Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson offers substitute dishes for Thanksgiving

What's Florida's go-to Thanksgiving side dish?

While many Floridians celebrate Thanksgiving feasts with recipes from their home states brought here by transplants, the state’s Agriculture Commissioner is reminding residents that plenty of holiday recipes include produce and ingredients from right here in the Sunshine State.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is launching a campaign to point out that Floridians can cook Thanksgiving dishes from here in Florida. The “Fresh From Florida” program has a long list of dishes that focus on flavors and tastes from Florida.

The website details a “traditional Florida Thanksgiving menu” that includes recipes such as Florida orange-cinnamon cider, sweet corn and sausage stuffing, peanut and chocolate cupcakes, and many other suggestions using Florida ingredients. There’s even a separate menu for a “coastal Thanksgiving menu,” which leans toward more seafood dishes, including Florida grouper, oysters, crab, and other saltwater cuisine.

 The site also features a video demonstrating how to prepare some of the dishes and meals.

“Thanksgiving is a time to come together, share a meal, and show gratitude,” said Simpson. “There’s no better way to do that than by incorporating ‘Fresh From Florida’ products into your holiday menu and supporting our hardworking farmers who provide us with an abundance of fresh, nutritious food.”

Simpson also encourages Floridians to show gratitude for their good fortune and share it by giving to those in need. Simpson said those who can afford it should buy a few extra items and contact community food banks and other charitable organizations. He said it doesn’t take much to provide a little help to the less fortunate in Florida, especially those who were adversely affected this year by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which struck within two weeks of each other in September and October, respectively.

“While shopping for your Thanksgiving feast, I encourage you to pick up an extra item or two to donate to your local food bank. Many families in our state are still recovering from recent storms, and a small act of kindness can make a big difference,” Simpson said.