Locally grown, seasonal ingredients are the foundation of southern Georgia’s vibrant food scene, making the state a top foodie destination.
From shrimp and grits to barbecue, and with some boiled peanuts, buttermilk biscuits and sweet tea thrown in for good measure, the Peach State is filled with signature dishes and iconic ingredients. Bring a taste of the South to your table with these flavorful fall dishes.
Sweet Potato Casserole
In Season: August, September, October, November, December. Sweet potatoes pack a nutritious punch. As they’re available almost all year, this versatile root vegetable has found its way onto tables and menus fried, mashed, roasted and baked into casseroles, pies and even pancakes.
Collard Greens
Collard greens are a flavor-rich side dish perfect for any meal. In Season: August, September, October, November, December. Collard greens are a classic Southern side dish, but this delicious tradition often steals center stage. A prominent part of the Palmetto State’s cuisine, collard greens were named the official state vegetable in 2011. Visitors to Georgia often overlook this “mess of greens,” opting for something that sounds more appetizing than a side of vegetables—but that’s a mistake. Though they may take a while to simmer, they’re easy to make and taste even better the next day.
Apple Pie
In Season: September, October, November, December. Nothing signals the onset of fall like a homemade apple pie. Summer in the Palmetto State lingers through September, so if you’re looking for crisp fall air you’ll need to head to the Upstate where you’ll find spectacular views and U-pick farms with a variety of apples to pick. When it comes to apple pie, it’s important to choose the right type of apple. Golden Delicious are some of the best, all-around cooking apples, but Fuji are also great for baking. No matter which apples you choose for these two tried-and-true recipes, the result will be delicious.
Tomato Pie
In Season: October, November. If you love a tomato sandwich—fresh tomatoes, mayo, salt and pepper to taste on your favorite bread—you’ll love tomato pie. Tomato pie is easy to prepare, full of South Carolina flavor and only requires a few basics: pie crust, cheese, onion, mayonnaise, your favorite herbs and plenty of rich, red local tomatoes. The mayo and cheese help to hold everything together, so there’s no need to add eggs. This simple and savory recipe will help you whip up a delicious tomato pie for dinner.
Pecan Pie
In Season: Late November. Whether you pronounce them pee-can or peh-kahn, there’s a lot to love about a slice of pecan pie. There are a lot of variations to pecan pie, but you won’t go wrong if you follow the recipe. If you’ve been looking for a perfectly sweet and nutty pecan pie recipe, your search is over. Based on an old family recipe, Chef Jessica Shillato discovered her secret ingredient—vinegar—over several years and hundreds of pies. Now that sounds like some delicious research!
Pompion (Pumpkin) Chips
In Season: November. Nothing says fall like a day of pumpkin picking. No matter what part of the state you’re in, it’s easy to find U-pick farms with fields full of ripe pumpkins and towering corn stalks turned into spooky mazes. If you’re interested in trying something beyond roasting pumpkin seeds and whipping up a pumpkin pie, try your hand at this recipe for pumpkin chips. Don’t let the name fool you —t his sweet, chunky preserve has nothing in common with potato chips, other than they both make a tasty snack.
Article: SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism: https://discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/8-of-south-carolinas-most-popular-fall-dishes.
