A Taste of Alabama

Most of my couples host out-of-town guests at their weddings. And when travel-weary guests arrive, nothing conveys a warm Alabama welcome like a basket overflowing with the most delicious delicacies the "Heart of Dixie" has to offer. From sweet bites for snacking to sophisticated fare that will please even the pickiest palate, all the makings for a perfect do-it-yourself gift are right here in your own back yard. Below are some of my favorite local food finds - pick a few or gather them all to help make your event a memorable Alabama experience!

Buffalo Rock: Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Buffalo Rock Company is one of the largest single-family privately owned Pepsi-Cola bottlers. Today it operates 14 distribution centers in Alabama, Florida and Georgia, servicing a population of more than 6 million.  In addition to bottling Pepsi products, the company produced Grapico in 1981, a grape tasting soft drink, and a ginger ale under its own brand name.

Boiled Peanuts: Boiled peanuts are a real Alabama treat!  Located in the heart of Birmingham, the Peanut Depot has served peanut lovers across the United States since 1907.  They offer a variety of great peanut flavors - fresh roasted, salted, cajun, and raw.  Visit their unique historic building on Morris Avenue or order online to have them shipped right to your door (see website for details).

Coca Cola and Dasani: Dasani, a brand of bottled water bottled by the Cola Cola Bottling Company in Birmingham, is Cola Cola's first bottled water in North America.  Add a custom label, and it's perfect for a wedding!

Royal Cup Coffee: Based in Alabama, Royal Cup has grown from its small, hometown roots to become a major importer, roaster and distributor of premium coffees and teas. 

Morgan Creek Winery: A small, family-owned winery that focuses on quality.  Born on a passion of farming and wine, they take pride in crafting wines that are uniquely Southern.  Don't expect to find their wines anywhere outside of Alabama.  Why not share this one-of-a-kind find with your out-of-town guests?  Find it for under $13 at most grocery and liquor stores.

Wickles:  Wickles (short for "Wickedly delicious pickles!") are a unique blend of dill, garlic, and sweetness with just enough spice to keep you reaching for more.  Using a 70-year old family recipe differentiates Wickles products from all others.  While sold in specialty and gourmet food stores as well as finer supermarkets across the USA, Wickles products enjoy a distinct southern flair.

Alabama-Shaped Gems Hard Candy:  Old fashioned hard candy in Alabama state shapes in 6 flavors.  A must for any welcome basket!

I hope you have a delicious time exploring all of these local food favorites.  The items on this list can be used to fill welcome baskets or to create individual favors for your guests.  Enjoy!