Nevada - The Silver State

Official Motto: “All For Our Country”

Suggested Motto: “Vegas and The Big Empty"

Two Truths and a Lie

• Despite the state nickname, gold mining is a much bigger deal in Nevada these days. The state leads the nation in gold production.

• Technically speaking, Nevada is the birthplace of Mark Twain. Sam Clemens moved here hoping to get rich off the Comstock Lode. He quickly traded his pickax for a pen and started writing for the local newspaper with his new pen name.

• Hoover Dam was named after the president who first signed off on the project. He had become such an unpopular figure by the end of his term, that everyone started calling the project the Roosevelt Dam instead. Hoover’s legacy was not restored until the 1960s.

The Recipe - Boozy Millionaire’s Shortbread

The Las Vegas metro area dominates the state’s economy and is home to most of the state’s residents. The city caters to tourists and attracts many big spenders to the various casinos, shows, and restaurants. Millionaire’s shortbread is a rich treat with layers of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate. (Essentially a homemade Twix) I had never made it before, so this seemed like a perfect opportunity to change that.

Nevada has no official state foods, indeed agriculture is impossible in much of the state due to scarce rainfall. Ranching succeeds in the north. Manny Basque shepherds settled there and have had a huge influence on the culture. State senators from this region have lobbied to make a Basque drink called “Picon Punch” the official cocktail. Those efforts failed to become law, but I’ve never enjoyed reading political discourse more, check it out.

I decided to put the primary flavors of that punch, bitters, citrus, and brandy, into a cookie. The shortbread contained ground walnuts, plus lemon and orange zest. I poured brandy, bitters, and orange juice into my butterscotch. I tried and failed to temper the chocolate top. A touch of silver leaf made it shiny nonetheless.

It took all morning to make the various layers. My textures were not perfect the first go around, but the flavors were addicting. Also, these are insanely rich, and two made me so full I could hardly move.

Want to experience Nevada for yourself? Then Teresa recommends ...

I highly recommend flying into Reno and heading to Lake Tahoe. When not on fire, this area is gorgeous! I had a great time hiking, bouldering, and floating about the lake. I hope to return soon. In the meantime, I can always watch one of the many enjoyable films set in Nevada like "Ocean's Eleven" or "Sister Act".

Time for the whole truth

People really didn't like Hoover, so they called the project the "Boulder Dam" instead.

(By the way, you can click on any of the 2 truths and a lie statements to visit the source of the trivia)