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  • Pennsylvania Pork and Sauerkraut

    Pennsylvania Pork and Sauerkraut

    Pork and sauerkraut is a German-American and Pennsylvania tradition, especially on New Year’s Day, but it is welcome whenever cold weather calls for comfort food.

    Crisp Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream or Applesauce

    Pennsylvania Pork and Sauerkraut

    Pork and sauerkraut is a German-American and Pennsylvania tradition, especially on New Year’s Day, but it is welcome whenever cold weather calls for comfort food.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 3 hours
    Servings: 8 servings
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 3 pounds pork shoulder or loin roast
    • 2 pounds sauerkraut
    • 1 onion, sliced
    • 1 apple, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
    • 1 cup water or broth
    • Salt and pepper

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Season pork with salt and pepper and brown in a Dutch oven.
    2. Add sauerkraut, onion, apple, brown sugar, and water or broth.
    3. Cover and bake at 325 degrees until pork is tender, about 2 1/2 hours.
    4. Slice or shred pork and serve with sauerkraut.

    Notes

    • Serve with mashed potatoes or spaetzle.

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  • Western Pennsylvania Chipped Ham Barbecue Sandwiches

    Western Pennsylvania Chipped Ham Barbecue Sandwiches

    Chipped ham barbecue sandwiches are strongly associated with Western Pennsylvania. Thin-shaved ham simmers in a tangy ketchup-based sauce and gets piled onto soft buns.

    Crisp Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream or Applesauce

    Western Pennsylvania Chipped Ham Barbecue Sandwiches

    Chipped ham barbecue sandwiches are strongly associated with Western Pennsylvania. Thin-shaved ham simmers in a tangy ketchup-based sauce and gets piled onto soft buns.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Servings: 6 sandwiches
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 1 1/2 pounds chipped chopped ham or very thin shaved deli ham
    • 1 cup ketchup
    • 1/4 cup water
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
    • Soft sandwich buns

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Combine ketchup, water, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, and mustard in a skillet. Simmer 5 minutes.
    2. Add chipped ham and toss gently to coat.
    3. Simmer over low heat 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often.
    4. Pile onto soft buns and serve hot.

    Notes

    • Ask the deli to shave the ham very thin.
    • Serve with potato chips, pickles, or coleslaw.

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  • Primanti-Style Pittsburgh Sandwiches

    Primanti-Style Pittsburgh Sandwiches

    This Pittsburgh-inspired sandwich stacks meat, cheese, fries, and coleslaw between thick slices of bread. It is an homage to the city’s famous overstuffed sandwich style.

    Crisp Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream or Applesauce

    Primanti-Style Pittsburgh Sandwiches

    This Pittsburgh-inspired sandwich stacks meat, cheese, fries, and coleslaw between thick slices of bread. It is an homage to the city’s famous overstuffed sandwich style.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 sandwiches
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 8 thick slices Italian bread
    • 1 pound sliced capicola, turkey, roast beef, or ham
    • 4 slices provolone
    • 3 cups hot French fries
    • 2 cups vinegar-style coleslaw
    • Tomato slices, optional

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Warm the meat in a skillet and melt cheese over the top.
    2. Lay out bread slices. Add meat and cheese.
    3. Top with hot fries and a generous scoop of coleslaw.
    4. Add tomato if using. Close sandwiches and press gently.
    5. Serve immediately while fries are hot.

    Notes

    • Use sturdy bread so the sandwich holds together.
    • This is a style-inspired homemade version, not a restaurant copy.

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  • Pittsburgh Italian Wedding Soup

    Pittsburgh Italian Wedding Soup

    Wedding soup is everywhere around Pittsburgh: restaurants, family tables, weddings, and funeral meals. This version keeps the classic trio of tiny meatballs, greens, and pasta.

    Crisp Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream or Applesauce

    Pittsburgh Italian Wedding Soup

    Wedding soup is everywhere around Pittsburgh: restaurants, family tables, weddings, and funeral meals. This version keeps the classic trio of tiny meatballs, greens, and pasta.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings: 8 servings
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 1 pound ground beef or beef-pork mix
    • 1 egg
    • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 8 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup small pasta
    • 4 cups chopped escarole or spinach
    • Salt and pepper

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Mix meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs.
    2. Bring broth to a simmer. Add meatballs and cook 8 to 10 minutes.
    3. Add pasta and cook until nearly tender.
    4. Stir in greens and simmer until wilted.
    5. Season to taste and serve with extra Parmesan.

    Notes

    • Tiny meatballs are part of the charm.
    • Escarole is classic, but spinach works.

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  • Kielbasa and Sauerkraut for Game Day or Church Supper

    Kielbasa and Sauerkraut for Game Day or Church Supper

    Kielbasa and sauerkraut is a Western Pennsylvania staple for holidays, football gatherings, church dinners, and fire hall meals.

    Crisp Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream or Applesauce

    Kielbasa and Sauerkraut for Game Day or Church Supper

    Kielbasa and sauerkraut is a Western Pennsylvania staple for holidays, football gatherings, church dinners, and fire hall meals.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings: 6 servings
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 2 pounds kielbasa, sliced into links or coins
    • 2 pounds sauerkraut, drained lightly
    • 1 onion, sliced
    • 1 apple, grated or chopped, optional
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
    • 1/2 cup water or beer
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • Black pepper

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Melt butter in a large pot. Cook onion until softened.
    2. Add sauerkraut, apple, brown sugar, water or beer, and pepper.
    3. Nestle kielbasa into the sauerkraut. Cover and simmer 35 to 45 minutes.
    4. Brown kielbasa under the broiler or in a skillet if desired.
    5. Serve with mustard, rye bread, or potatoes.

    Notes

    • Use smoked kielbasa for the most familiar flavor.
    • Rinse sauerkraut first if you prefer a milder dish.

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  • Country Ham Biscuits

    Country Ham Biscuits

    Country ham biscuits are made for breakfast tables, church gatherings, tailgates, and holidays. Salty ham and a tender biscuit do not need much help.

    Country Ham Biscuits

    Country Ham Biscuits

    Country ham biscuits are made for breakfast tables, church gatherings, tailgates, and holidays. Salty ham and a tender biscuit do not need much help.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings: 12 small biscuits
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 2 cups self-rising flour
    • 1/4 cup cold butter or shortening
    • 3/4 cup buttermilk
    • 12 small slices country ham
    • Butter, mustard, or preserves for serving

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Cut butter into flour until crumbly.
    2. Stir in buttermilk just until dough forms.
    3. Turn onto a floured surface, pat to 3/4 inch thick, and cut biscuits.
    4. Bake on a parchment-lined pan until golden, 10 to 12 minutes.
    5. Warm country ham in a skillet. Split biscuits and fill with ham.

    Notes

    • Serve with mustard, fig preserves, or peach preserves.
    • For party trays, make smaller biscuits.

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  • Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

    Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

    Biscuits and gravy are plain-spoken comfort food: hot biscuits, peppery sausage gravy, and enough coffee to make breakfast feel complete.

    Country Ham Biscuits

    Biscuits and Sausage Gravy

    Biscuits and gravy are plain-spoken comfort food: hot biscuits, peppery sausage gravy, and enough coffee to make breakfast feel complete.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 to 6 servings
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 1 pound breakfast sausage
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 3 cups whole milk
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
    • Salt to taste
    • Hot biscuits for serving

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Brown sausage in a large skillet, breaking it into small pieces.
    2. Sprinkle flour over sausage and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring.
    3. Slowly stir in milk. Simmer until thickened, 5 to 8 minutes.
    4. Season with pepper and salt.
    5. Spoon over split hot biscuits.

    Notes

    • Use mild or hot sausage depending on your table.
    • If gravy gets too thick, thin with a splash of milk.

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  • Classic Pimento Cheese

    Classic Pimento Cheese

    Pimento cheese works as a sandwich, cracker spread, burger topping, or party dip. This version stays simple and sharp.

    Country Ham Biscuits

    Classic Pimento Cheese

    Pimento cheese works as a sandwich, cracker spread, burger topping, or party dip. This version stays simple and sharp.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings: 3 About 3 cups
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
    • 1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 jar diced pimentos, 4 ounces, drained
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or hot sauce, optional
    • Black pepper

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Stir cheeses, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic powder, cayenne or hot sauce, and black pepper until combined.
    2. Chill 30 minutes if time allows.
    3. Serve as a sandwich filling, dip, or topping.

    Notes

    • Grate cheese by hand for the best texture.
    • Add a spoonful of cream cheese for a smoother spread.

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  • Fried Green Tomatoes

    Fried Green Tomatoes

    Fried green tomatoes bring crunch, tang, and summer garden flavor. Serve them as a side, appetizer, or sandwich layer.

    Country Ham Biscuits

    Fried Green Tomatoes

    Fried green tomatoes bring crunch, tang, and summer garden flavor. Serve them as a side, appetizer, or sandwich layer.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 3 large green tomatoes
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 cup flour
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup cornmeal
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • Oil for frying

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Slice tomatoes 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle with salt and let stand 10 minutes. Pat dry.
    2. Set up three bowls: flour; buttermilk whisked with egg; cornmeal mixed with breadcrumbs and pepper.
    3. Dredge tomato slices in flour, dip in buttermilk, then coat with cornmeal mixture.
    4. Fry in hot oil until golden on both sides. Drain well.
    5. Serve warm.

    Notes

    • Good with comeback sauce, ranch, or pimento cheese.
    Safety note: Use care when frying and keep oil around 350 degrees.

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  • Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

    Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

    North Carolina sweet potatoes make an easy side for barbecue, fish, chicken, or weeknight suppers. Roast them until caramelized at the edges.

    Country Ham Biscuits

    Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

    North Carolina sweet potatoes make an easy side for barbecue, fish, chicken, or weeknight suppers. Roast them until caramelized at the edges.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 3 large sweet potatoes
    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • Pinch of cayenne, optional

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges.
    2. Toss with oil, salt, paprika, pepper, and cayenne if using.
    3. Spread on a baking sheet in one layer.
    4. Roast 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until browned and tender.

    Notes

    • Serve with barbecue sauce, honey butter, or a yogurt dip.
    • Cut wedges evenly so they cook at the same pace.

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  • Field Peas, Butter Beans, and Snaps

    Field Peas, Butter Beans, and Snaps

    Field peas, butter beans, and snaps are the kind of side dish that turns a plate into supper. Cook them gently with a little seasoning meat and serve with cornbread.

    Country Ham Biscuits

    Field Peas, Butter Beans, and Snaps

    Field peas, butter beans, and snaps are the kind of side dish that turns a plate into supper. Cook them gently with a little seasoning meat and serve with cornbread.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 1 hour
    Servings: 6 servings
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 1 pound fresh or frozen field peas, butter beans, or snaps
    • 1 small piece salt pork, ham hock, or smoked turkey, optional
    • 1 small onion, chopped
    • 4 cups water or broth
    • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon butter

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Place peas or beans, seasoning meat if using, onion, water or broth, salt, and pepper in a pot.
    2. Bring to a simmer. Cook gently until tender, 35 to 55 minutes depending on the peas or beans.
    3. Remove seasoning meat. Chop and return any meat to the pot if desired.
    4. Stir in butter and adjust seasoning.
    5. Serve with cornbread.

    Notes

    • Do not boil hard; a gentle simmer keeps the peas from breaking apart.
    • A splash of pepper vinegar is good at the table.

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  • Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

    Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

    Banana pudding belongs at family reunions, church suppers, barbecue restaurants, and Sunday tables. This version uses a stovetop custard and vanilla wafers.

    Country Ham Biscuits

    Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding

    Banana pudding belongs at family reunions, church suppers, barbecue restaurants, and Sunday tables. This version uses a stovetop custard and vanilla wafers.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Total Time 35 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients
    • 3/4 cup sugar
    • 1/4 cup flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 3 cups milk
    • 4 egg yolks
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1 box vanilla wafers
    • 4 ripe bananas, sliced

    Method
     

    Instructions
    1. Whisk sugar, flour, and salt in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in milk.
    2. Cook over medium heat until steaming. Whisk egg yolks in a bowl, then slowly whisk in a little hot milk mixture.
    3. Return egg mixture to saucepan. Cook, stirring, until thickened.
    4. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
    5. Layer wafers, bananas, and custard in a dish. Repeat layers.
    6. Chill before serving.

    Notes

    • Top with whipped cream or meringue if desired.
    • Bananas should be ripe but not mushy.

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