Recently, the state of Oklahoma celebrated its’ admission as the 46th state in the Union.

When I mentioned this during “All-News-in-the-Morning”, I noted the Sooner State actually has an official state meal; fried okra, squash, cornbread, barbecue pork, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries, chicken fried steak, pecan pie and black-eyed peas.

Besides being quite a feast, I wondered aloud as to whether or not any of the other 49 states had official state meals.

God bless “Google”.

The answer is, “No!”

But, a number of states have other official food-related designations.

For example, Illinois’ official snack food is popcorn.

Chili is Texas’ official state dish.

Two states actually have five different official food stuffs.

Massachusetts has an official muffin (corn muffin), an official bean (baked Navy bean), official dessert (Boston cream pie), official cookie (chocolate chip) and official doughnut (Boston cream doughnut).

Louisiana boasts of an official state doughnut, 2 official state jellies, an official meat pie and an official cuisine (gumbo).

Bottom line is, though, most states d o not have any official foods or dishes.

However, my mind started to consider possible official food options for the Hoosier state.

I have to believe there needs to be a deep fried pork tenderloin sandwich. Mine would need lots of may, lettuce, tomatoes and dill pickles.

Corn on the cob would also be on my list. Ample butter and a dash of salt, please.

And, judging by the number of food fund-raisers in this area, fried fish has to be up there. (I’m amazed there are ANY fish left following a typical summer and fall in these parts. Somebody’s holding a fish fry about every weekend.

Not that it’s necessarily related to the topic but I have a fantasy about being in a bathtub up to my neck in warm sausage gravy.

Anything else we should consider for an official Hoosier meal. E-mail suggestions to jfoster@wcsiradio.com.

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