Tag: recipes

  • The Hidden History of Moonshine in Southern Appalachia and My Family’s Secret

    This story follows a man’s discovery of his family’s moonshining past, beginning with a dusty box in his granny’s attic. What starts as a curiosity leads him down a path of hidden history, revealing the ingenuity, survival, and secrecy that shaped generations before him. Through the relics of an old still, he uncovers the truth…

  • MOUNTAIN ROOTS

    St. Patrick’s Day in Appalachia: A Celebration of Scots-Irish Heritage In the heart of Appalachia, St. Patrick’s Day is more than a global celebration of Irish culture—it’s a deeply personal reflection of a shared heritage that has shaped the region for centuries. Many families here trace their lineage back to Ireland, but the story is…

  • Springtime Secrets of Appalachia: Wild Foods of the Forest Floor

    In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, when winter finally loosens its grip and spring emerges from the thawing ground, a bounty appears on the forest floor—a gift from the land that once sustained mountain families. Long before grocery stores lined the roads, these wild plants provided nourishment and flavor. The knowledge of how to…

  • Ramps, A Taste of Appalachia’s Spring

    It’s ramp season in Appalachia, and if you know, you know. Ramps are wild onions but calling them that doesn’t do them justice. They’re stronger than any onion or garlic you’ve ever tasted, with broad green leaves and a slender bulb that grows close to the ground. They’re one of the first green things to…

  • The Soul of the Mountains- What Makes Appalachian Cooking Unforgettable?

    “From cornbread to ramps, the flavors of the mountains tell a story of resourcefulness, community, and deep-rooted tradition. As the author of three cookbooks on the subject, I’ve spent years uncovering what makes this cuisine so special.” Appalachian food has always been about working with what’s available. Long before “sustainable” and “organic” became trendy, mountain…

  • Betrayed by the Ballot- How Appalachia Voted for the Politicians Slashing Their Healthcare

    In the Appalachian Mountains, a healthcare emergency is taking shape. The new Republican budget resolution threatens to destroy the medical safety net that millions of residents depend on in a region already hit hard by poverty, health problems, and limited care options. Throughout Appalachian states — Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Ohio and more— Medicaid isn’t just…

  • The Granny Women of Appalachia: Mountain Medicine and Folk Healing

    The first time I watched my grandmother cure a wart, it wasn’t magic — it was something far more powerful. She took an onion hull in her weathered hands, a small heated rock, and a piece of clean white cloth. With practiced movements, she rubbed the wart on my hand with the onion hull and…

  • After eight months of writing, and researching, I’m excited to introduce my new book, The Magic of the Mountains: Appalachian Granny Witches and Their Healing Secrets. This project is deeply personal, inspired by my granny and the generations of women in my family who carried forward the traditions of healing, and storytelling. This book isn’t just…

  • Outsiders Arrive in Appalachia and Learn to Appreciate the Region’s Complex Heritage

    January 28, 2025 — Tim Carmichael Appalachia has long been defined by national media through a lens of decline and struggle. From the economic collapse of the coal industry to persistent poverty and the opioid crisis, the region’s stories often revolve around hardship. However, a growing number of outsiders arriving in Appalachia have found that…

  • Granny Magic: The Herbal Healers of Appalachia

    In the remote corners of Appalachia, there’s a tradition that’s been practiced for generations—one centered around the wisdom and skill of older women, often known as “grannies.” These women were the healers, the midwives, and the caregivers. Their understanding of plants, herbs, and natural remedies played an essential role in keeping their communities healthy. Long…