A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

[caption id="attachment_208242" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Credit[/caption]   No. 11: Old-Fashioned Green Beans & Potatoes With Fatback RECIPE BY SHERI CASTLE Double-cooking bits of fatback turns it into meaty, crunchy croutons that

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

[caption id="attachment_208242" align="aligncenter" width="1140"] Credit[/caption]   No. 11: Old-Fashioned Green Beans & Potatoes With Fatback RECIPE BY SHERI CASTLE Double-cooking bits of fatback turns it into meaty, crunchy croutons that

11 Our State Recipes You Loved in April

Chopped Italian Salad, Blackened Cod, and Carrot Cake
Green beans with fatback

photograph by Tim Robison

 

No. 11: Old-Fashioned Green Beans & Potatoes With Fatback

RECIPE BY SHERI CASTLE

Double-cooking bits of fatback turns it into meaty, crunchy croutons that gussy up the beans.

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Slices of daffodil cake

photograph by Tim Robison

 

No. 10: Daffodil Cake

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

A cake first made in Depression-era kitchens using household staples now helps us savor the season, no green thumb necessary.

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Slice of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 9: Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

This moist, perfectly spiced cake is a classic spring dessert.

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Country fried steak with gravy

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 8: Country-Fried Steak & Gravy

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

This crispy, crunchy comfort food is smothered in creamy gravy.

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Chopped Italian salad

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 7: Chopped Italian Salad

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

Loaded with bits of salami, feta, peppers, mozzarella, and more, this highly textured and flavor-packed salad can be enjoyed as a hearty side or light meal.

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Honey buns

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 6: Honey Buns

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

This just-sweet-enough pastry is a little like a spiced yeast roll.

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Small bowl of slaw

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 5: Cafeteria-Style Slaw

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

Make this retro, finely chopped slaw as a cooling accompaniment for blackened fish or barbecue.

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Cucumber salad

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 4: Chilled Cucumber & Herb Salad

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

Dressed in a sweet-tart rice wine vinegar dressing, this cool and crunchy cucumber salad is a refreshing addition to any summertime meal.

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St. Timothy's coffee cake

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 3: St. Timothy’s Coffee Cake

RECIPE BY COMMUNITY COOKBOOK SERIES

Whip up this spiced treat for a cozy breakfast.

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Egg custard pie

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 2: Egg Custard Pie

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

With just a dash of vanilla and nutmeg, the beauty of this cool and creamy pie lies in its simplicity.

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Blackened cod

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 1: Skillet-Fried Cod With Tartar Sauce

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

These seared, seasoned fillets cook in a snap, so make your sauce ahead of time to serve everything while it’s still hot.

MAKE IT

 

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This story was published on Apr 24, 2026

Our State Staff

Since 1933, Our State has shared stories about North Carolina with readers both in state and around the world. We celebrate the people and places that make this state great. From the mountains to the coast, we feature North Carolina travel, history, food, and beautiful scenic photography.