A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

[caption id="attachment_108689" align="aligncenter" width="1175"] Credit[/caption]   No. 11: Macaroni Salad RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS Make this recipe your go-to side dish for your next picnic. MAKE IT   [caption id="attachment_206494"

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

[caption id="attachment_108689" align="aligncenter" width="1175"] Credit[/caption]   No. 11: Macaroni Salad RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS Make this recipe your go-to side dish for your next picnic. MAKE IT   [caption id="attachment_206494"

11 Our State Recipes You Loved in March

Cream cheese pound cake, daffodil cake, and lemon blueberry cake
Macaroni Salad

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 11: Macaroni Salad

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

Make this recipe your go-to side dish for your next picnic.

MAKE IT

 


Slice of pound cake topped with ice cream

photograph by Peter Colin Murray

 

No. 10: Eddy’s Cream Cheese Pound Cake

RECIPE BY EDDY MCGEE

In Elkin, a generous mailman became known for handing off slices of pound cake to individuals along his route. Now, he bakes one daily for a local coffee shop. With his recipe, you can make it for yourself at home.

MAKE IT

 


Spinach and sausage bread pudding

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 9: Spinach & Sausage Bread Pudding

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

Bread pudding doesn’t always have to be sweet. This savory version is brimming with Gruyère cheese, eggs, and breakfast sausage.

MAKE IT

 


Bacon and cheddar mini muffins

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 8: Bacon and Cheddar Mini Muffins

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

These cheesy, bacon-filled mini muffins make for a perfect breakfast … or afternoon snack.

MAKE IT

 


Glazed blueberry lemon loaf

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 7: Glazed Lemon and Blueberry Loaf

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

The lemon glaze makes this bread even sweeter — and more delicious.

MAKE IT

 


Sera Cuni's mac & cheese

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 6: Sera Cuni’s Mac & Cheese

RECIPE BY SERA CUNI

Filled with Gruyère, mozzarella, and Monterey jack cheeses, this recipe from Feedwell Cafe in Siler City packs comfort into a casserole dish.

MAKE IT

 


St. Timothy's coffee cake

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 5: St. Timothy’s Coffee Cake

RECIPE BY COMMUNITY COOKBOOK SERIES

Whip up this spiced treat for a cozy breakfast.

MAKE IT

 


Chicken poppy seed casserole

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 4: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

Topped with crunchy Ritz Crackers and slivered almonds, this old-school casserole was a favorite dish that Chef Lynn Wells’s mother made.

MAKE IT

 


Bean and ham bone soup in a bowl

photograph by Matt Hulsman

 

No. 3: Bean & Ham Bone Soup

RECIPE BY LYNN WELLS

When spring days waffle from blustery and cold to sunny and warm, Chef Lynn Wells turns to a comforting soup brimming with fresh vegetables and plenty of ham.

MAKE IT

 


Slices of daffodil cake

photograph by Tim Robison

 

No. 2: 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.

MAKE IT

 


Egg custard pie

 

No. 1: 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.

MAKE IT

 

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This story was published on Mar 26, 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.