The Flavors of New Hampshire: A Comprehensive Guide to Local Cuisine

One of the defining features of New Hampshire’s cuisine is its emphasis on hearty, comforting dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Dishes like baked beans, clam chowder, and apple cider donuts are staples of the state’s culinary scene, often made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and markets. For example, the famous ‘New Hampshire Baked Bean’ recipe typically consists of navy beans, pork, and molasses, all slow-cooked together to create a rich, flavorful sauce.

New Hampshire’s coastline offers an incredible array of seafood options, from lobster and mussels to cod and haddock. One of the state’s signature seafood dishes is the lobster roll, a simple yet elegant combination of fresh lobster meat, mayonnaise, and lemon, served on a toasted bun. To make a classic lobster roll, start by steaming or boiling 1-2 lobsters until they’re cooked through, then remove the meat and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Mix in some mayonnaise, lemon juice, and diced celery, then serve on a toasted bun.

Maple syrup production is a beloved tradition in New Hampshire, with many local producers crafting some of the world’s finest grade-A syrup. The process of making maple syrup is a labor-intensive one, involving the careful tapping of maple trees in late winter or early spring, followed by the collection and boiling of sap. To make maple syrup, start by gathering 40 gallons of sap from maple trees, then boil it down to create a rich, syrupy liquid. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, aiming for 7.0°F above the boiling point of water (212°F at sea level).

Apples are a staple in New Hampshire cuisine, with varieties like McIntosh and Cortland starring in pies, ciders, and donuts. To make a classic apple cider donut, start by mixing together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Then, add in 1/2 cup of warm apple cider and 2 tablespoons of melted butter, mixing until a smooth batter forms. Fill a deep frying pan with 2-3 inches of vegetable oil, then fry the donuts until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

New Hampshire has a number of signature drinks that are worth trying, from apple cider and maple syrup lattes to cranberry juice and blueberry lemonade. For example, a classic apple cider is made by mixing together 2 cups of apple cider, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of lemon juice, then serving it over ice in a tall glass. To make a maple syrup latte, start by brewing a shot of espresso, then mix in 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 3-4 oz of milk. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

One of the most iconic dishes featuring New Hampshire maple syrup is the maple glazed ham, a sweet and savory combination of ham, maple syrup, and spices. To make a classic maple glazed ham, start by scoring the fat on a 5-7 pound ham, then brushing it with a mixture of 1/4 cup of maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Bake the ham in a preheated oven at 325°F for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until it’s cooked through and caramelized on the outside.

New Hampshire’s seafood chowder is a hearty and comforting dish made with a variety of seafood options, including cod, haddock, and shrimp. To make a classic seafood chowder, start by sautéing 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, and 1 cup of chopped celery in 2 tablespoons of butter until they’re softened. Then, add in 1 cup of fish stock, 1 cup of milk, and 1/2 cup of diced potatoes, stirring until the potatoes are tender. Add in 1 pound of seafood (such as cod, haddock, or shrimp), then season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

New Hampshire’s apple-related treats are at their best during the fall season, when the apples are ripe and the air is crisp. For example, apple cider donuts are typically at their best in late September or early October, when the apples are at their peak sweetness. To make the most of the fall season, try visiting local orchards and farm stands, where you can sample a variety of fresh apple products, from cider to pies to donuts.

New Hampshire’s seafood chowder is unique in its use of local seafood options and its emphasis on freshness and quality. For example, the chowder often features a variety of seafood options, including cod, haddock, and shrimp, which are sourced from local fishermen and markets. Additionally, the chowder is often made with a rich and creamy broth, made by simmering fish stock and milk together until they’re smooth and velvety.

Locally sourced ingredients are a cornerstone of New Hampshire cuisine, with many restaurants and producers prioritizing sustainable and locally sourced options. For example, the famous ‘New Hampshire Baked Bean’ recipe typically consists of navy beans, pork, and molasses, all sourced from local farms and markets. By using locally sourced ingredients, New Hampshire restaurants and producers can ensure that their dishes are not only delicious but also environmentally sustainable and community-driven.

Apple cider donuts are a classic New Hampshire treat, made by frying dough that’s infused with apple cider and spices. To make a classic apple cider donut, start by mixing together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Then, add in 1/2 cup of warm apple cider and 2 tablespoons of melted butter, mixing until a smooth batter forms. Fill a deep frying pan with 2-3 inches of vegetable oil, then fry the donuts until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

New Hampshire’s maple syrup is renowned for its rich, complex flavor profile, which is characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and earthy undertones. To experience the full flavor of New Hampshire maple syrup, try drizzling it over pancakes or waffles, or using it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. You can also try making your own maple syrup by boiling down sap from maple trees, then filtering and bottling the resulting liquid.