicity.

Depending on the area where it is prepared, the type of gravy may vary, and sometimes, you can find combinations with some extra ingredients, like bacon or eggs . Are you one of the fans of this dish?

7

Po' Boy Sandwich

Image: Anastasia gezalova

While its origin is still debated, there is a story about the birth of the Po' Boy Sandwich that has been accepted by most New Orleanians.

The year was 1929 when a strike of streetcar conductors broke out. In the city of New Orleans , Benny and Clovis Martin decided to support the striking workers. As restaurant owners, they began handing out free special sandwiches to the conductors, affectionately known as "Poor Boys." This name later became associated with the sandwich and, over time, "Poor Boy" evolved into the "Po' boy" we know today, a staple of Louisiana cuisine .

The classic recipe contains the delicious combination of fried shrimp or roast beef, lettuce , tomato , pickles , mayonnaise , and a sauce of choice, all on a good loaf of French bread . Irresistible!

8

Reuben Sandwich

Image: Asnim Ansari

If you love grilled sandwiches, then the Reuben Sandwich is the choice for you.

Its origin is still debated, with two competing stories: one from the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1920 , and the other from Reuben's Delicatessen in New York City in 1914. Whether it comes from New York or Omaha, the Reuben is undeniably an American classic .

Making this dish is quite simple. You'll need rye bread , thinly sliced corned beef, sauerkraut, a good Swiss cheese , and dressing (Russian or Thousand Island dressing). And don't forget to butter the bread before grilling !

With a combination of Jewish deli meats, German sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing, this sandwich is a representation of the diverse cultures and cuisines that enrich our nation.

9

Buffalo wings

Image: Clark Douglas

If you offer this dish to a foreigner, you might confuse them a bit. After all, buffaloes don't have wings! The thing is that this delicacy is named after the city where it originated.

The story goes that Buffalo wings were invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York , where co-owner of the bar Teressa Bellissimo created the dish in search of a quick snack. That's when she deep-fried some chicken wings and tossed them in a sauce made from butter and seasonings . She then served them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing, just as they are served today.

If you're not among the millions who prepare this dish for the Super Bowl , don't worry. You can enjoy it at the National Buffalo Wing Festival , held every Labor Day weekend; you probably guessed where: in Buffalo, New York.

10

Clam chowder

Image: Kevin Lanceplaine

Representing New England cuisine , Clam Chowder has become one of America's staples, and its origin and ingredients can prove it.

It is said that when the European settlers arrived on the Atlantic coast , they wanted to recreate their traditional seafood stews. However, inspired by the local ingredients , something entirely new was born. It was a creamy soup with clams and other coastal treats. The first known written recipe for this dish appeared in 1832 in "The New England Farmer" magazine.

And as if all that was not enough, this recipe definitively sealed its status as a classic when it was included in Herman Melville's unforgettable novel, "Moby-Dick" !