Iowa's Strangest But Most Delicious Original Dessert

It is, quite possibly, the most famous dessert to come out of the state of Iowa, and it's an easy pastry to make for the holiday season.

Recently, a statewide, online survey was conducted to find Iowa's favorite dessert, and this fluffy, cream-filled sweet came out on top.

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Dutch Letters: Iowa's Favorite Dessert

Credit: Des Moines Register via YouTube

What exactly are Dutch Letters, you might ask? Here's how the Taste of Home Website describes them:

These S-shaped super flaky butter pastries filled with almond paste and topped with crunchy sugar are popular in both Iowa and Holland during the Christmas season. Here's a recipe that will let you make and enjoy them all year round.
—Shirley De Lange, Byron Center, Michigan via Taste of Home Website

As for the ingredients, here's what you'll need, according to Taste of Home:

1 Can of Almond Paste
1 Cup of Sugar
1 Large Egg
1/2 Teaspoon of Lemon Extract
4 Cups of All Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon of Salt
1 Cup of Ice Water
1 Large Egg White
2 Teaspoons of Water

Once you have all of the ingredients together, take a look at this short YouTube instructional video from the Des Moines Register to see exactly how to bake this Iowa delicacy. You'll also learn about the European origins of Iowa's favorite sweet treat.

While Dutch Letters are a perfect, seasonal treat for the holidays, their not even close to being the only famous food to come out of Iowa. To read about all of the legendary Iowa foods, check out this list from House of Nash Eats, where you'll read about the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Madrite, and of course, Sour Cream and Raisin Pie.

Story Sources: Taste of Home Website, House of Nash Eats Website, Straw Poll Website

Welcome To South Dakota's Underwater Ghost Town

You may be thinking, "I didn't even know there was an underwater ghost town in South Dakota!" You're probably not alone, but- - surprise!

In fact, odds are pretty good that you have been there, maybe gone swimming off the sandy beach on the south shore, or fished for rainbow trout in it, maybe had a leisurely picnic beside it, or kayaked, even waterskied on it.

Any guesses?

Gallery Credit: Patty D