How to Take a “Fruitcake Pilgrimage” to Chatham County

In Southwestern Chatham County, Southern Supreme, a garage-turned international kitchen, has been selling their delicious fruitcakes for more than 30 years. In December, this family-owned Chatham County business has extended hours, making it the perfect opportunity for you to enjoy a Christmas dinner must-have: a made-from-scratch fruitcake!

About Southern Supreme:

In 1984, the Berta Lou Scott began selling her Nutty Fruitcake at a Christmas show in Raleigh. She realized that while the dessert was delicious and homemade, the word “fruitcake” had a bit of a stigma, which made it a challenge for her to sell her treats. At least initially. By the end of the show, people had not only bought fruitcake from Ms. Scott, but they were also coming back for more!

With this success, Ms. Scott and her husband, Hoyt, slowly built successful store and mail order business in Bear Creek, North Carolina (about seven miles south of Siler City). Today, Southern Supreme’s gourmet foods are shipped and enjoyed all over the world, and in addition to the famous fruitcake, you can purchase candy, chocolate, jelly, mustard, and a variety of other baked goods.

Fun Fact: In its busiest season — October through December — Scott’s company bakes approximately 3,500 pounds of cake a day, which is shipped throughout the country and sold in Triangle-area stores such as A Southern Season, Whole Foods Market and Fresh Market. – IndyWeek

About the Fruitcakes:

According to IndyWeek, Southern Supreme’s fruitcake doesn’t contain any candied fruit inside like most fruitcake recipes. Instead, it features pineapple, dates and raisins, in addition to lots of walnuts and pecans. To avoid a defined crust, the crumb is turned three times during the baking process. It’s then rolled into balls and weighed before being inserted into a hydraulic press that ejects the desired brick- and round-shaped cakes, which are coated in a sugar-and-water glaze.

“Ninety percent of the product you see here is made here,” Mr. Scott told the magazine.

Does that sound mouth-watering or what? If you would like to purchase a fruitcake, scroll to the bottom of this post for information. Be sure to act soon, though! The bakery cannot guarantee shipment of Christmas orders after December 10.

Take a Gourmet Tour:

If you want to go one step beyond simply purchasing a fruit cake, the bakery offers FREE tours. The tours are about two hours, and you’ll get to see the in’s and out’s of creating fruitcake. While the tours are offered year-round, it’s a good idea to take advantage of the extended hours by attending in December. Plus, the delicious smells will get you in the Holiday spirit in no time!

Bring the whole family and pick up a Christmas dessert while you’re there. Southern Supreme has something for everyone.

Other Ways to Enjoy Southern Supreme:

• More edible goodies! Like I pointed out up above, Southern Supreme offers much more than just fruitcake. You can also enjoy yummy products such as candy, chocolate, jelly, mustard, and a variety of other baked goods.
• Gift boxes: You’ll probably like your fruitcake so much you’ll want to share it with others. Southern Supreme’s gift boxes allow you to do just that: From family boxes to gifts for “nut lovers,” you can spread the Holiday cheer by sending something delicious. And with prices averaging around $30, they’re really affordable!
• Gift baskets: Go bigger than just a box by scaling up to a gift basket. With fun options such as the Great Grands Snack Basket (selected by the Scotts’ grandchildren) and the Vintage Tub Of Temptations, you’ll be able to get all of your Holiday shopping done in a single afternoon. What says “Happy Holidays” better than a big basket of goodies?
• Cookbook: Bring the Southern Supreme cooking home with you by purchasing a copy of the cookbook Reflections and Recipes, by Berta Lou Scott, who founded Southern Supreme. Follow her experiences through life and the accomplishments that she and her family have achieved. Included in this book are more than 500 recipes gathered from family, friends and loyal customers. And all of them are delicious! (If you go on a tour, you might be able to get Ms. Scott to autograph the book for you!)

If you want to purchase a fruitcake from Southern Supreme:

Address:
Southern Supreme Gourmet Specialties
1699 Hoyt Scott Road
Bear Creek, NC 27207

December’s extended hours:
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.

Phone: (336) 581-3141 or (877) 815-0922
Email: [email protected]
Follow Southern Supreme on Facebook!