Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add 1 chopped onion, 1 diced bell pepper, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, and the onion becomes translucent, about 10 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a very large bowl, whisk 8 large eggs until blended and smooth.
Add 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and the remaining 2 teaspoons salt. Whisk until fully combined.
Combine Ingredients
Stir 1 (32-ounce) package of hash browns, the cooked peppers and onions, and 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese into the egg mixture. Mix until evenly combined.
Assemble the Casserole
Lightly coat a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with oil.
Pour the hash brown mixture into the prepared dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly on top.
Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven.
Bake, uncovered, for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the egg mixture is just set.
Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before cutting into it.
Garnish with chopped chives and drizzle with additional hot sauce, if desired.
Hawaiian Bread Recipe by Ashia Aubourg from Taste of Home
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: Yields 3 loaves
Ingredients
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) of active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup 2% milk
7-1/2 to 8 cups all-purpose flour, divided
3/4 cup mashed potato flakes
2/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
3 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Photo by Getty Images
Directions
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water; let stand until bubbles form on the surface, 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat butter until melted. Add pineapple juice and milk and continue to heat gently until mixture reaches 110°-115°.
Combine 3 cups flour, potato flakes, sugar, salt, and ginger in a large bowl. Add yeast and butter mixtures to dry ingredients; beat just until moistened. Add eggs; beat until smooth. Beat in vanilla. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough; it will be sticky.
Turn dough onto a floured surface; with floured hands, knead until smooth and elastic, 8-10 minutes, adding more flour to the surface and hands as needed. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours.
Punch the dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Shape each into a ball. Place in 3 greased 9-in. round baking pans lined with parchment. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°. Bake until golden brown and the internal temperature of the loaves reaches 200°, 30-35 minutes. If needed, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent the tops from overbrowning. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
Add the oil to a large pot of boiling salted water, add the pasta, and cook al dente according to the directions on the package. Drain well.
Heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don’t allow it to boil.
In a large pot, melt 6 tablespoons of the butter and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. Still whisking, add the hot milk and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until thickened and smooth.
Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and stir until the cheese melts. Stir in the cooked pasta and lobster.
Pile the mixture into 6 to 8 (2-cup) gratin dishes. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine with the bread crumbs, and sprinkle on top.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the pasta is browned on top.
2024 Year in Review: North Carolina’s Defining Moments
2024 has been a year of remarkable shifts and moments of both triumph and turmoil for North Carolina and the nation. From groundbreaking achievements to unexpected challenges, it’s time to reflect on the key events, from sports to politics, that have defined the year in the Tar Heel State.
Sports
Bill Belichick Takes Over UNC Football
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 12: Head Coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels speaks to the media during a press conference on December 12, 2024, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
In December 2024, Bill Belichick, the legendary NFL coach renowned for his six Super Bowl victories with the New England Patriots, was appointed as the head football coach at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. This move marks Belichick’s first time in college football coaching, bringing his extensive professional experience to the collegiate level.
“I’ve always wanted to coach in college football. It just never really worked out. Had some good years in the NFL, so that was OK. But this is really kind of a dream come true,” Belichick says.
Rod Brind’Amour Receives the State’s Highest Honor
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 05: Head coach Rod Brind’Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes looks on during the first period of the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Lenovo Center on December 05, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
On December 15, 2024, following the Carolina Hurricanes’ 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper honored head coach Rod Brind’Amour with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s highest civilian award. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to the state and their community.
Brind’Amour was acquired to play for the Carolina Hurricanes in January of 2000, going on to lead the team to victory in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals. Since retiring as a player in 2010, his jersey number 17 was retired in 2011. That same year, Brind’Amour joined the coaching staff as their assistant and development coach. In 2018, Brind’Amour was hired as the Hurricanes’ head coach, leading the team to the playoffs every season since.
NC State’s Final Four Run
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 06: DJ Horne #0 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack handles the ball while being guarded by Lance Jones #55 of the Purdue Boilermakers in the second half in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team had a remarkable run in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1983. They secured their spot by defeating second-seed Duke with a 76-64 victory on March 31, 2024.
ECU’s Football Turnaround
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Mike Houston of the East Carolina Pirates looks on in the second half while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
On October 20, 2024, East Carolina University (ECU) dismissed head football coach Mike Houston following a 3-4 start to the season. This decision came after back-to-back blowout losses: a 55-24 defeat to Charlotte and a 45-28 loss to Army.
After Blake Harrell was appointed as interim head coach for ECU football, the team experienced a remarkable turnaround. Under the leadership of Harrell, the Pirates transformed from a struggling squad with a 3-4 record into a team that finished the regular season with a perfect 4-0 record. His efforts led to East Carolina securing a bowl game against North Carolina State University.
Olympics: North Carolina Athletes Shine in Paris
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 09: Charlotte Native, Kaylyn Brown of Team United States competes during the Women’s 4 x 400m Relay Round 1 on day fourteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de France on August 09, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Team USA delivered an outstanding performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, leading the overall medal count for the eighth consecutive Games. The United States secured a total of 126 medals: 40 gold, 44 silver, and 42 bronze.
North Carolina was well represented in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Over 30 athletes that competed have ties to North Carolina, Including at least 14 current or alumni of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Natural Disasters
Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc in North Carolina
Photo by Getty Images
In late September, Hurricane Helene caused significant devastation in North Carolina. The Emergency Management Department of Rutherford County issued a warning for the “imminent” failure of the Lake Lure Dam due to significant rainfall, leading to immediate evacuations.
The death toll from Hurricane Helene is estimated at around 230 people, with nearly half of the deaths occurring in North Carolina, making it the second-deadliest hurricane to strike the United States in the past fifty years, behind only Hurricane Katrina. A thousand U.S. soldiers were deployed to western North Carolina to aid in humanitarian operations and in finding hundreds of missing residents. The death toll for North Carolina is verified at 103 as of December 11th, according to the NCDHHS.
Healthcare
Medicaid Expansion Surpasses Goals
Photo by Getty Images
The state achieved its enrollment goal for Medicaid expansion, enrolling over 600,000 low-income adults about a year ahead of projections. This expansion has notably benefited rural communities, with over a third of new enrollees residing in these areas. Since its rollout, 4.1 million prescriptions related to chronic diseases have been filled, demonstrating the program’s immediate effect on public health.
Telehealth: Improving Access Across the State
Photo by Getty Images
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and evolving healthcare needs, North Carolina expanded access to telehealth services in 2024. This policy change allowed more healthcare providers to deliver services remotely, making it easier for patients to access care, especially for routine check-ups and chronic disease management. The expansion also facilitated mental health services and reduced travel for patients in remote areas.
Politics
Josh Stein Wins Gubernatorial Election
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 16: North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein speaks in support of Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris at the Hendrick Center For Automotive Excellence on August 16, 2024 in Raleigh, North Carolina. This is the candidate’s first major policy speech since accepting the democratic party nomination.(Photo by Grant Baldwin/Getty Images)
On November 5, 2024, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein was elected as the Governor of North Carolina, defeating Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. Stein’s victory marks him as the state’s first Jewish governor. The election was notable for Stein’s significant margin of victory, which analysts suggest contributed to down-ballot successes for Democrats in concurrent elections.
Diverse Cabinet Appointments
Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Governor-elect Josh Stein appointed seven cabinet secretaries, including the first Latino and first Native American secretaries in the state’s history. Notably, Reid Wilson and Pamela Cashwell, current department heads, will continue in the cabinet under the new administration.
North Carolina’s Role as a Swing State
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 26: Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, North Carolina remained a key battleground state, known for its status as a swing state due to its diverse electorate and fluctuating political preferences in recent years. However, in the election, the state ultimately leaned in favor of the Republican Party, with Donald Trump securing a victory.
National Highlights
Donald Trump wins Presidential Election
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: President-elect Donald Trump talks with Dana White during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Donald Trump secured a return to the White House, defeating incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris in the November 5th election. His victory was marked by increased support among minority groups, including Hispanic and Black voters. Trump’s agenda includes aggressive policies on immigration, government size reduction, and a redefined “America First” foreign policy stance. His political resurgence is unprecedented, rebounding from previous controversies and legal battles.
Space Exploration Milestone
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
SpaceX achieved the first successful return and capture of a Super Heavy booster from its Starship program, marking a significant advancement in reusable rocket technology. This achievement is expected to reduce the cost of space travel and facilitate future missions to the Moon and Mars.
UnitedHealthcare CEO Assassination
MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 4: A general view outside the United Healthcare corporate headquarters on December 4, 2024 in Minnetonka, Minnesota. United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead on the street in New York City before he was to attend the company’s annual investors meeting. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
On December 4, 2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot and killed outside a Manhattan hotel. The suspect, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was apprehended in Pennsylvania after a six-day manhunt. Authorities discovered a manifesto expressing Mangione’s grievances against the healthcare industry, including UnitedHealthcare. The incident has intensified public scrutiny of the health insurance sector.
Written onto the bullet casings were the chilling words: ‘deny, defend, depose.’
Natural Disaster and Climate Change Initiatives
MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 4: A general view outside the United Healthcare corporate headquarters on December 4, 2024, in Minnetonka, Minnesota. United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot dead on the street in New York City before he was to attend the company’s annual investors meeting. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Across the U.S., the topic of hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme weather events has become more apparent. North Carolina, prone to hurricanes, benefited from national policies designed to improve climate resilience and disaster preparedness. The federal government continued to provide funding for disaster relief in states impacted by severe weather, including North Carolina, which dealt with Hurricane Helene in 2024.
As of December 7th, 2024, Governor Roy Cooper announced that President Biden approved North Carolina’s request to increase federal coverage of Public Assistance costs to 90%, up from the typical 75%.
Donald Trump Survives Assassination Attempts
BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 13: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump pumps his fist as he is rushed offstage during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Butler County district attorney Richard Goldinger said the shooter is dead after injuring former U.S. President Donald Trump, killing one audience member and injuring another in the shooting. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
During a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump was grazed by a bullet on his right ear. The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight rounds from an AR–15–style rifle, tragically killing an audience member and injuring two others. Crooks was fatally shot by Secret Service agents and Trump was discharged from the hospital in stable condition a few hours later.
A second attempt occurred at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. The suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was spotted by a Secret Service agent before he could make an attempt. Routh fled the scene and was apprehended 40 minutes later. He now faces multiple federal charges, including attempted assassination.
From athletic achievements to political developments and natural events, 2024 has been a notable year for North Carolina. As the state moves through these key moments, its resilience and role on the national and global stage remain evident.
Champagne Cupcakes Recipe by Courtney Whitmore from Pizzazzerie.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 box white cake mix
3 large egg whites
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups champagne
1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Frosting:
1/2 cup 1 stick butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
6 tablespoons champagne
For the Decorations:
white sixlets
white gumballs
white pearl sugar sprinkles
disco dust
Photo by Getty Images
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 °F and line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In an electric mixer, combine cake mix and champagne. Add oil, eggs, and almond extract. Beat on low for 30 seconds and then medium for 1-2 minutes or until thoroughly combined.
Fill each cupcake liner 2/3 full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden on top (and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).
For buttercream frosting, cream softened butter until light and fluffy.
Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, incorporating after each addition. add champagne and beat for 2 minutes on medium, until light and fluffy.
If you want a stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar. If you want a looser frosting, add more champagne.
Frost cooled cupcakes with buttercream and decorate with piped frosting bubbles and candy bubbles. Top with a shimmer of disco dust!
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Lightly coat a large, rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Remove stems from mushrooms and reserve. Lightly brush any dirt from mushroom caps and stems. Arrange mushroom caps, stemmed sides up, on a prepared baking sheet. Chop stems.
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add chopped mushroom stems, garlic, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring often, until mushrooms soften and turn golden brown and moisture has evaporated about 6 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of the panko; cook, stirring often, until the panko is lightly golden, about 1 minute. Add cream cheese, parsley, thyme, and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan; remove from heat and stir until combined.
Spoon 1 heaping teaspoon mushroom mixture into each mushroom cap. Stir together the remaining 3 tablespoons of panko and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan in a small bowl. Working with one at a time, gently dip the stuffed tip of each mushroom cap in panko-parmesan mixture to lightly coat; return to the baking sheet. Lightly coat the tops of stuffed mushrooms with cooking spray.
Bake in the oven until the tops of the mushrooms are golden brown and the mushrooms are soft, 20 to 22 minutes.
Beef Chili Recipe by Robby Melvin from Food and Wine.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups chopped yellow onion (from 1 large onion)
1 cup chopped poblano chile (from 1 chile)
8 garlic cloves, minced
3 pounds 90/10 lean ground chuck
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1/3 cup ancho chile powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
2 (15-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
1 (12-ounce) bottle of beer
Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
Sliced jalapeño chiles, for serving
Sliced radishes, for serving
Sour cream, for serving
Photo by Getty Images
Directions
Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion, poblano, and garlic and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes.
Add ground chuck and cook, stirring occasionally, until beef crumbles and is no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain beef mixture well and return to Dutch oven over medium-high.
Add tomato paste, ancho chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano, and cook, stirring often, 2 minutes.
Increase heat to high. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, and beer, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 30 minutes.
