Missouri Food and Drinks

Gooey butter cake is the representative dessert of St. Louis and has thus become the representative dessert of the Show-Me State. Adding pumpkin elevates this ooey gooey dessert to a whole new level. Perfect for Halloween or anytime of the year.

Persimmons can tell if the winter is going to be harsh or mild. They also are great to eat in pies or sweet breads. This pie is made with persimmon puree which can be purchased at specialty stores or online. Give it a try!

Is “Top Chef” at the top of your viewing list? Then you'll want a ticket to be an audience member when Missouri cooks vie for a shot at a spot in a  worldwide cooking competition—with you taste testing their dishes in different categories!

The KC Strip steak is a favorful and tender cut of beef. Dressing it up with fingerling potatoes, bacon lardon, cipollini onions, and wild mushrooms really makes this a center stage dish. Great for special occasions. Your family and friends will be wowed.

You can cook just about anything over a live fire. This corn casserole is no exception. The green chilis give it a hint of heat and the smoke from the fire brings out the sweetness of the corn. Serve as a side dish or add a salad for a delicious main course.

Butternut squash is readily available this time of year and this soup is one of the best ways to prepare this hearty vegetable. Topped off with crunchy, sweet and spice pumpkin seeds and you have a savory meal to share with friends and family.

Talk about an event that's ripe for the picking! Maybe you didn't grow any tomatoes of your own, or maybe you just really like them. Either way, you won't want to miss a free Tomato Festival on Thursday Sept. 7. It’s a treat for your taste buds.

As fall approaches, you may have plenty of zucchini left or know someone who really wants to get rid of their excess. This recipe is a warm and satisfying way to use up this plentiful squash. Serve as a side dish or add a salad to make this a main course.

Missouri Life wine columnist Doug Frost lets us know that chilling down wine with ice is just fine. Temperature affects flavor and wine that is too warm just does not taste good. So drop a few cubes in your favorite wine and enjoy.

The dog days of the summer are coming to a close. August is the perfect time to get your homemade ice cream fix in. Strawberries and coconut milk add a delightful twist to a classic favorite. Make a batch to share while it is still hot out!