Put ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until puffed and golden. Remove from oven, and let stand for 5 minutes. With a flexible spatula, remove strata to

A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Pulled vs. Chopped Pork Which style of ’cue do you prefer on a sandwich? Pulled or chopped? Pulled Chopped Fudge vs. Saltwater Taffy When you’re on vacation

Food

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Pulled vs. Chopped Pork Which style of ’cue do you prefer on a sandwich? Pulled or chopped? Pulled Chopped Fudge vs. Saltwater Taffy When you’re on vacation

Living in North Carolina

The Our State Great Debate

Calling all North Carolinians! Cast your vote in our monthly match-up.

by Our State Staff

photograph by MarinaZg/iStock/Getty Images Plus, LauriPatterson/E+/Getty Images

Pulled vs. Chopped Pork

</p> <section> <h2></h2> <h2><strong>Which style of ’cue do you prefer on a sandwich?</strong></h2> <h3>Pulled or chopped?</h3> </section> <section> <h2>Pulled</h2> </section> <section> <h3>Chopped</h3> </section> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>

Fudge vs. Saltwater Taffy

</p> <section> <h2></h2> <h2><strong>When you’re on vacation at the Carolina coast, which beach town treat do you prefer?</strong></h2> <h3>Fresh, creamy fudge or sticky-sweet squares of saltwater taffy?</h3> </section> <section> <h2>Fudge</h2> </section> <section> <h3>Saltwater taffy</h3> </section> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>

Smashburger vs. Thick burger

</p> <section> <h2></h2> <h2><strong>Which burger do you think is superior?</strong></h2> <h3>A perfectly crispy, flat-top-style smashburger, or a juicy, grilled thick burger piled high with toppings?</h3> </section> <section> <h2>Smashburger</h2> </section> <section> <h3>Thick burger</h3> </section> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>

Editors’ Picks

Recipes

11 Our State Recipes You Loved in January

Flaky buttermilk drop biscuits, creamy potato and sausage casserole, and soul-warming chicken and cabbage soup were among your favorite recipes in January. Find out what else made the list.

by Our State Staff

Restaurants

The Weekend Crowd at JD’s Smokehouse

For only three days each week, a former hosiery mill building in the foothills becomes a barbecue destination powered by a hardworking family.

by Lori K. Tate

Guides

A Locals’ Guide to Downtown Littleton

When demand for tobacco and cotton diminished, this one-square-mile Halifax County town followed suit. Now, one couple is revitalizing Littleton into a lively location once more.

by Chloe Klingstedt

Made in North Carolina

Meet Our Makers

Each year, Our State celebrates the very best in North Carolina craftsmanship with the Made in NC Awards. Meet the talented artisans who won top honors in 2022 — and watch them at work.

by Our State Staff

Pulled vs. Chopped Pork

Fudge vs. Saltwater Taffy

Smashburger vs. Thick burger

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Editors’ Picks