A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 6 servings. 1 head green cabbage, cored ½ head red cabbage, cored 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 cup onion, coarsely chopped 1 teaspoon salt 2

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 6 servings. 1 head green cabbage, cored ½ head red cabbage, cored 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 cup onion, coarsely chopped 1 teaspoon salt 2

Braised Red & Green Cabbage

Yield: 6 servings.

1 head green cabbage, cored
½ head red cabbage, cored
4 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup onion, coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons light brown sugar
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup apple juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Freshly cracked black pepper

Cut cabbage into thick wedges, rinse, and pat dry.

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon from pot and place on a paper towel. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the drippings.

Add cabbage to the pot, cut side down, and cook over medium heat, turning once, until browned.

Add the onion, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is softened and just starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and apple juice. Simmer over medium heat until liquid is reduced by half, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Add cooked bacon to cabbage and cover pot. Over low heat, braise until tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer cabbage to a serving bowl.

Over medium-high heat, boil the liquid until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove pot from the heat and add butter. Season the sauce with additional salt (if needed) and pepper. Spoon over braised cabbage and serve.

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This story was published on Dec 18, 2018

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.