A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 6 servings. 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped 3 celery ribs, finely chopped 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen sweet peas, thawed ½ cup dried cranberries ½ cup chopped pecans ½

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 6 servings. 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped 3 celery ribs, finely chopped 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen sweet peas, thawed ½ cup dried cranberries ½ cup chopped pecans ½

Yield: 6 servings.

1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
3 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen sweet peas, thawed
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped pecans
½ head red cabbage, finely shredded
½ head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1½ cups mayonnaise
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

In a large glass serving bowl or 9 x 13-inch dish, add onion and celery to bottom of the bowl. Spread thawed peas over celery and onion, followed by cranberries, pecans, and red cabbage. Place shredded lettuce over red cabbage and press in slightly. Top with a layer of mayonnaise and finish with cheddar. Cover tightly with clear food wrap and refrigerate overnight. Mix layers together before serving.

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This story was published on Dec 17, 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.