A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 6 to 8 servings. ⅓ cup light brown sugar ½ teaspoon salt Zest and juice from one orange ⅓ cup bourbon ⅓ cup maple syrup 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 6 to 8 servings. ⅓ cup light brown sugar ½ teaspoon salt Zest and juice from one orange ⅓ cup bourbon ⅓ cup maple syrup 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Yield: 6 to 8 servings.

⅓ cup light brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
Zest and juice from one orange
⅓ cup bourbon
⅓ cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced or cubed

Preheat oven to 400°.

In a saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar, salt, orange zest and juice, bourbon, maple syrup, and butter. Stir occasionally until sugar dissolves.

In a 9 x 13-inch pan, spread sweet potatoes in an even layer.

Pour the sugar mixture over the potatoes and toss to coat.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, turning over once halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and caramelized.

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This story was published on Oct 14, 2025

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.