If you are sick of swimming in a sea of goldfish, consider trying to turn your hungry caterpillars into little locavores. Just in time for holiday entertaining, read on to find our favorite locally made goodies that both your tiny turkeys and guests are sure to gobble with glee.
Cheese Straws by Bibba’s Bites
For those of you who feel like your kids will eat anything cheese-flavored, Bibba’s Bites Cheese Straws will delight. Unlike the long, hard, crinkle-cut fry things you buy on the grocery aisle, Bibba’s are small, brittle (but don’t fall apart), and perfect. Made in Richland, Georgia, you can pick up a box of Bibba’s at Lucy’s market in Buckhead.
Details: Bibba’s Bites, available at Lucy’s Market, 102 West Paces Ferry Rd., 404-869-9222
Georgia Pecans from Greene’s Fine Foods
While Greene’s carries nuts from all over the county, along with gift boxes, tins, and chocolates, it’s the Georgia pecans that have kept customers coming year after year. Try their sweet and salty pecans for a fine snack, as well as for a little holiday gift-giving inspiration.
Details: Greene’s Fine Foods, 141 East Trinity Place, Decatur, 404-378-2001
Lil’ Moo Spreadable Cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy
This Thomasville dairy will delight palates of all ages with it’s Lil’ Moo spreadable cheese. Put it on crackers, rolls, or even dip veggies in it. Made whole and fresh in South Georgia, you can try it anywhere you’d normally use spreadable butter, and your littles will be begging for more. Purchase it directly from the dairy or find it at Star Provisions on the Westside.
Details: Star Provisions, 1198 Howell Mill Rd., 404-365-0410 and Sweet Grass Dairy, 106 N. Broad Street, Thomasville, 229-228-6704
The Hungry Peach’s Southern Pimiento Cheese
This spread includes natural cheddar, homemade mayo, and apple cider vinegar, and it works just as well as a dip or on crackers as it does on a sandwich. Need a quick supper on a rainy day? Try making grilled cheeses with this stuff, and serve it with tomato soup. Perfection alert on aisle 9! Pick it up to go from Buttermilk Kitchen or Lucy’s Market.
Details: Buttermilk Kitchen, 4225 Roswell Rd., 678-732-3274 and Lucy’s Market, 102 West Paces Ferry Rd. NW, 404-869-9222
Calypso Ice Cream Pie from Greenwood’s Ice Cream
“Yum, yum, get me some!” That’s what the voices in your head will be chanting after you take your first bite of this heavenly ice cream pie concoction of Kahlua ice cream with fudge and almonds on top. And, while you can find Greenwood’s ice cream being dished up at the most fashionable restaurants all over town, you have to head to the factory itself to pick up one of their mind-blowing ice cream pies. Trust us, with flavors like Chocolate Fetish, Mud, and Turtle Pie, your kiddos will be strapping themselves into their own carseats for the ride to Chamblee.
Details: Greenwood Ice Cream, 4829 Peachtree Rd., 770-455-6166
Watermelon Rind Pickles from Preserving Place
Planning a party? Why put out a relish tray with the same old pickles and olives from the grocery store? Little hands will love the idea of watermelon rind pickles, and grown up palates will send up a silent “amen” when they realize that there’ll be more on the buffet than goldfish and Pirate’s Booty.
Details: Preserving Place, 1170 Howell Mill Rd., 404-815-JAMS
Caja Popcorn’s Sea Salt Caramel Popcorn
Whether you like it sweet (Sea Salt Caramel), savory (Pimiento Cheese), or spicy (BBQ), Atlanta popcorn purveyors, Caja Popcorn, won’t disappoint. Located in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center next door to Baskin Robbins, Caja sells the good stuff in individual sizes as well as gift tins.
Details: Caja Popcorn, 2333 Peachtree Rd. NE, 404-846-2156
Cinnamon Dusted Banana Fried Pies, Pie Shop
If it’s wrapped in dough and fried, a banana is still considered a fruit, right? Sure. And if you haven’t tried any of the hand pies (both sweet and savory) that Mims at Pie Shop has to offer, you haven’t lived. Keep a couple of her BBQ chicken hand pies on hand for those hectic snack-ish dinnertimes before soccer practice, or to take for a picnic dinner at the park with friends.
Details: Pie Shop, 3210 Roswell Rd., 404-841-4512
Marilyn’s Gluten-Free Gourmet
Whether you’re looking for gluten-free or not, you’ll find gourmet snacks and treats from this Roswell based bakery. Try the peanut butter buttons and the chocolate grammies, and you may have to wrestle every member of your family for the last one!
Details: Marilyn’s Gluten-Free Gourmet, 1007 Mansell Rd., Suite D, Roswell, 770-587-5874
Gabriel’s Home Chips
Thick and not too greasy, these potato chips satisfy crunch, salty cravings with ease. And, because they’re made right here in Georgia, you can count on them to be fresh. Delicious alone or with some of the Lil’ Moo cheese spread from Sweet Grass Dairy, pick up a bag at their location in Marietta, or at Lucy’s Market.
Details: Gabriel’s, 800 Whitlock Ave. NW, Suite 135, Marietta, 770-427-9007
What is your favorite locally-made food? Share with us in the comments section below!
—Shelley Massey
Photos courtesy of the author
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