A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

For nine decades, Our State has made its way into homes across North Carolina, the United States, and the world. To celebrate, every month this year, we’re paying tribute to

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

For nine decades, Our State has made its way into homes across North Carolina, the United States, and the world. To celebrate, every month this year, we’re paying tribute to

Peanut Butter Pie

The NC State Fair Award-Winning Peanut Butter Pie

For nine decades, Our State has made its way into homes across North Carolina, the United States, and the world. To celebrate, every month this year, we’re paying tribute to the readers who inspire us, offering a taste of our earliest recipes, and revisiting old stories with new insights. Follow along to find out how our past has shaped our present.


January 1989 • According to The State, nuts became a dessert star at the 1988 North Carolina State Fair, where the annual pie competition included categories for peanut and peanut butter pies. This recipe from Mrs. Robert H. Tobin of Thomasville won first place.

Yield: 6 servings.

1½ cups granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs, beaten
3½ tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup evaporated milk
1 unbaked deep-dish pie shell
Whipped topping (optional)
Peanuts, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a large bowl, mix sugar, butter, eggs, peanut butter, vanilla, and milk until well blended. Pour mixture into pie shell and bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Remove pie from oven and set on a cooling rack for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with whipped topping and peanuts (optional).

— Recipe adapted by Lynn Wells

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This story was published on Oct 10, 2023

Our State Staff

Since 1933, Our State has shared stories about North Carolina with readers both in state and around the world. We celebrate the people and places that make this state great. From the mountains to the coast, we feature North Carolina travel, history, food, and beautiful scenic photography.