A family in Surry County gathered every summer for a reunion to reconnect and celebrate together, but mostly to feast on dishes made by cousins, aunts, and uncles.
sonker
Grandma Snow’s Sweet Potato Sonker
Similar to a cobbler and less fussy than a pie, sonker is a baked fruit dessert native to Surry County. While sweet potatoes are used here, feel free to experiment with whatever seasonal fruit you have on hand.
Our Plate
From Southern classics like ham biscuits to small-town creations like bright red hot dogs, how much do you know about North Carolina’s quintessential foods?
18 Essential North Carolina Recipes
Make some of our state’s most classic dishes — from Carolina dogs to strawberry sonker — in your own kitchen.
The Sonkers of Surry County
What’s a sonker? Ask bakers in and around Mount Airy, and you’ll get a thousand different answers. One thing’s for certain: It’s a North Carolina original.
7 Stops On the Surry Sonker Trail
This one-of-a-kind dessert that defies definition is the signature dish of Surry County — and each stop on the Sonker Trail is part of a delicious history.
Surry County’s Secret
Why is it called sonker? No one knows for sure. But when locals hanker for warm, juicy fruit baked into a sweet crust, they know just where to go.
Strawberry Sonker with Dip
Sonker is the signature dish of Surry County. This large, juicy cobbler can be made with almost any fruit, and even sweet potatoes.
