The Old Mill of Pigeon Forge, TN, was built back in 1830 and is still running today. Visitors can dine on classic family favorites such as country-fried steak and pot roast before watching meal and flour being ground by the iconic mill. Everyone can also learn how the pottery and candy are made. Attached to the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge, TN is the General Store, where over a million shoppers stop in for tasty treats. Discover homemade jams, jellies, fudge, salad dressings, and other popular products from the Old Mill Signature line.
In the early 1800’s, a water-powered gristmill on the banks of the Little Pigeon River became one of the main hubs of activity in the small mountain community of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. In those days, the mill faithfully produced the meals and flours that were crucial for the day-to-day existence of the Smokies’ early settlers. In fact, The Old Mill even furnished electricity for the town until 1935.
One of The Old Mill’s most distinctive features is the giant water wheel that harnesses the flow of the Little Pigeon River. Inside the structure, an antiquated yet reliable system of shafts, belts, and pulleys still gets the job done, working to turn the 4600-pound stones and grain elevators.
We’ve put together the Old Mill Pigeon Forge menus and a few of our favorite recipes from the restaurant for you to try at home.
Old Mill Pigeon Forge Menus
The Old Mill Pigeon Forge Menu for Breakfast
The Old Mill Pigeon Forge Menu for Lunch
The Old Mill Pigeon Forge Menu for Dinner
The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille
Old Mill Recipes
Products ground at The Old Mill are used in many of the dishes at The Old Mill Restaurant including biscuits, corn bread, pancakes, hush puppies, muffins and grits. We also use our own grains for the homemade artisan style breads that are prepared each day at The Old Mill Pottery House Cafe & Grille. Take a look at all of the recipes, and let us know how they taste for you at home!
Corn Chowder
Ingredients:
1 tbsp. margarine
3 cups diced onions
3/4 cup crumbs (from unsalted oyster crackers)
1/4 cup flour
2 cups water
1 cup clam juice
2 cups chicken, beef or ham broth
3 cups diced potatoes
2 cups half and half
2 cups frozen corn kernels, defrosted
1 red and 1 green pepper
Directions:
Chop the peppers and sauté briefly in butter, add salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste.
Mix liquids and butter, add potatoes and onions, and cook until done. Mix cracker crumbs, flour and seasonings. Add to potato and onion mixture. Add red and green peppers, mix well, bring to a boil, add cream and corn, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
We use special chowder seasoning which is not available at grocery stores. To compensate for this ingredient, season to taste with garlic powder and onion powder.
Makes 2 quarts.
Corn Fritters
Ingredients:
1 package Old Mill Corn Fritter Mix
1 whole egg
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup frozen cream style yellow corn (thawed)
Directions:
Mix Old Mill Corn Fritter Mix, egg, water and corn until blended. If batter is too stiff, add additional tablespoon of water.
Drop by spoonful into 350 degree oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
Makes 12 fritters.
Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
1 jar Old Mill Pecan Pie Mix (You can purchase it HERE.)
4 eggs
4 tbsp. melted butter
2 tbsp. cold water
Directions:
Combine Old Mill Pecan Pie Mix, eggs, melted butter and water in a mixing bowl. Stir well to combine all ingredients, but do not incorporate a lot of air.
Pour mixture in a 9” deep pie crust, or 2 – 8” pie crusts. Bake at 350 degrees for 60 – 70 minutes for 9” or 45 minutes for the 2 – 8” pies. Cool until set.
Cool at room temperature before cutting; pie becomes firmer as it cools.
Serving idea: Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the mixture before baking.
Today, The Old Mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and just as in the 19th century, it’s still one of the most popular places in the Smokies and one of the most photographed mills in the country. On your next visit to Pigeon Forge, be sure to stop by the Old Mill for a delicious southern meal. Be sure to use these Old Mill coupons to save a little money while you’re there, too!
Via visitmysmokies.com
