Food writers, chefs and other food experts may debate the definition of American cuisine for years to come. But even without one, American cooks will continue to prepare American food in homes and restaurants across the country each day.

A few of our readers weighed in with their definitions and with recipes for quintessentially American foods:

What is American cuisine? Aiello's Pizza on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill!

Hand-tossed pizza flying in the air, no skimping on the homemade sauce, dripping with cheese and any array of toppings you can dream up.

-- Vicky L. Fuller, Monroeville

Here's my definition of American cuisine: Hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, apple pie and ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, lemonade and, of course, beer.

-- Patty Rodzay, Ingomar

American cuisine, like the United States itself, is a melting-pot representative of the best of the cultural roots of those who immigrated to the U.S., bringing with them their favorite homeland recipes and unique ingredients. As a nation we have embraced these differences and similarities and made them our own.

With an increasingly global supply of ingredients and visual media such as the Food Network, our recipe sharing has expanded well beyond the neighborhood church suppers and fundraiser cookbooks. The task of selecting one recipe representing America's culinary identity is indeed overwhelming.

Instead, I would like to propose a "dish" rather than a recipe to define our cuisine. That "dish" is the wonderfully satisfying sandwich. From the childhood favorites of grilled cheese and PB&J to the artistry of the muffuletta and panini, the sandwich represents the diversity of American culture, history and ingredients.

Food "to go" held in the hand by miners and mill workers building our nation, casual deli-style dining enjoyed by businessmen and women in the conference room, regional sandwiches such as the Philly cheesesteak devoured by hungry travelers, and the hot dogs and hamburgers scarfed down by sports enthusiasts are an intrinsic part of our culinary history.

Here are a few simple recipes.

• ColeSlaw
• 1 package of coleslaw blend
• 1 cup of Marzetti's slaw dressing
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes halved
• Combine ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Baked Beans
• 1 large can of Bush's beans
• 2 small cans Bush's Chile beans (I like the spicy ones)
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of vinegar
• 2 teaspoons of brown sugar
• Put in crock pot and let cook for about 6 hours.

-- Patty Rodzay