Molasses, sometimes historically referred to in Appalachia as the “poor man’s syrup,” is readily available for use in recipes. While pure maple syrup can be obtained by tapping northern maple trees, most specifically in the northeast or in Canada, molasses is produced through a method of extracting the juice from sugarcane or sugar beets and then boiling the juice until it thickens. Thus, it was common practice – until grocery stores became commonplace – for people living in the hills and hollers of Macon County to make their own molasses and use it for sweetening everything from pancakes to biscuits.
Plus, molasses is surprisingly rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
In one book of the locally published series called “Foxfire Book,” dedicated to “the people of these mountains …” is a section titled “Mountain Recipes.” It includes recipes using molasses. These books are available online and in book stores in Western North Carolina and in Clayton Ga.,, and they offer insight into old Appalachian traditions, customs, lore, handicrafts, remedies, recipes, and more.

Consider making a recipe with molasses to carry on the food culture heritage of the area.
Molasses Sweet Bread
Sift together 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon soda, 2 teaspoons ginger, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Add 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 cup molasses, ¾ cup of buttermilk, and 1 egg. Mix well, pour into a loaf pan, and bake at 350-degree for about 50 minutes.
Molasses Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup molasses
- ¾ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup boiling water
- Salt to taste
Mix together ingredients. Add just enough all-purpose flour, while mixing, to form dough that can be kneaded, rolled out, cut into round cookie shapes with a biscuit or cookie cutter, and baked at 350 for about 10 minutes. Option: sprinkle with a little turbinado (large granule) sugar when they first come out of the oven.
Molasses Candy
Combine 1 cup molasses, 1 cup of water, and a small pinch of salt. Boil ingredients (do not stir) to hard ball stage. Remove from stovetop and let stand until cool enough to hold in well-greased hands. Pull it to form a long piece and then cut into small pieces.