LITTLE KNOW STATE SYMBOLS

Most states have at least one form of official food. In Louisiana, the official doughnut is the beignet. (I’m unaware of any other state doughnuts — and I’m disappointed.) New York’s official muffin is made with apples; Minnesota’s with blueberries; and none have yet found it fit to honor the vegan bran and raisin muffin, despite whatever strange wonders it works on the abdominal tubing. Vermont is the only state with an official flavor: maple, as in maple syrup — but because they’ve designated the “flavor,” not the “syrup,” we can assume the appointment includes everything from maple-glaze for ham to autumnal maple lattes. Shockingly, Oklahoma has recognized a complete (and daunting) meal: fried okra, squash, cornbread, barbeque pork, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, chicken friend steak, black-eyed peas, strawberries, and pecan pies. As for state drinks, Nebraska has Kool-Aid, Indiana has water (hubris!), and Alabama, the standout, has Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whiskey — a re-creation of some well-regarded illegal moonshine made in the backwoods by a man named Clyde May.