NORTH CAROLINA - Number 12 - The Tar Heel State
One of the original thirteen English Colonies, North and South Carolina were once referred to as solely the Province of Carolina until their formal separation in 1729. King Charles II granted a charter to start a new colony establishing the North Carolina borders in 1663. He named it Carolina in honor of his father, Charles I. In 1710, political disagreements started the divide that would eventually give us North and South Carolina. North Carolina itself was split between the east which supported the British Crown and the west which supported American Independence. Lord Charles Cornwallis’ defeat at the Battle of Yorktown guaranteed American Independence and North Carolina became the twelfth state to ratify the new American Constitution in 1789. Apropos of nothing really, except a perfect tidbit for blog chatter...Virginia Dare was the first English child to be born on US soil in 1587 and Dare County was named for her and home to Kitty Hawk, the sight of the first sustained, powered flight conducted by The Brothers Wright, Orville and Wilbur in 1903.
The term Tar Heel has both good and bad connotations. Early in its history, North Carolina played an important role for producing, storing and shipping supplies for the British Navy, namely tar and pitch, used to seal ships and prevent decay. The state’s vast pine forests provided the local economy with the ability to also supply two thirds of America with turpentine from its 1600 or so distilleries. Legend has it Confederate Troops “stuck to their ranks like they had tar on their heels.” Depending on your political persuasion, this could be either good or bad but now North Carolinians claim the term with pride more because of historical significance than anything red or blue.
As for food and drink, Tar Heels draw upon any number of influences from all directions. The Yankee sensibility believes North Carolina is a bit of an introduction into Low Country grub more firmly rooted in South Carolina. There are influences from Appalachia, never really a hot bed of anything other than incest and moonshine. And maybe squirrel and possum stew. While we can offer up one of the previously mentioned four, we assure you it ain’t nothin to do with family nor vermin.
Milk – The State Drink
Cheerwine – The original soda was created in Salisbury, but this is a grown-up version
Low Country Lemonade
The Wright Stuff
Smoky Mountain High
The Cardinal – The State Bird
Carolina Middlins w/ Tomato Relish – think grits but rice not corn
Sweet Potato Guacamole
North Carolina Pig 2-ways
East Wake Burger
Savory Squash Pancakes w/ Grape Salsa
Pork Chops w/ Country Ham Bord-o-laze
Mash w/ Pimento Cheese
Fennel Citrus Salad
To knock off...
Salted Lemon Pie
Mile High Strawberry Pie