Hey, it's holiday time. 'Tis the season to be merry and to eat 10,000 daily calories.

Who doesn't enjoy spending the season enjoying the crisp air, tender spirit, and eating everything in sight? Honestly, what's a better way to prep for your New Year's Resolution than to binge away leading up to it?

The holiday season is one of the tastiest times of the year. It's a perfect mix of sweet and savory plates, treats, comforts, and drinks. Peppermint, chai, chocolate, sage, and other delightful aromas fill the air, and create the perfect atmosphere for a feast.

You are probably starving by now, and for that I don't apologize. There's nothing better than reading about food when you are hungry. It will just fill your mind with culinary enthusiasm and innovation.

So, with sugar plums dancing in our heads, let's take a look at a recent article that dug deep into America's unique holiday dishes.

The popular culinary crusaders over at Delish decided to put together a list of every state's most iconic Christmas dish. It's a list that is guaranteed to make your mouth water, and possibly even give you an idea or two for your upcoming holiday meal.

This brings us to Delish's representative for Maine. I have to be honest, I didn't see this dish coming. According to Delish, Maine's most iconic Christmas dish is oyster stuffing.

Heinen's via YouTube
Heinen's via YouTube
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I'd be lying if I said my first reaction was positive. I'm just not an oyster guy. I don't eat them raw. I don't eat them cooked. I just don't have the taste for them. I have nothing against them, it's just not my thing.

However, stuffing IS my thing. Not only is it delicious, but it's the very reason why Thanksgiving still exists. Literally nobody would even care about that holiday if we weren't gifted this amazing side dish.

So, what happens when these two are combined? Apparently, it makes Maine's most iconic dish, even though I'm pretty sure the majority of the state has never eaten it. Seriously (and I can't stress this enough), I know zero people that have ever had this or made it public that they even know what this dish is. It's slightly baffling.

Heinens via YouTube
Heinens via YouTube
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But I'm trying to be fair and impartial here, so let's take a deep dive into oyster stuffing.

First off, here is what Delish had to say about why the site chose this as Maine's most iconic.

...have you considered adding oyster stuffing to the mix? If you're new to the oyster stuffing game, you're in for a treat. Oysters lend a briny, super savory flavor to your stuffing that will keep your guests coming back for second and third helpings.

The premise is sound. The oyster addition does bring a lot of salty and delicious flavors to the table. The briny hints will add that unique coastal flare to the already well-seasoned dish. Plus, I imagine if you are a big fan of oysters, having that briny flavor blend in with those poultry seasonings must be quite a delicacy.

Heinens via YouTbe
Heinens via YouTbe
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Delish even included a recipe for oyster stuffing, and it looks pretty darn good. It includes sausage, which will enhance any stuffing recipe. I'm sure the thought of a stuffing with both sausage and oysters excites many the Mainer.

The big question is, would I try it? Of course, I would. I pretty much try anything once (famous last words). While it may not be my first choice, I can certainly see what why it would be for countless people.

So, maybe this is the year I give oysters another shot. I mean, they are a part of Maine's most iconic Christmas dish. I feel like it's a rite of passage if you want to be a true Maine. Now I just need to convince the rest of the family...

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Here are 30 Maine restaurants folks told us are perfect for enjoying over the holidays. They are very diverse and can be found across the state.

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka

Here's Where Maine Home-Buyers Came from During the Pandemic

Here is a list of Maine's single-family home buyers from the pandemic. It's a closer look at what state they came from.

This does not include sales from Maine buyers or those from Puerto Rico, military bases, and other territories.

A big hat tip to Mainebiz and Maine Real Estate Systems, Inc. for the info.

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