Author: Brandon Goins
The days are officially shorter and the leaves have all turned. November's arrival means fall is in full swing and it's time to do what America does best: eat! From festive dinner recipes to fun craftable treats, check out five fall recipes inspired by North Carolina's food staples.
Rustic Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Farm Flavor highlights this twist on the traditional mashed potato from North Carolina Field & Family. This variant of traditional mashed potatoes makes use of North Carolina's state vegetable. North Carolina produces fifty percent of the United States' sweet potatoes.
Recipe created by Mary Carter.
Ingredients:
4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
¾ cup milk
2-4 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
Scrub and quarter sweet potatoes. Boil until soft.
While boiling, saute garlic in butter just until fragrant. Add the milk to butter and garlic.
Drain potatoes, and place in a bowl with all ingredients. Mash with a hand masher until creamy.
Krispy Kreme Doughnut Turkeys
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are a North Carolina staple. This fall inspired edible craft makes use of North Carolina's favorite treat. Pick up a hot and fresh dozen from your local Krispy Kreme and decorate your own rafter of delicious turkey treats. The supplies listed below are inspired by Dimple Prints' craft but with Krispy Kreme doughnuts substituted to give it a hometown spin.
What you'll need:
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
Candy Corn
Doughnut holes (or Mounds candy)
Candy Eyes (you can pick these up at your local Walmart or craft store)
Cheerwine Holiday Punch
A holiday spin on the "Born in the South, Raised in a glass" favorite. North Carolina's own special holiday punch will liven up any festive fall party.
Ingredients:
2 46 fl oz can of pineapple juice chilled
4 liters of Cheerwine soda chilled
2 liters of ginger ale chilled
Sweet Potato Doughnut Holes
Another fun sweet potato recipe from Farm Flavor. Doughnut Holes are a great treat for after a fall dinner or a great snack to eat as a family by the fire before bed! This recipe makes 24 - 32 donut holes. Find the recipe here!
Texas Pete Chicken Dip
Texas Pete's website boasts dozens of hot sauce centric recipes. I've picked out a personal favorite. Show off this appetizer at your next football watch party to be the talk of the neighboorhood.
Ingredients:
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
4 oz. cream cheese softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup Texas Pete® Wing sauce or Texas Pete® Hot Sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350°F.
COMBINE all ingredients and spoon into shallow 1-quart baking dish.
BAKE 20 minutes or until mixture is heated through; stir. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve with crackers and/or vegetables.