1

Julia Child

Image: Caroline Attwood

Probably the first name that comes to mind when thinking about famous American chefs is Julia Child, and for good reason. This chef, author, and television personality is recognized for bringing French cuisine to the American public with her first cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking , and her television programs, like 1963’s The French Chef.

Child began learning to cook after meeting her future husband, Paul, who grew up in a family passionate about food and was known for his sophisticated palate.

2

Emeril Lagasse

Image: Fabrizio Magoni

Another familiar name (one of many) on this list is Emeril Lagasse, a celebrity chef, restaurateur, television personality, cookbook author, and regional James Beard Award winner (more on this name later), known for his mastery of Creole and Cajun cuisine.

He is known for catchphrases like "Kick it up a notch!" and "Bam!" and has appeared on a wide variety of cooking shows , including Emeril Live and Essence of Emeril .

3

Paula Deen

Image: Alyson McPhee

The hostess of Paula’s Party is a chef, cookbook author, and TV personality from Savannah, Georgia, where she owns and operates The Lady & Sons restaurant with her sons . She has been the star of several cooking shows, including Paula’s Home Cooking, Positively Paula, Paula’s Best Dishes , and the aforementioned Paula’s Party .

Another show where you might recognize her—though it doesn't bear her name—is MasterChef , where she appears as a guest alongside other well-known chefs, mentoring home cooks through a series of challenges.

4

James Beard

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

If Julia Child is not the first name that comes to your mind when you think of a celebrity chef, then this might be the one. James Beard pioneered television cooking with shows like 1946’s I Love to Eat, taught at The James Beard Cooking School, and lectured extensively. He was a big promoter of American cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients.

Beard taught and mentored generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, and published more than twenty books.

5

Leah Chase

Image: Jorge Zapata

The Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, was a New Orleans chef, author, and television host, also known for her civil rights advocacy and her extensive African-American art collection . Her restaurant, Dooky Chase, was known as a gathering place during the 1960s for many involved in the Civil Rights Movement, and in 2018, it was named one of the 40 most important restaurants of the past 40 years by Food & Wine .

Leah Chase was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America in 2010, received a lifetime achievement award from the Southern Foodways Alliance in 2000, and was awarded honorary degrees from several universities, among other honors.

6

Bobby Flay

Image: Wyron A

A staple on the Food Network, Bobby Flay has been a prominent figure in American television since 1995, winning several awards and even earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame . He has hosted or been a part of several shows, including Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay, 3 Days to Open with Bobby Flay, Throwdown with Bobby Flay , and many more.

He has participated in many shows competing against other chefs, mentoring home chefs, and has hosted many cooking reality shows.

7

Sara Moulton

Image: Holly Stratton

Described as "one of the nation’s most enduring recipe writers and cooking teachers...and a dean of food television and magazines," Sara Moulton is a chef, cookbook author, and television personality. She served as the food editor for ABC’s Good Morning America from 1997 to 2012 and hosted Cooking Live , Cooking Live Primetime , and Sara’s Secrets on the Food Network.

Moulton has authored several cookbooks, including Sara Moulton Cooks at Home (2002), Sara’s Secrets for Weeknight Meals (2005), and Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners (2010). Since 2008, she has hosted Sara’s Weeknight Meals .

8

Guy Fieri

Image: Manu Ros

This easily recognizable and colorful personality is widely known for hosting many television series on The Food Network, licensing his name to restaurants in cities worldwide, and for his signature flashy shirts and spiky hair. His shows are said to bring an "element of rowdy, mass-market culture to American food television."

A series of TV specials and cooking shows showcase Fieri traveling the country visiting eateries, cooking, participating in and hosting game shows, and making appearances in other chefs’ shows.

9

Mary Ann Esposito

Image: Louis Hansel

Being the hostess of the longest-running television cooking program in America is no small feat, and Mary Ann Esposito—chef, cookbook writer, and central figure of _Ciao Italia_—has achieved just that.

This 30-minute show features Esposito's recipes and cooking tips, along with visits from guest chefs, as she explores the history of Italian cooking and food. The food is made from scratch in the studio, with each dish being prepared in numerous batches and at different recipe stages. This allows Esposito to execute an entire recipe in a matter of minutes, even if it would normally take hours to complete.

10

Anthony Bourdain

Image: Or Hakim

One of the most famous names in American television cooking history is, without a doubt, Anthony Bourdain. After honing his skills in various eateries and graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, including several years as executive chef at Brasserie Les Halles in Manhattan, he became best known for his travel documentaries, where he explored local cuisines from around the world, as well as for his books.

His first food and world-travel television show was A Cook's Tour , which was followed by Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations , The Layover , and Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. His funny, philosophical, and daredevil attitude made him a beloved figure in the world of television food shows.

1

Massachusetts - Apple pie with a twist

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

Apple pie is the nation’s pie—it’s the classic dessert served on the 4th of July, so it doesn’t belong to any particular state. However, Massachusetts thought the classic recipe could do with a twist and they went all the way: Apple pie with a cheddar crust .

This may sound unusual, but it’s actually quite a popular recipe in the Bay State. Some choose to fill the pie with the cheese, while others prefer to lay some slices on top and bake it until a crust forms. In any case, this one is only for those who keep their minds and palates open to new experiences. Are you one of them?

2

Kentucky - Bourbon Chocolate Pecan pie

Image: nikohoshi

In Kentucky, bourbon flows as freely as hospitality, and it’s no surprise that the state’s beloved Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie is a crowd favorite—especially on Derby Day. This dessert combines crunchy pecans, smooth chocolate, and a splash of Kentucky bourbon for a sweet, boozy finish.

Now, here’s the thing with this one: You can’t call it a Derby Pie unless you are Kern’s Kitchen. Why not? Because they own the trademark. But that didn’t stop the locals—they came up with creative alternatives like "Not Derby Pie" or "Derby Dessert."

To make it yourself, try mixing a bit of melted butter with your chocolate for an extra velvety texture. Just don’t forget to sip a little bourbon on the side while you’re baking—it’s only fitting!

3

New Jersey - Green tomato pie

Image: Sophie Dale

New Jersey’s Green Tomato Pie might sound odd to some, but locals know it’s a delicious treat . Made from either ripe green tomatoes (which often have lovely stripes) or unripe red ones, this pie has a flavor that is surprisingly similar to apples. The tomatoes soften as they cook, and they blend beautifully with the cinnamon and the sugar. The result? A refreshing, unique filling.

If you’re giving it a go at home, make sure to use the ripest green tomatoes you can find—they add a more vibrant flavor to each bite.

4

Pennsylvania - Shoofly pie

Image: Kenneth Schipper

Pennsylvania’s Shoofly Pie is one of those old-time desserts that never goes out of style. Based on molasses, the pie comes in two styles: a dry-bottom version that’s more like a cake, or a wet-bottom version with a gooey custard layer.

But what about the name? Traditionally, it’s believed that the name came from the flies that bakers had to "shoo" away while the pie cooled. However, some say it's named after Shoofly the Boxing Mule, a celebrity from the 19th century.

Either way, this pie is a taste of Pennsylvania's Dutch heritage. If you’re up for a baking challenge, aim for the wet-bottom style—its sticky, rich filling is worth the extra effort. Just be ready to shoo some flies away!

5

Georgia - Peanut pie

Image: Isaac Quesada

Were you expecting to see a peach-based pie in this section? Not today, sir! Though Georgia is often called the Peach State, its real star crop is peanuts. Thousands of peanut farmers call Georgia home, including one very famous name. Do you know it? Jimmy Carter, the peanut-farming president!

Peanut Pie might not be as well-known as peanut butter, but it’s just as flavorful and rich. This Southern staple blends sweet, salty, and nutty goodness in every bite. Serve it with whipped cream, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make and even easier to enjoy.

Now, in case you were wondering, Carter wasn’t the only one: Thomas Jefferson was also a fan of peanuts! With a history like that, you know this pie is something worth trying.

6

Vermont - Maple pie

Image: Mary West

This one lives up to our expectations: Vermont’s connection with maple syrup is legendary, and Maple Pie is the sweet—and logical—result. As the nation’s leader in maple syrup production, Vermont has turned this delicious treat into a delicious pie.

In the 1860s, maple sugar was cheaper than cane sugar , making it the go-to sweetener, and today, it still holds that place of honor. Maple Pie is rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet… So, Vermont in a nutshell.

Are you giving this pie a go? Use a deep-flavored maple for an intense result!

7

Alaska - Blueberry Rhubarb pie

Image: Erol Ahmed

We may all know Alaska for its rugged wilderness, but it’s also home to some fantastic pie ingredients, like blueberries and rhubarb. These two grow in abundance, especially thanks to Alaska’s long summer days. And did you know? Back in the early 1900s, Henry Clark, who was nicknamed "The Rhubarb King," helped feed Gold Rush workers with fresh rhubarb.

You can use any kind of berry in this pie, but wild Alaskan blueberries are especially tasty! Add a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top, and you’ve got a true Alaskan treat. It’s tart, sweet, and perfect for any adventure. Just be sure to gather your berries before the bears do!

8

Colorado - Rocky road pie

Image: Dagmara Dombrovska

When you think of Colorado, the mighty Rocky Mountains are the first thing to come to mind, right? What better way to honor them than with a Rocky Road Pie? Done and done, thanks to the locals.

This pie brings together chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts, just like the famous ice cream flavor. Now, here is a fun fact: legend says the original Rocky Road ice cream was made by cutting marshmallows with sewing scissors!

We can’t really confirm whether that’s true or not, but you can’t deny the charm of the story. The pie version is just as rich and satisfying, with layers of melted chocolate and fluffy marshmallows. If you’re a fan of sweet and crunchy, this one’s for you.

9

Maryland - White potato pie

Image: Josephine Amalie Paysen

Most people think of sweet potatoes when they hear "potato pie," and that makes sense, but in Maryland, it’s all about the white potato .

This pie has been a local favorite for over 150 years, and early recipes date back to nothing less than the 1850s! Baked in a buttery crust, this pie is sweet and custard-like, with just a hint of cinnamon. It’s a bit like pumpkin pie’s lighter cousin.

Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new holiday go-to! Marylanders have been enjoying it for generations, and it’s easy to see why. Serve warm or cold—it’s the perfect ending to any meal.

10

Ohio - Buckeye pie

Image: Tanya Semenchuk

And we come to the end with Ohio’s signature pie: Buckeye pie take center stage , please! This delicious pie, along with its name, is inspired by the famous buckeye candy that mimics the state tree’s nut.

Though the real buckeye nut is toxic, you can eat this version without any worries. The pie is pure indulgence, layered with chocolate and peanut butter. The combination of creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate is hard to resist, and it looks just as good as it tastes. Simply mouthwatering!

1

Patrick Henry: Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!

On March 23, 1775, those gathered at the Second Virginia Convention debated whether Virginia should raise troops in preparation for armed resistance against Great Britain. Patrick Henry, a delegate from Hanover County, addressed the convention and argued that war had already started and the confrontation was inevitable , so an independent militia was necessary. Henry concluded with the famous declaration: "I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!", a passionate appeal that helped secure the required votes.

2

Jimmy Carter: A Crisis of Confidence

Also known as the "malaise speech" (though Carter never used that word), this address by President Carter recognized a dire problem in 1979’s America: the people felt abandoned by the government in their time of need. The crisis was much more than an economic issue, and Carter wanted to know what everyday Americans thought and needed . In a speech shaped by conversations he had with ordinary Americans, Jimmy Carter declared that America’s crisis was " a crisis of confidence" that had struck at the very heart and soul of the nation.

3

Martin Luther King, Jr.: I Have a Dream

In one of the most iconic speeches in civil rights history, Martin Luther King Jr. addressed more than 200,000 people at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 1963, during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Nearly a century after the Emancipation Proclamation, those freed from slavery were still not really free . After denouncing the laws that legalized racism and segregation, MLK expressed his wish for a free and unified America with a phrase that would go down in history: "I have a dream!"

4

Abraham Lincoln: The Gettysburg Address

Fought between July 1 and July 3, 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg was one of the bloodiest engagements of the American Civil War and was a decisive victory for the Union. Four and a half months later, President Lincoln delivered this speech on the battlefield, now a cemetery for more than 50,000 fallen soldiers. Lasting only about two minutes, Lincoln’s address reminded those present that it was the responsibility of the living to ensure that the sacrifice of the fallen would not have been in vain .

5

Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I a Woman?

Born into slavery as Isabella Baumfree, Sojourner Truth escaped after her enslaver failed to honor a promise to free her early under New York’s gradual emancipation law and uphold the New York Anti-Slavery Law of 1827. She later became an itinerant preacher and was involved in both the women’s rights and abolitionist movements. At the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention, she delivered a speech highlighting the double discrimination suffered by Black women . Even without full rights, white women received deferential treatment from men. Her phrase "Ain’t I a woman?" denounced that, while she had done all the things white women did and more, she was not considered worthy of respect because of her race.

6

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Pearl Harbor Address to the Nation

The bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy on December 7, 1941, marked the United States’ entry into World War II. The next day, President Roosevelt addressed Congress during a joint session, asking for a declaration of war. This address, famously remembered by its opening line—"Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy"— reinforced the idea of the attack as an unprovoked aggression that had resulted in over 2,400 casualties, both civilian and military, and appealed to patriotic sentiments. The speech attracted the largest live audience in American history (over 80% of the adult population) and resulted in Congress unanimously declaring war on Japan that same day.

7

John F. Kennedy: Inaugural Address

John F. Kennedy gave several memorable speeches during his presidency, but his inaugural address remains one of the most remarkable, and for good reason. According to accounts from his inner circle, the speech was meticulously crafted and reworked multiple times by Kennedy , who consulted the opinion of friends and advisors, and poured hours into making sure his first address as president would reflect the route he intended to take. As the youngest person elected to the presidency, Kennedy represented a generational change in the government. The central theme of his address was a call for civic responsibility and national service, an idea summarized in the address’s most memorable line: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

8

Frederick Douglass: What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?

A writer, orator, and statesman, Frederick Douglass was a major figure of the abolitionist movement. Born into slavery, he became renowned for his autobiographical writings and powerful oratory, offering a living refutation against the slavist argument of the inferior capacity of African Americans. His most famous speech, What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July? , given to the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society in 1852, is an acute analysis of how the American values of freedom and liberty were contradicted by the state and treatment of those in slavery.

9

Theodore Roosevelt: The Man in the Arena

"Citizenship in a Republic" is one of Theodore Roosevelt’s most memorable speeches. He delivered it on April 23, 1910, at the Sorbonne in Paris, after leaving the presidency. In his long address, Roosevelt explains his convictions about democracy, civic virtue, and leadership. But there is a passage that stands out: "The Man in the Arena" highlights the value of those who strive and go on despite failure and ongoing challenges, and even those who fail in the end, but not for lack of effort . This passage has been quoted numerous times in American politics, including by Richard Nixon in both his 1968 victory speech and his 1974 resignation address.

10

Ronald Reagan: Tear Down this Wall

More than two decades after Kennedy’s " Ich bin ein Berliner " speech, President Reagan delivered another historic address at the Berlin Wall. Speaking at the Brandenburg Gate in a Berlin much more hostile to the American president’s presence, aides and advisors had recommended a change in the tone of the speech to avoid straining the relationship between the American and Soviet administrations . Reagan retained the passage that had caused concerns, which contained the most iconic phrase. In a direct appeal to the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, he declared: "Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" The speech was not widely covered by the media, and the reactions were lukewarm. Only after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 did the address gain widespread recognition as a symbol of American resolve during the final years of the Cold War.