Tignall’s Famous Recipes: Past & Present

Down memory lane

BY JENNIFER J. HEWETT

Charged with preserving the history of Tignall, located in northern Wilkes County, the 15 members of the North Wilkes Steering Committee contribute to the quality of life in their community.

Their regular activities include improving the grounds of the Old School, now the area’s community center, and other projects to help beautify Wilkes County. Each year they sponsor a springtime community yard sale, the “I’d Rather Be in Tignall Fall Festival,” and the community Christmas parade. The committee also hosts winter bingo games in the Old School.

“In 2008, our project was to rebuild the gazebo,” says Pat Bobo, the committee’s treasurer. “The dedication was held in December 2008 with a community caroling, and a new 9-foot-tall [Christmas] tree was decorated and used for the first time.”

In 2007, the committee reprinted historic community recipes from the original 1928 edition of their cookbook and added modern recipes from area residents, producing the cookbook’s current edition, “Tignall’s Famous Recipes: Past & Present.” On the dividers are historic and modern-day photos of Tignall landmarks.

Old-fashioned recipes like Southern Spoon Bread, Cheese Straws, Blackberry Jam Cake and Pulled Taffy are included alongside newer favorites like Buffalo Chicken Dip, Fried Jalapenos, Praline Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Low Sugar Banana Pudding and Peach Enchiladas.

More than 500 copies of the latest printing of “Tignall’s Famous Recipes: Past & Present” have been sold so far, with proceeds going to fund the steering committee’s many community projects.

Enjoy this month’s featured recipe, Lemon Pecan Buttermilk Cake, a zingy spring favorite.

To order a copy of “Tignall’s Famous Recipes: Past & Present,” send a check for $18 (includes shipping) per book to North Wilkes Steering Committee, 156 Sandtown Rd., Washington, GA 30673.