Take a trip to Massachusetts, however, and not a chili pepper nor a tortilla will you find a traditional meal. Influenced by the cold climate and the English- speaking people who settled there, the New England kitchen gives off the aromas of soups and stews and of meat that is roasted for hours in the oven. Potatoes, carrots, and turnips were popular because these root vegetables the region and could be stored all winter long in the days before supermarkets and refrigerators. English-style pudding and pies are traditional desserts rather than the fresh fruit one often gets in the Southwest. Whereas beef and chicken appear in many New Mexican recipes, in Massachusetts fish is very popular because of the nearby seacoast. New England is famous for its clam chowder, lobster, cod, scallops, and fish cakes. English herbs and spices are the seasoning used in New England dishes, which might taste rather bland to people accustomed hot and spicy New Mexican food. Each region of the United States is unique. Louisiana has a French influence. Many German populate in the Midwest. In traveling around America, a tourist has an opportunity not only to visit variety of places and see diverse landscapes, but to taste a variety of foods as well. Some may be very different. Others will taste just like home.