Cooking with Paula Deen_-_November 2019

2019 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER COOKING WITH PAULA DEEN 72

The Old Mill Restaurant

Matthews Cafeteria

everything from classic burgers and

chicken-fried steak to creative dishes

such as their Queso Schnitzel. But

customers come year-round for their

turkey and dressing, a secret family

recipe for the holiday staple. Don’t be

surprised if you encounter a 30-minute

line on turkey plate day, but it’s certainly

worth the wait.

2157 FM 1101

freiheitcountrystore.net

AJAX DINER

OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI

Located on Oxford’s charming square,

Ajax Diner is a mainstay for college

students, locals, and visitors alike. In

fact, to many returning alumni or out-

of-towners, it is a must-stop. Originally

opened in 1997 as a barbecue joint, the

popularity of their classic Southern meat-

and-three offerings soon superseded the

other menu items. This casual, eclectic

spot now focuses on delicious Southern

comfort food like macaroni and cheese

and cornbread, and folks swear by the

turkey and dressing plate, on the menu

daily Monday through Saturday.

118 Courthouse Sq.

ajaxdiner.net

PROPER
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA

Opened in 2010, Proper strives to
represent the character of a Southern
upbringing, from hospitality and manners
to delicious, locally sourced food. The
menu changes seasonally, with different
plate specials each day. The turkey and
dressing is a favorite, so make sure you
show up on a Thursday, when it’s on the
menu. While they aren’t open on the
holiday itself, the folks at Proper offer
a delicious takeout Thanksgiving menu
for customers to pick up the Wednesday
before, including turkey breast with
cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes,
and cranberry sauce.
142 S. Water St.
propermeal.com

THE OLD MILL RESTAURANT
PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE

The Old Mill Restaurant specializes in
old-fashioned, classic Southern dishes.
Their dining room, overlooking the Little
Pigeon River, is the perfect place to
enjoy their lauded turkey and dressing,
a rich meal complete with oven-roasted
turkey, cornbread dressing, scratch-
made gravy, and cranberry sauce. The
homey, comfortable atmosphere of the
restaurant also makes it the perfect place

to dine out for the holiday—their full

Thanksgiving menu, served family style,

will certainly make it worth your while.

175 Old Mill Ave.

old-mill.com

MATTHEWS CAFETERIA

TUCKER, GEORGIA

This family-owned restaurant has been

serving up true Southern cuisine since

Louise and Bill Matthews opened the

doors in 1955. These days, their grandson

Michael Matthews Greene runs the show,

but he still uses his grandmother’s

cherished from-scratch recipes. The menu

changes daily, offering rotating favorites

throughout the week. But if you’re

searching for delicious, homemade turkey

and dressing, show up on Thursdays or

Sundays to satisfy your craving.

2299 Main St.

matthewscafeteria.com

FREIHEIT COUNTRY STORE

NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS

Deep in the heart of the Texas Hill

Country, Freiheit Country Store has been

dishing out comfort food in a historic

wood hut since 1889. With a Southern-

meets-German atmosphere, they serve