The Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish in Florida

As Thanksgiving approaches, many people are getting their Thanksgiving menus ready. Campbell’s is back again, settling the holiday debate: which is better - turkey or sides? This year, the brand released its Campbell’s State of the Sides report, a food-focused trend report that dives into the top side dishes in every state. They used consumer data with representation from all 50 states to determine which state loves which side the most.

Through a consumer survey and primary research, Campbell’s confirmed that 67 percent of respondents prefer sides to their holiday entrée. They also found that over half of the U.S. would be content with only sides on their holiday plate.

Which side do you prefer? While they did not have data on their relative popularity, Campbell's discovered that bread and root vegetable dishes rank as Florida's favorite side dishes. The only other state with bread as its top side dish is Colorado. While California, New York, Arizona, and some of Connecticut ranked root vegetable dishes as their favorite.

The top five most popular holiday side dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing/dressing, mac & cheese, yams/ sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole.

Also found in the study is that Americans will not cut back when it comes to side dishes on their holiday table. 90 percent of consumers plan to serve the same number or more sides this season. According to the study, on average, Americans serve five side dishes on their Thanksgiving table each year.

Additionally, an increasing number of people are interested in bringing their cultural influences to the Thanksgiving table. The study reveals that 66 percent of Americans see side dishes to showcase their cultural heritage during Thanksgiving. Interestingly, 63 percent of respondents prefer to serve Thanksgiving side dishes that reflect their cultural background. Interestingly, the study also highlights the presence of dishes from various countries and cultures at Thanksgiving tables, including Colombia, the Dominican Republic, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Germany, and France, in addition to the United States.

My Halloween pumpkin bit the dust days ago. In fact, here is a hairy and scary video of it. Pumpkins just don't last in the Southwest Florida heat and humidity. Halloween may be wrapping up but pumpkins are still in season. Wether you scoop the guts out of the gourd or buy the puree in a can, here are five of the best pumpkin recipes for Fall in Florida and for TikTok Tuesday.

Some health officials call pumpkin a superfood because they are low fat and packed with nutrients. They have things like iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and foliate which are all said to be great for boosting immunity. Pumpkins are also full of beta carotene which is good for eye health as well as immunity. Because these gourds have  lots of fiber, they also help to keep you feeling full a little longer than some other foods. Pumpkins have a natural sweetness which is a benefit for those trying to avoid added sugar to their diet.

Spoiler alert...NO pumpkin pies recipes are listed below.  That is way to obvious and are being reserved for the theme of another TikTok Tuesday post as we get closer to Thanksgiving. These recipes are both sweet and savory and all look oh so good. Get your pumpkin fix with these five recipes for TikTok Tuesday.

Pumpkin puree is essential to these recipes. Sure you can buy it in a can but making it yourself doesn't take that much effort. Then you don't have to deal with any preservatives.
https://www.tiktok.com/@myhealthydish/video/7150756174672104750?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486

This is a seasonal classic and this particular recipe makes the process look pretty easy. It also looks great on the table if you are entertaining this season.
https://www.tiktok.com/@theloopywhisk/video/7273953677667290400?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486

I love a good pumpkin ravioli but this looks pretty delicious too. It has elements of both sweet and savory, not to mention delicious pasta.
https://www.tiktok.com/@tracesoats/video/7286145560610966815?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486

This is yet another great way to use those gourds. The kids will love it too. Maybe you could make them together for some good family time.
https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinagelen/video/7143715049582955781?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486

Here is a recipe that works for breakfast, a snack or dessert. While pumpkin is in season, make a couple of extra loaves and freeze for when you need a fix.
https://www.tiktok.com/@sisterscook4theirmisters/video/7271615380668288298?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486