Being born and raised in Portland, Oregon, I was never introduced to a proper biscuit until later in life when I was able to travel to the south. Now living in Portland as an adult, I know the only place to go get the real thing in town is Pine State Biscuits. That’s why I am ecstatic to welcome Pine State Biscuits as the next Tillamook Kitchen restaurant. Even better, I got to spend a whole day at the Alberta location talking about food and nibbling on some of the best grub in town!

Walt Alexander, Kevin Atchley, and Brian Snyder, the owners of Pine State Biscuits, getting their profile pictures for Tillamook Kitchen. All originally from North Carolina, they showed us some true southern hospitality. They’re down to earth, super welcoming, and the type of guys you immediately want to sit down and have a beer with.

Right when you walk in the door of Pine State Biscuits there’s an instant warm feeling. The flakey biscuits in the oven, the homey atmosphere, all the people enjoying their delicious food… It’s a true neighborhood joint and a place where everyone is welcome.

Pine State Biscuits started at the Portland Farmer’s Market and although it’s grown it hasn’t lost that local culture. Even the grits they use come from a local farm. Tillamook, of course, is also a local ingredient. My favorite bite of the day was the first ever Chatfield (fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and apple butter) made with Smoked Medium Cheddar Cheese!

Thanks, Pine State Biscuits, for being such gracious hosts for the day and letting us into your kitchen! You can get more of Pine State Biscuits on Facebook and Twitter!

By Laura

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if your family is anything like mine, you’re not only planning for the BIG turkey meal, but the dozens of meals you’ll make after Thanksgiving with the leftovers! One of the classic post-Thanksgiving meals is a turkey sandwich with all the holiday fixings – turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Our friends over at simplethings sandwich & pie shop in Los Angeles are famous for their Thanksgiving Sandwich and have agreed to share the secret to their mouthwatering recipe with all Tillamook fans!

SIMPLETHINGS THANKSGIVING SANDWICH (4 sandwiches/servings)

4 tablespoons Tillamook Unsalted Butter
4 slices of bacon, chopped
2 teaspoons jalapeno, minced
2 cups (16 oz) prepared cornbread stuffing
1/2 cup (4 oz) Tillamook Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
4 eggs
1 cup (8 oz) turkey gravy
1 lb (16 oz) oven roasted turkey (sliced 1/8” thick)
1/2 cup (4 oz) cranberry relish
4 rustic rolls

Prepare the stuffing:
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the chopped bacon and sauté until crisp. Add the jalapeno and cook until jalapeno is soft, then set aside. Place the stuffing in a large bowl and add the bacon mixture, Monterey Jack Cheese and eggs. Mix completely. Place mixture in a buttered dish and bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove and set aside until ready to make sandwiches (note: this may yield more stuffing than what’s needed for 4 sandwiches).

Make the sandwiches:
Heat gravy in a saucepan. Add the turkey to warm through and coat completely. Split each roll and top the bottom slice with ¼ cup of the jalapeno stuffing. Top the stuffing with the gravy soaked turkey. Spread the cranberry relish on the top piece of bread and place on top of sandwich to serve.

This sandwich is amazing! Give it a try with your Thanksgiving leftovers and let us know what you think!

P.S. If the cold weather and holidays have you craving warm, comforting home-cooked dishes, such as the Thanksgiving Sandwich from simplethings sandwich & pie shop, stay tuned for exciting additions to the Tillamook Kitchen! We have a new group of Chefs and restaurants we’re excited to introduce to you and your family this holiday season.

By Mary