You see, I grew up on good ole country cookin’ – mom’s homemade breads, cakes and pies were like none other and my attempts in the kitchen pale in comparison to the delicious meals she could turn out.
But to my relief, there are a few places close to our North Georgia rental cabins in Blue Ridge, Georgia that come close of reminding me of that little kitchen in Tennessee where I grew up “sopping” the pans and running my fingers along all the cakes’ icing!
The Apple Cider House in McCaysville, Georgia on Old Mobile Road is one such place where the scents and memories of my childhood come rushing back – their flaky, buttered crust pies who have the imprints of the fork prongs placed ever so perfectly to enclose the sweet apples inside is beyond delicious.
Other than my mom’s, their crust is the best I’ve ever tasted…sometimes I drive there just for the pies…and usually can’t buy just one. I always bring some home to put on display on my glass cover cake stand and with fall here, guests will most definitely find these pies at my house and wonder if I made them and realize “no, a real, country cooking southern lady made them”!
Jo and Mary Jo, owners of the Apple Cider House, are two of the sweetest people you will ever meet. They work the restaurant everyday cooking, baking and managing the business they have literally given their lives to. It’s very obvious from all the pictures scattered throughout the restaurant that family is the most important thing to them.
And while you’re waiting for a table or digesting your meal, check out their store in the front that’s jam packed with homemade jams, jellies, candies and canned garden goods; not to mention all the other novelty items they have to choose from. And it’s great to visit with Jo and Mary Jo to see their orchards and restaurant. While I’m partial to the apple pies, they also have peach, cherry and a whole assortment of tasty treats to choose from.
Hours vary so always call the Apple Cider House at (706) 492-7753.
Another good ole’ southern cooking establishment is Pat’s Country Kitchen located on Hwy 5 just outside McCaysville. Their unique family style dinners are served in big bowls filled with country vegetables of your choice, 3 different meats along with cornbread, biscuits, rolls and homemade desserts. Deep fried chicken, country fried steak and meatloaf are just a sampling of the meats you can choose from.
An interesting feature you may notice on your way into Pat’s – baggies filled with water hanging from the porch. As the country folk living here their entire lives have learned, baggies filled with water keep flies away. That’s right folks, keep flies away by hanging baggies with water outside your house or North Georgia rental cabin.
Just one of those quirky little things you can learn during your North Georgia cabin vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And you can certainly easily put on a few extra pounds when visiting the area.
Country cookin’ – there’s nothing quite like it!