Weirdest Food You Might Eat on Thanksgiving in Arkansas
It's hard to believe but as I am writing this I'm reminded it's exactly one week until the Thanksgiving holiday and while many of you will be eating the traditional Thanksgiving meal others may opt for something different, way different in the state of Arkansas.
Now you may think I'm picking on Arkansas but this holds true for a lot of other southern states as well. Turkey is not always the top choice when it comes to the main course in Arkansas on Thanksgiving or for any time for that matter so let's take a look at 7 of the weirdest meals that just may make you shake your head and say, WHAT?
Raccoon
If you live in the city of Gillette, Arkansas this pesky critter just might be served up smoked with a side of sweet potatoes, rice, and homemade baked cakes. Each year the town of Gillette holds its annual Coon Supper that's been going on since 1933. Townsfolks there have been trapping raccoons for decades and raising money for a local charity, so if there is a shortage of raccoons this year in that neck of the woods now you know why.
Squirrel
Bentonville, Arkansas is home to the Squirrel Cook-off every year so don't be surprised if some fried squirrel winds up on the dinner table on Thanksgiving. There are many ways in which to cook squirrel for example sausage or gumbo, stewed, or baked, even pizza and ice cream. I have to admit I tried eating some squirrel before but the meat was just a little too tough and gamey for my taste.
Rocky Mountain Oysters
You probably know where I am going with this, did you guess deep-fried bull calf testicles? Some people call them Cowboy Caviar or Swinging Beef but most people just call them Rocky Mountain Oysters, Whatever the name there is not enough BBQ sauce you could put on them to make me eat them.
Gator
Many seafood restaurants are now offering this Cajun delight and there are plenty of ways they can be served up like deep-fried gator bites, gator on a stick popular at festivals and fairs, or just a good ol' old-fashioned Po Boy sandwich. I personally love Gator on a Stick!
Frog Legs
This Thanksgiving forget the turkey and go for the frog legs instead. This Southern tradition is pretty much common at seafood restaurants or catfish buffets. However, they do tend to jump sometimes on the plate, I am not kidding it happened to me and that's why I don't eat them anymore.
Venison
There is nothing unusual about serving Venison on the Thanksgiving table after all it is deer season. When prepared right this makes a great meal from fried and seasoned backstrap to steaks, jerky, or spicey deer chili, I'm all in.
Possum Pie
I know what you're thinking this sounds like something Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies would serve up at the dinner table. First off, it's not really made with possum it actually is made with layered chocolate and pecan pie but don't tell your guests that.
What is the strangest thing or meal you ever ate on Thanksgiving Day?
Happy Thanksgiving!
LOOK: 20 American foods that raise eyebrows outside of the US
Gallery Credit: Charlotte Barnett