Southern Flavors for the Holidays: Must-Have Ingredients from Farmview Market

The holiday season in the South is a time of warmth, hospitality, and, most importantly, delicious food. With its rich flavors and comforting dishes, Southern cuisine takes center stage at family gatherings and festive celebrations.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting, having the right ingredients can make all the difference. Here are the must-have ingredients to bring Southern flavors to your holiday table, all of which you can grab on your next visit to Farmview Market.

Rock House Farm Hickory King Cornmeal

Cornmeal, essential for making cornbread, is a Southern staple and one of the most iconic dishes in Southern cuisine. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, cornbread is a versatile side that pairs perfectly with holiday meals. Plus, cornmeal serves a vital role in creating the perfect crust for fried foods, adding that essential crunch to fried chicken or catfish.

Rock House Farm’s Hickory King Cornmeal are made from an heirloom yellow corn developed in Appalachia in the 1800s. Grown on the farm in Leesburg, Georgia, this cornmeal is ground fresh daily at Farmview Market with the use of our in-house modern stone grist mill.

Pecans

No Southern holiday would be complete without pecans. These rich, buttery nuts are the star ingredient in pecan pie, a classic Southern dessert. Pecans are also perfect for adding a crunchy topping to sweet potato casserole or as a simple, spiced snack for guests to enjoy.

While we’ve got the classic, plain pecan, Farmview Market also carries a wide variety of seasoned and spiced pecans, such as those from We’re Nuts or Goodson Pecans.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a versatile vegetable that shines in many Southern holiday dishes. From creamy sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows to roasted sweet potatoes with a drizzle of honey, this ingredient adds a touch of natural sweetness to your meal. Don't forget about sweet potato pie, a delightful alternative to pumpkin pie.

Rock House Creamery Buttermilk

Buttermilk is key to achieving the tender, flaky texture in biscuits, another Southern favorite. It's also used in marinades, adding a tangy flavor to meats and ensuring they stay juicy and tender. Incorporate buttermilk into your holiday baking for moist cakes and pancakes that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Rock House Creamery, located in nearby Newborn, Georgia, creates small-batch artisan dairy. This buttermilk is rich and creamy. In fact, since it’s pasteurized but not homogenized, this milk will often have a layer of butterfat that has risen to the top. Don’t forget to give your bottle a good shake!

Collard Greens

Collard greens are a must-have for any Southern feast. Slow-cooked with ham hocks or bacon, collard greens are a flavorful side dish that compliments any holiday spread. Their slightly bitter taste and tender texture provide a perfect balance to rich and savory main dishes.

Black-Eyed Peas

Traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck, black-eyed peas are a Southern holiday essential. Cooked with smoked meats and seasoned with spices, they are often served as part of Hoppin' John, a comforting dish of rice and peas that symbolizes prosperity and good fortune.

Caves’ Family Tradition Cane Syrup

Cane syrup, with its deep, molasses-like flavor, is a versatile sweetener used in many Southern recipes. Drizzle it over biscuits, use it in marinades, or incorporate it into your holiday desserts for a unique, rich sweetness that stands out from regular sugar.

Caves’ Family Tradition Cane Syrup, made in Broxton, GA, is our favorite family-made cane syrup.

Rock House Farm Stone Ground Grits

Creamy, buttery grits are a Southern comfort food that can be dressed up for the holidays. Serve them as a savory side dish with cheese and herbs or as a breakfast dish topped with shrimp for a festive twist. Grits are a blank canvas that can be transformed into a variety of delightful dishes.

Just like the cornmeal, these grits are ground fresh daily in Farmview Market’s in-house modern stone grist mill. While they take a bit longer to cook, these are truly some of the best grits around.

Can’t wait until your next trip? Don’t fret. They’re available for shipping!

Okra

Okra is a beloved vegetable in Southern cuisine, especially around the holidays. Whether fried to golden perfection, added to gumbo for its thickening properties, or pickled for a tangy snack, okra's unique texture and flavor make it a standout ingredient in many Southern dishes.

Green Beans

Green beans are a classic Southern side dish, often found on holiday tables in the form of green bean casserole. Cooked with bacon or ham, seasoned with garlic, or topped with crispy onions, green beans bring a fresh, crunchy element to your holiday feast.

The magic of Southern cuisine lies in its simplicity and the heartwarming memories it creates. By incorporating these must-have ingredients into your holiday cooking, you can bring a taste of the South to your table, ensuring your guests enjoy a meal filled with love, tradition, and unforgettable flavors. Happy holidays and happy cooking!