A traditional Florida Christmas dinner often includes dishes that are influenced by the state’s diverse cultural heritage and abundant seafood. Many families in Florida enjoy a festive meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day that includes a mix of traditional holiday dishes and local specialties.
Another popular dish at a Florida Christmas dinner is Key lime pie. This tangy and sweet dessert is made with Key limes, which are smaller and more acidic than regular limes. The pie filling is typically made with sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and lime juice and is topped with whipped cream or meringue.
Seafood is also a common feature of a Florida Christmas dinner, and many families enjoy dishes such as grilled or fried shrimp, oysters, and grouper. These dishes can be served as appetizers or as part of the main meal. If you have a big budget for your meal this year, then a popular dish served at a Florida Christmas dinner is stone crab. This succulent seafood delicacy is found in the coastal waters of Florida and is typically served chilled with mustard sauce or melted butter for dipping. Stone crab season runs from mid-October to mid-May, so it is a particularly special treat during the holiday season.
In addition to seafood, a Florida Christmas dinner may also include dishes that are influenced by the state’s Hispanic heritage. For example, a traditional Cuban Christmas dinner or Christmas Eve dinner, “Noche Buena” might include roast pork, black beans and rice, and yuca with mojo sauce.
Another popular dish at a Florida Christmas dinner is deviled crab, which is made with crab meat, breadcrumbs, and a mixture of spices. This dish is often served as an appetizer or as part of the main meal.
In addition to the main dishes, a Florida Christmas dinner may also include a variety of side dishes such as cornbread dressing, green beans, and mashed sweet potatoes. Many families also enjoy serving a salad with fresh greens and citrus fruits, which are abundant in Florida.
Of course, no Christmas dinner in Florida would be complete without a refreshing beverage. Many families enjoy serving a pitcher of sangria, which is made with red wine, fruit, and a splash of brandy. Other popular beverages at a Florida Christmas dinner include eggnog and hot spiced cider.
After the meal, many families in Florida enjoy a variety of traditional holiday desserts. These might include sugar cookies decorated with frosting and sprinkles, pecan pie, and fruitcake.
Overall, a traditional Florida Christmas dinner is a festive and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. With its mix of seafood, Hispanic-inspired dishes, and classic holiday favorites, it is a reflection of the state’s diverse cultural heritage and abundant natural resources.
