Savor the Flavors of Appalachia: Traditional West Virginia Recipes

The rich culinary heritage of West Virginia is deeply rooted in Appalachian traditions, where home-cooked meals are crafted with love and locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re planning a cozy stay at Country Road Cabins or simply want to experience the comforting flavors of the Mountain State, these classic Appalachian recipes will transport your taste buds to the heart of West Virginia.

Cornbread: A Timeless Appalachian Staple

Cornbread has been a staple in West Virginian kitchens for generations. Perfect alongside soup beans or slathered with butter and honey, this simple yet flavorful dish is a must-try.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup honey (optional for a sweeter version)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a cast-iron skillet or baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed.
5. Pour batter into the prepared skillet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with butter or honey.

West Virginia Pepperoni Rolls: A Mountain State Classic

Originally created as a portable meal for coal miners, pepperoni rolls remain a beloved snack in West Virginia.

Ingredients:

• 1 batch of prepared yeast dough (or store-bought pizza dough)
• 8 ounces of sliced or stick pepperoni
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the dough into small rectangles.
3. Place 3-4 slices of pepperoni (or a pepperoni stick) in the center of each piece of dough.
4. Sprinkle with cheese if desired.
5. Roll the dough over the filling and pinch the edges to seal.
6. Place rolls on the baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Enjoy warm!

Ramp and Potato Hash: A Springtime Delicacy

Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are a cherished ingredient in Appalachian cooking. This ramp and potato hash is a flavorful dish perfect for breakfast or as a hearty side.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 cup chopped ramps (bulbs and greens)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add diced potatoes and cook until golden brown and crispy.
• Stir in the ramps and cook for another 5 minutes until tender.
• Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

Apple Stack Cake: A Taste of Tradition

This layered cake, sweetened with spiced apple filling, is a cherished Appalachian dessert often served at special gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups dried apples
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• ½ cup molasses
• ½ cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Simmer dried apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in water until soft. Mash into a thick filling.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, molasses, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a dough.
5. Divide the dough into 5-6 portions, rolling each into a thin layer.
6. Bake each layer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
7. Stack layers with apple filling in between and let sit overnight to develop flavors.
8. Slice and enjoy a taste of Appalachian tradition!

Experience Appalachian Cooking at Country Road Cabins

Whether you’re spending time at Country Road Cabins or bringing Appalachian flavors into your own kitchen, these recipes capture the heart and soul of West Virginia’s rich culinary heritage. Try them for yourself and savor the traditions of the Mountain State!