Will there be oyster dressing on your table this year?
In New Orleans, the traditional Thanksgiving side is hard to come by, thanks to severely reduced Gulf Coast oyster harvests in the wake of the BP oil spill, so cooks there are getting creative.
The Times-Picayune reports that those who want to make their families' special oyster dressing recipe this year may be thwarted by sky-high oyster prices, supermarket shortages and washed-out flavor, since most markets won't sell their oysters unwashed.
Some are choosing to ignore the cost in order to keep the tradition alive; others are serving the dressing, but in smaller portions. And one resident who is forgoing oysters is using his choice to make a statement to guests:
"I've made a chicken dish I call BP Chicken, because we're having it in place of the oyster stew we would have had if they hadn't had the BP spill. These people are coming from North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and this is my way of saying this oil spill is affecting us all."
We've always been inspired by the food traditions of New Orleans, where residents take a particular pride in supporting local sources, so it saddens us to see this special dish in trouble. We hope next year sees an oyster comeback.
• Read the article: Gulf oysters for Thanksgiving? They're available, but pricey
Is oyster dressing a tradition on your Thanksgiving table? Has the oyster crisis affected your plans?
Related: Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes From The Kitchn
(Image: Flickr member FotoosVanRobin licensed under Creative Commons)
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Be careful with your reporting on this topic. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill had an effect on supply, some of it was transient and some may yet be realized - But - The 24/7 news coverage [only some of this was accurate] had a big effect on demand. Reporting the facts as you have here can further erode demand and do harm to oyster sellers in Louisiana that were not affected by the spill as well as oyster markets in other places along the Gulf.
This is a very polarized topic and great deal of 'information' is in fact coming from litigants that have a vested interest in controlling information and perception.
I didnt know anyone else did this.
We do Chinese sticky rice, duck sausage, and oyster dressing for Thanksgiving.
as a proud new orleanian, come hell or high water (or BP), i will have my oysters (pronounced 'ersters') tomorrow! chargrilled oysters, raw oysters, oyster stuffing, oyster stew, seafood gumbo...oh yeah, and maybe some turkey. my condolences to all who can't celebrate thanksgiving in this town :)
I'm allergic to shellfish so we'll be having a very non ER Thanksgiving. :)
i'm Baltimore - oyster stuffing is part of the tradition, here.
er, that was supposed to say i'm IN Baltimore.
Phoxx, you're a little hysterical. There is nothing wrong with this post. The spill has affected prices and people are proudly going ahead with their traditions despite set backs. This was a positive post and there is no need for you to suggest censoring it in anyway. God Bless the people of New Orleans! Happy Thanksgiving, all!