Timeless Virginia Recipes  

Many consider Virginia to be the birthplace of American cuisine, with Thomas Jefferson regarded as “America’s First Foodie”… so you know they take food seriously! Their state’s signature cuisine is a reflection of its abundant agriculture. All across Virginia, talented chefs have access to fresh ingredients and artisan products year round, to design menus that are as creative as they are comforting. While stuck at home, why not recreate some of Virginia’s signature dishes for yourself? Below, are  a three traditional recipes of those famous dishes, along with some of our top chefs’ interpretation of those same plates. Bring a little Virginia to your kitchen and travel virtually by enjoying our local flavors.

Virginia Peanut Soup

If Virginia had a state soup, it would have to be this one. With peanuts growing abundantly in the state, this dish proposes a unique way to savor these tasty legumes. The traditional recipe is offered by the Food Network, while the Hotel Roanoke serves one of the best versions of this dish, along with their famous spoonbread. This Tudor-style hotel built in 1882 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Apple Tart

This luscious fruit is abundant in Virginia, and it yields itself to a plethora of savory and sweet dishes. You can make a traditional apple tart, or kick it up a notch by recreating The Inn at Little Washington version by world-renowned Chef Patrick O’Connell: the Warm Granny Smith Apple Tart with Buttermilk Ice Cream.