25 Comfort Foods All West Coasters Know

California Lemon Pound Cake

Citrus trees grow abundantly in California, and I’m always looking for new recipes which use the fruit from the orange and lemon trees in my yard. This is one of my favorites! My mother passed this recipe down to me. —Richard Killeaney, Spring Valley, California

Get Recipe

Cioppino-Style Soup

This classic San Fransisco soup makes an easy, healthy and flavorful dinner. I serve it every New Year's Eve, and I'll often include salmon along with the cod, shrimp and crab. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

Homemade Fry Bread

Crispy, doughy and totally delicious, this fry bread is fantastic with nearly any sweet or savory topping you can think of. We love it with a little butter, a drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lemon. —Thelma Tyler, Dragoon, Arizona

Chile Colorado Burritos

When I was growing up in Southern California, this was one of my favorite Mexican dishes. It's hard to find now that I live in the Midwest—except in my kitchen! —Kelly McCulley, Des Moines, Iowa

Almost It's-It Ice Cream Sandwiches

You'll discover why this treat is so popular in San Francisco. It's snack heaven—ice cream, delicious oatmeal cookies and a touch of chocolate. Swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite flavor. —Jacyn Siebert, San Francisco, California

Pacific Northwest Pickled Shrimp

This refreshing recipe is one of my husband's favorites. I like to serve the sweet-sour pickled shrimp when we're entertaining. People say it's addictive! —Kathy Wright, Highland, California

Oregon's Best Marionberry Pie

I believe Marionberries make the best berry pie in the world. And when you add some cream cheese and flavorings, you'll be making the best even better! —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon

Utah Buttermilk Scones

Buttermilk makes these classic Utah scones so delightful that you'll most likely eat too many. The texture is light and airy and the taste is delightful. It's a family favorite we eat often. Don't forget the honey butter—it's the perfect addition to the perfect scone. —Nichole Jones, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Vegan Apple Pie

This vegan apple pie recipe uses shortening instead of butter or lard in the crust. Such an easy swap!

Chipotle Lime Corn Cobs

In Mexico, grilled corn sometimes comes slathered in mayonnaise, rolled in grated cheese, and served with lime and chili powder. This is my family’s take on the dish, with our own flavor enhancements. —Carolyn Kumpe, El Dorado, California

Herb Grilled Salmon

This creamy herb grilled salmon recipe is rich but still light-tasting, thanks to its fresh herbs. It's fast enough for weeknights, but impressive enough for company.

Cobb Salad

Cobb salad might have started with a handful of leftovers, but it has become a classic.

Utah Funeral Potatoes

This versatile side dish is so good with grilled steak, and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole popular for family dinners and potlucks. —Teresa Stutzman, Adair, Oklahoma. In the time of grief, console your loved ones with these funeral desserts.

Pork Chile Verde

Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California

Thai Takeout Fried Rice

Pineapple shrimp fried rice is a quick one-bowl meal that can be customized with your favorite vegetables. You can even serve it in a pineapple!

Sufganiyot

Sufganiyot are believed to have first come from Spain, adapted from a similar treat, the sopaipilla. Others say the sopaipilla was borrowed from the Jews. Either way, as a tradition, these Hanukkah doughnuts are an easy one to adopt, especially with this delicious sufganiyot recipe. —David Feder, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

The Ultimate Fish Tacos

Savor these delicious paprika-spiced mahi mahi tacos with a tangy twist of salsa verde and fresh vegetable toppings in just 30 minutes.

Huckleberry Cheese Pie

To us Idahoans, huckleberries are a treasure. My family enjoys this recipe a lot, and I serve it as a special treat when we have guests. —Pat Kuper, McCall, Idaho

Carne Adovada Sopes

I call this "dude food," as my husband and son would eat this weekly. The tender pork is great. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Wyoming Whopper Cookies

These big country cookies are made to travel—in fact, I came up with this recipe while trying to match a commercial cookie that was good, but too crumbly to carry. —Jamie Hirsch, Powell, Wyoming

Shortcut Oven-Baked Chicken Chimichangas

Mimic the crunch of a chimichanga by brushing them with oil and baking them. Our children love to have them when they get home late after school activities. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Easy Smoked Salmon

A magazine featured this recipe years ago, and it's still my favorite way to serve salmon. Just add crackers for a super simple yet elegant appetizer. —Norma Fell, Boyne City, Michigan

Pineapple Pie with Coconut Cream

You’ll find pineapples and coconuts everywhere in the South Pacific, so we play them up in this creamy cool pineapple pie, dolloped with coconut cream. Divine! —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii

Creamy Mushroom-Thyme Soup

I pick the mushrooms for this soup in the beautiful forests of the Pacific Northwest. There is nothing like harvesting fresh ingredients all by yourself, surrounded by nature. It's a spiritual thing! —Kristy Arnett, Stevenson, Washington

Oregon's Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookie

Oregon has an abundance of nuts, and these nutty cookies are popular with the ladies at my craft club. Growing up during the Depression, my mother taught us to use what was available and said, "It doesn't have to be expensive to be good." She was right! —Selmer Looney, Eugene, Oregon