A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 8 servings. 4 slices thick-cut bacon, coarsely chopped 1 large onion, chopped (1½ cups) 4 stalks celery, chopped 4 quarts chicken stock 1 pound dried beans such as cowpeas

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 8 servings. 4 slices thick-cut bacon, coarsely chopped 1 large onion, chopped (1½ cups) 4 stalks celery, chopped 4 quarts chicken stock 1 pound dried beans such as cowpeas

Hoppin’ John Recipe

Hoppin' John Recipe

Yield: 8 servings.

4 slices thick-cut bacon, coarsely chopped
1 large onion, chopped (1½ cups)
4 stalks celery, chopped
4 quarts chicken stock
1 pound dried beans such as cowpeas or black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and rinsed
1 smoked ham hock or 6 ounces side meat
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup long-grain white rice
4-5 green onions, chopped

In a heavy stockpot or Dutch oven, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon pieces and set aside. Add onions and celery to bacon drippings, and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add chicken stock, peas, ham hock, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook on medium heat, uncovered, until tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Add the rice to the pot, cover, and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Remove pot from the heat, and allow to steam, still covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Add bacon pieces and chopped green onions before serving.

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This story was published on Jan 05, 2017

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.