Florida Dish Surprisingly Named One of America’s Fall Favorites

Florida some delicious dishes, and the Sunshine State has a rich history of fantastic food. So, it totally makes sense that one dish from Florida is being recognized as being among America's favorites for fall. I mean, this area has great food any season, but I love the fact that we're getting recognized for local dishes in the fall months.

The experts at Wealth of Geeks have conducted a poll about America's ultimate fall foods. For the study, they surveyed 3,000 "foodies" and ranked them in a tally of the top 50. "As summer fades, the culinary delights of fall take center stage, with each region of America offering its own unique seasonal specialties," Wealth of Geeks stated.

So, what's the most popular fall dish in America? It's pumpkin pie in Illinois, according to the study. "Illinois is the top producer of pumpkins in the United States, making pumpkin pie a quintessential fall dessert in the state," they note. "The smooth, spiced filling made from fresh pumpkin puree is a symbol of the autumn harvest." They add that even though pumpkin pie is most popular during Thanksgiving, it's pretty popular during the entire fall season. The No. 2 most popular fall dish is the chili in Texas, since fall is very much chili season and is perfect for tailgates, cookouts and more. "Texas chili, often made with beef, chili peppers, and a variety of spices, is a warm, flavorful dish that's perfect for the cooler fall weather," Wealth of Geeks noted. "The rich, spicy flavors of Texas chili reflect the state’s bold culinary traditions, making it a must-have during the fall months." Rounding out the top five are pecan pie from Alabama at No. 3, gumbo from Louisiana at No. 4 and pumpkin bread from Kansas at No. 5. I actually think that I make the best pumpkin bread, by the way.

Now, let's get to our area. For Florida, I'm actually surprised to see that we're being recognized for black bean soup. Don't get me wrong. We have some great black bean soup in the Sunshine State. But, I didn't think it would be the country's favorite fall dish from the state. It comes in at No. 46 on the tally. I haven't had black bean soup yet this season, but I will, because it's a great vegetarian treat. I'm happy to see this state dish recognized as one of the favorites.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

Therefore, when encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.