PIGEON FORGE, TN - Old Mill’s famous stone-ground corn grits were recently featured in Taste of the South magazine as one of the publication’s top recommended foodie gifts.

“We pride ourselves in Southern homestyle cooking and our grits are not only one of our more popular restaurant items at Old Mill Restaurant, they’re also a favorite of homecooks,” said Laurie Faulkner, Old Mill Marketing Director.

A taste of history, the grits are still made in the same method today as they were in pioneer times, by grinding fresh corn between two, enormous heavy stones at Old Mill. For more than 200 years, Old Mill’s giant water wheel has harnessed the flow of the Little Pigeon River to power the mill and turn the 4600-pound stones to grind grain. Resident millers still hand-fill, weigh and tie each bag of stone ground grits.

Old Mill grits are often served as a simple Southern breakfast, or even as grit cakes at dinner. To make grit cakes smooth leftover grits into a loaf pan and refrigerate until firm. Cut into squares or slices; coat with melted butter, and sear in a skillet until browned on both sides and hot.

Old Mill White Grits, made with white corn, and Old Mill Yellow Grits, made with yellow corn, are available for sale in various sizes (5-lb to 25-lb bags) at Old Mill in Pigeon Forge or online. Prices range from $3.99 to $34.99 depending on size.

The Old Mill, located at 175 Old Mill Ave in Pigeon Forge, TN, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most photographed mills in the country. In addition to the Mill itself, the Old Mill area offers Smoky Mountains hospitality at all of its restaurants and shops including a candy kitchen, creamery, pottery and nearby distillery. Crafted with tried and true methods, The Old Mill offers visitors a chance to experience quality products with a modern day twist like pottery made from traditional methods with innovative glazes. For directions and recipes visit: www.old-mill.com.