In this week's episode we continue February food month with some of oklahoma's official foods, my top 5 favorite foods, and I share a nice cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole recipe.
Welcome to Blog Oklahoma
Besides Oil and Gas Oklahoma is know as a big agricultural state. According to 2015 statistics Oklahoma was ranked 4th in the nation for the number of farms in operation, 2nd in the nation for the number of head of beef cattle, and 1st in the nation for Rye production. Oklahoma is also ranked high in the nation for the production of Wheat, Canola, Pecans, Peanuts, and Sunflowers. Oklahoma has a thriving livestock industry with Beef and Pork being the largest meat exports I can go on and on with Oklahoma's agricultural statistics. I'll have link in the show notes with a fascinating fact sheet with all the statistics. But we're here to talk about food.
Hey did you know Oklahoma has some official foods? We even have an official meal.
Back in 1988 the Oklahoma Legislature proclaimed the official meal of the State of Oklahoma. This meal is meant to reflect Oklahoma's agricultural background.and southern roots.
So here it is:
- Barbecued pork, Chicken-fried steak, and Sausage with biscuits and gravy
- Fried okra and squash, Grits, Corn, and Black-eyed peas.
- Cornbread
- Strawberries and Pecan pie
Of course if you were to actually sit down to this meal you will definitely be quite full. The meal itself can be broken up into breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Of course this official meal of Oklahoma is what I like to call something I had last week.
Some other official state foods are
- The State Drink is Milk
- State Fruit is the Strawberry.
- State Vegetable is the Watermelon (which is actually a fruit, that's the legislature for you)
Have you attended any of the food related festivals we have around the state? Like the big Rush Springs Watermelon Festival, El Reno's Fried Onion Burger Day Festival, Prague's Kolache Festival, the Watonga Cheese & Wine Festival, or how about the World’s Largest Calf Fry Festival & Cook-Off in Vinita. That's just a few of the many food related events we have here in Oklahoma. To see if there's one near you visit TravelOK.com.
If you want recipes for any of the foods I've mentioned today I'll have links to them and more in the show notes at blogoklahoma.net
This episode's writing suggestion
... is to take part in Food Month and talk about your favorite food related topic.
Top 5
- 5. A good meatloaf with mash potatoes. If I don't make it myself only Cracker Barrel's meatloaf will do.
- 4. Taco salad. This is my go to meal if I can't think of anything else to make.
- 3. A nicely cooked medium well steak with a baked potato with all the fixings or with a buttery baked sweet potato
- 2. Tacos. I will eat Tacos anytime.
- 1. Beans and cornbread. Bonus points if you include sliced red onion, a large side of soft fried potatoes and vinegary spinach, collard or mustard greens.
Links from this episode
- Oklahoma Agriculture Statistics 2015 - Pocket Facts (PDF)
- State Meal | The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture
- Oklahoma Joe's Pulled Pork - Food Network
- The Best Chicken Fried Steak - AllRecipes
- Unbeatable Sausage Gravy and Biscuits - Pillsbury
- Fried Okra & Summer Squash - One Hungry Hog
- Oklahoma Cheese Grits - NewsOK
- Oklahoma Cornbread - Cooks.com
- Wikipedia: Milk
- Wikipedia: Strawberry
- Wikipedia: Watermelon
- Our CafePress Store
Recipe
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
About a cup of uncooked Rice, Cooked Chicken (bite sized chunks or shredded), Broccoli (package of frozen, but thawed), Cheddar Broccoli Soup, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, your favorite seasonings. Cook the rice (don't use instant rice). Add soup and a hand full of cheese. Mix. Add seasonings, broccoli, and chicken. Mix. Put in casserole pan, top with rest of cheese. 400 or so degree oven. Bake until cheese all melted and bubbly.
This episode's bonus interesting articles
- Why Should I Have a Website - Chris Brogan
- Oh no, Bravo’s made a reality series about Nichols Hills weirdos! - The Lost Ogle
- Henryetta Dance Canceled Due To 38-Year-Old City Ordinance - NewsOn6
This episode's bonus musical selection
You can listen To the Blog Oklahoma Bonus playlist on Spotify. Enjoy.
- New To The Spotify Playlist:
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