Fresh. Local. Award winning.

1st Place NC Specialty Foods Association ‘Best in Taste’

Updates

4th of July Recipe: Spritz-Spangled Banner Cookie Pizza June 23 2026

4th of july dessert decorated with britt's spritz cookies on a blue and white tablecloth with an american flag

Celebrating America's 250th

Here's a tasty 4th of July recipe you can bring to any gathering, big or small. It's easy & fun to make — a perfect activity for the kiddos.

View the recipe >


Father's Day flounder & carnivorous plants June 02 2026

white lab dog sniffing yellow pitcher plant gift for father's day

The reactions and memories you make are the gift

One of the best parts of gifting to family is knowing how to give a gift that means more than just the gift itself. I rarely know what I am looking for when I search for a gift for my dad; it just has to feel right. Read about my fun Father's Day gift idea >


Our favorite North Carolina summer vacation spots May 29 2026

onslow county north carolina vacation spot march fishing and crabbing on the intercoastal waterway

See our family's top places to visit in North Carolina

We've collected our favorite North Carolina summer spots. Whether you're looking for a quick day trip, to slow down & take in the scenery, or go somewhere with plenty to do, we have the inside track on mountain to sea picks for fast, slow, and on-the-go vacations. See our vacation recommendations >


The gift of a name April 28 2026

scapbook photo of elizabeth buff alm putting shoes on small child

A Mother's Day reflection

I love a good Mother’s Day gift. Give me all of the classics: chocolate, flowers, cozy things, jewelry, handmade gifts from school; I love it all. Occasionally, though, there is that gift that pulls at your heartstrings extra hard. Read more >


Hold your horses (and a delightful Virgin Mint Julep Recipe) April 14 2026

barefoot little girl with spring dress and cowgirl had sitting on swing with stuffed toy horse

The magical stage of life we're in.

We most recently finished the Black Stallion Returns and unanimously closed the book with a budding interest in horses. I’m so glad that I seemed to have timed this interest just right with the Kentucky Derby approaching. Read more >


Our Sunday best March 23 2026

easter basket filled with heath's cheese straws and britt's spritz cookies with curious spring chicken

The Southern phrase tugged at my heart and reminded me of Easter

As a Southerner, “wear your Sunday best” carries an unspoken understanding that goes beyond merely dressing up. We know what that means deep down to our bones. Read more >


Just us spring chickens - a sweet Ritchie family fradition March 17 2026

ritchie family tradition feeding our chicken flock

By Elizabeth Ritchie Sherrill

In March of 2022, I found myself the owner of two chickens: a picturesque Rhode Island Red whom we named Lucy and a beautiful Columbian Wyandotte, the perfect Ethel. Turns out, chickens are amazing! Read about our adventure >


Not just any blue February 25 2026

march madness ncaa carolina blue basketball heath's spicy cheese straws and pom pom

Carolina Blue

Celebrating March Madness isn’t only for avid basketball fans; it can simply be for a girl bound by her childhood allegiance to her hometown and her family that walked the campus before her. Read more >


The bakery’s sweet side January 27 2026

britt's spritz cookies gift tin and small size package in front of a seaside background

How Britt's Spritz Cookies became a contender

Our cheese straws may be the star of Ritchie Hill Bakery, but have you met our best supporting character? Read the story >


Hoppin' John Recipe December 30 2025

hoppin' john greens and cornbread on table

A Southern New Year's tradition

Hoppin' John is a Southern New Year's tradition, believed to bring good luck all year if served on New Year's Day. Get our Hoppin' John recipe >


Flying in for Christmas December 02 2025

crystal coast aviation christmas delivery plane

A whimsical Christmas delivery

The story of one very special customer who adapted Santa’s mode of transportation and gave us the gift of joy in return! Read the story.


Seeking out straws November 29 2025

heath's cheese straws at mike's farm at a fall table setting

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but cheese straws were a rarity when I was younger. We often only got cheese straws at porch parties and holidays. Find out why >


Between meals November 24 2025

thanksgiving family traditions heath's cheese straws and board games cribbage

During Thanksgiving, it’s often the times around the meal that settle into our memories. Here's our special way to unwind & spend time together >


Trick-or-treat, salty or sweet? October 10 2025

heath's cheese straws and britt's spritz cookies in trick-or-treat pail held by little girl in halloween costume

Crock-Pot & Instant Pot Recipes

We're sharing easy recipes to inspire your fall menu. October is bustling at our houses, so we've collected Crock-Pot & Instant Pot recipes to make evenings easier. See the fall recipes >


“Homegating”: The art of the backyard tailgate September 23 2025

When you can’t make it to the game itself, consider bringing the game to you.

Skip the parking and crowds at those big games this season, let’s chat about how to make “homegating” a reality. Explore all the fun home tailgating ideas >


Savoring summer August 19 2025

addie may's summer pie with berries on table cooling on vintage towel with blueberries cherries and whipped cream

The Summer Bucket List + Pie Recipe

One of the things my kids and I have done for the past several summers is make a Summer Bucket List. In May, we write down all the things we can imagine doing. Most of them are possible, a few outlandish but fun. One of my bucket list adds was to make pie crust from scratch! See more about this fun family tradition and snag Addie May's (AMAZING!) Summer Berry Pie Recipe >


Cheers to the Dog Days of summer August 04 2025

happy family dog photographed next to a package of heaths cheese straws

Why is it called Dog Days?

A bit of trivia AND recipes for two of our favorite summery Southern drinks: Summer Sangria and Salem Iced Tea. Get the recipes >


What makes it summer? July 29 2025

what makes it summer ritchie family beach week nostalgia

There are feelings that make you nostalgic, and then there are feelings that make you downright giddy with happiness. For me, that feeling is crossing the Wrightsville Beach drawbridge with the windows down, marking the official start of our family beach week. Read more >


In the shade of an old oak tree July 21 2025

child enjoying heath's cheese straws at perfect southern picnic

A good Southern summer picnic is meant to help you cool off, refresh and re-energize. See our family's picks to fill your basket >


Fatherly flashbacks June 02 2025

fathers day flashback for the ritchie family

I’m sitting in the drop off line for school trying to think about what to write about my dad in honor of Father’s Day. I start thinking about time spent with my dad when I was little...

Read Elizabeth's blog post about her dad Heath >


End of the school year gifting May 13 2025

heath's cheese straws make great teacher's gifts for end of school year gifting

Teacher's gifts. Gifts for coaches. As our mindset shifts to the blank slate for the summer months ahead, let’s talk about end of the school year gifting. Get gift ideas >


Our Mother’s Day Gift Guide May 06 2025

mother's day gift ideas heath's cheese straws cut flowers strawberries

Extra-thoughtful Mother's Day gifts

Check out our Mother's Day Gift Guide! We all know that the best gifts come from the heart. We're here to help you make those gifts extra thoughtful this year! View the Mother's Day Gift Guide >


Time for tea April 14 2025

time for tea girl in spring dress holding chicken dressed up for tea

Southern Tea Party Essentials

Whether you enjoy hot tea or sweet tea, spring is the perfect time to celebrate with an outdoor tea party. View our Southern tea party essentials >


Let us count the ways January 22 2025

heath's cheese straws britt's spritz cookies valentines hearts map

All the ways to send love

Our Heath's Cheese Straws are built on traditions & also afford the luxury of versatility. How can you eat them, share them & gift them? Let's count the ways >