The Carolinas have some scrumptious unique dishes that set us apart from rest of the country but chances are you’ve at least heard of most of them as their popularity has spread across America. As a professionally trained Chef from North Carolina that worked in the historic French quarter of Charleston, I learned the ins and outs of preparing seafood fresh off the boat as well as locally raised meats and farm fresh fruit and veggies. Let’s explore the traditional recipes and ingredients of these southern colonial states, and the good (not necessarily expensive) restaurants serving them. “Go Lightly” healthier ingredient swaps suggestions for recipes and Food Safety information are given on the recipes as well.

The foods that bring North and South Carolina together! Here are some of the food brands and products brought to us by Carolina owned companies. Krispy Creme doughnuts, Marsh Hen Mill rice and grits, Pepsi products, Coca-Cola products, Blenheim ginger ale, Cheerwine colas, Texas Pete hot sauces, Mt. Olive pickles and olives, Lindys Italian Ices, Lance snack crackers (nabs), Bruce’s Sweet Potato Yams, and more were born in the Carolina states.
We also like to take credit for being the originators of sweetened iced tea,muscadine grape wines, fried cornbread patties (hoe cakes), hushpuppies, Lowcountry boil, okra gumbo, she-crab soup; named after the female crab roe used to add richness to this creamy seafood classic.
These items listed are just a few of the delicious creations from our Carolina states. Which is your favorite?