From Sea to Table: The Christmas Dish That Defines Maine’s Holiday Traditions

Holiday Season is Here

Hey, it's holiday time! 'Tis the season to be merry and eat 10,000 calories a day.

Who doesn’t enjoy spending the season breathing in the crisp air, embracing the festive spirit, and eating everything in sight? Honestly, what's a better way to prep for your New Year's resolution than by bingeing your way up to it?

Holiday Feasting

The holiday season is one of the tastiest times of the year. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and savory dishes, treats, comforts, and drinks. Peppermint, chai, chocolate, sage, and other delightful aromas fill the air, creating the perfect atmosphere for a feast.

You’re probably starving by now, and for that, I don’t apologize. There’s nothing better than reading about food when you’re hungry. It will just fill your mind with culinary enthusiasm and inspiration.

So, with sugar plums dancing in our heads, let’s take a look at a recent article that delves into America’s unique holiday dishes.

Maine's Favorite Holiday Dish

The popular culinary crusaders over at Delish decided to put together a list of each state’s most iconic Christmas dish. It’s a list guaranteed to make your mouth water and possibly even inspire a few ideas for your upcoming holiday meal.

This brings us to Delish’s pick for Maine. I have to be honest; I didn’t see this dish coming. According to Delish, Maine’s most iconic Christmas dish is oyster stuffing.

I’d be lying if I said my first reaction was positive. I’m just not an oyster guy. I don’t eat them raw, and I don’t eat them cooked. I just don’t have a taste for them. I have nothing against them; it’s just not my thing.

However, stuffing is my thing. Not only is it delicious, but it’s the very reason why Thanksgiving still exists. Literally nobody would even care about that holiday if we weren’t gifted this amazing side dish.

So, what happens when these two are combined? Apparently, it makes Maine’s most iconic dish, even though I’m pretty sure the majority of the state has never eaten it. Seriously (and I can’t stress this enough), I know zero people who have ever had this or publicly admitted they even know what this dish is. It’s slightly baffling.

But I’m trying to be fair and impartial here, so let’s take a deep dive into oyster stuffing.

First off, here’s what Delish had to say about why the site chose this as Maine’s most iconic dish:

The premise is sound. The addition of oysters does bring a lot of salty and delicious flavors to the table. The briny hints will add that unique coastal flair to the already well-seasoned dish. Plus, I imagine if you’re a big fan of oysters, having that briny flavor blend with those poultry seasonings must be quite a delicacy.

Delish even included a recipe for oyster stuffing, and it looks pretty darn good. It includes sausage, which will enhance any stuffing recipe. I'm sure the thought of a stuffing with both sausage and oysters excites many the Mainer.

The big question is, would I try it? Of course, I would. I pretty much try anything once (famous last words). While it may not be my first choice, I can certainly see what why it would be for countless people.

So, maybe this is the year I give oysters another shot. I mean, they are a part of Maine's most iconic Christmas dish. I feel like it's a rite of passage if you want to be a true Maine. Now I just need to convince the rest of the family...