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Published on 11/19/19

Flavor of Georgia finalists add local flavor to Thanksgiving

By Madison Thornhill

While you are planning your Thanksgiving menu, save a spot next to the turkey for these former finalists in the University of Georgia’s Flavor of Georgia food product contest.

Whether added to an old recipe or served on their own, these delicious additions to the table will have Georgia on your guests’ minds, and in their bellies too.

  1. Wild Elderberry Pepper Jelly, Fairywood Thicket Farm, Fairburn, Georgia

2018 Jams and Jellies Winner

A festive preserve for the holidays — surprise your guests by using this flavorful elderberry pepper jelly instead of a traditional red or green pepper jelly.

  1. Honey Cinnamon Pecan Butter, Goodson Pecans, Leesburg, Georgia

2018 Miscellaneous and Grand Prize Winner

Pass the butter, please! If you love cinnamon, you’ll want to spread this butter on all of your Thanksgiving breads and rolls. It makes a great addition to cookies, too. 

  1. Black Rock Cheese, CalyRoad Creamery, Sandy Springs, Georgia

2018 Dairy Products Finalist

This aged goat cheese with crushed black pepper is great as an appetizer with crackers or as a snack between meals.

  1. Beecon Grind, White Oak Pastures, Bluffton, Georgia

2018 Meat and Seafood Finalist

If turkey isn’t your thing, or you’re looking to mix things up, grill up a delicious burger or make sliders for an appetizer with this grass-fed beef (80%) and Iberico bacon (20%) mix.

  1. Ginger’s Bunkhouse Spicy Ginger Ale, Bunkhouse Beverages, Athens, Georgia

2018 Beverages Winner

Spice up your holiday with this twist on a classic soda. Serve over ice, add to your favorite drink or make your own concoction. It’s guaranteed to be delicious.

  1. Pimento Cheese, Pine Street Market, Avondale Estates, Georgia

2019 Dairy Products Finalist

It’s not Thanksgiving in the South unless you serve this creamy spread.

  1. H.L. Franklin’s Healthy Honey Creamed Honey, H.L. Franklin Healthy Honey, Statesboro, Georgia

2018 Honey and Related Products Winner

This whipped, creamy spread is made of 100% pure, raw and unfiltered Georgia honey. Slap it on a dinner roll or a biscuit if you’re feeling really Southern. 

  1. Georgia Blueberry Pie Filling, Pie Provisions, Kennesaw, Georgia

2019 Confections Winner

This pie filling can be used in many delicious desserts. Get creative and use it as an ingredient shortcut for your cobblers, trifles and, of course, pie.

For more ideas on Georgia-grown food and beverages for your Thanksgiving, visit www.flavorofga.com or look for many Flavor of Georgia products at Stripling’s General Store locations, the Buford Highway Farmers Market, the Farmview Market in Madison, Georgia, and at farmers markets and grocery stores near you.

Do you have a food or beverage product that should be on Thanksgiving tables statewide?  Information on the 2020 University of Georgia Flavor of Georgia food product contest will be available in December, and registration will open to the public in January. 

Madison Thornhill is a student assistant in the CAES Office of Communications and Creative Services.

Authors:
Madison Thornhill
Experts/Sources:
Sharon P Kane
This Thanksgiving, Georgians can bring a little local flavor to their tables with products that have been featured in UGA's Flavor of Georgia food product contest.
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