1. Gorton (aka creton, guerton, or cretons)
What is it? This savory spread made with pork, pork fat, milk, bread crumbs, and spices is often eaten with toast and mustard for breakfast. Think of it as a kind of Franco-American pâté.
Where did it come from? Gorton came straight from Canada down to New Hampshire. The spread had its start in the monasteries of Quebec and seems to have its etymological roots in the medieval French word “creton,” meaning a small piece of fat.
Where can you try some? Jennotte’s Market.
2. Poutine
What is it? This is a bowlful of unctuous deliciousness in the form of French fries, topped with Canadian squeaky cheese and brown gravy.
Where did it come from? While trendy now, there was a time when you could only get this Quebec street food in Canada and northern New England. Some say it’s the best hangover snack ever, but you don’t need to have tied one on to enjoy this calorie-laden treat.
Where can you try some? Chez Vachon.
3. Maple Frappes
What is it? This decadent drink is made from homemade vanilla ice cream and real New Hampshire maple syrup.
Where did it come from? No one knows for sure, but Parker’s Maple Barn in Mason has been serving them since they opened in 1969. They’re served with the maple syrup you can see being made on-site.
Where can you try some? Parker’s Maple Barn.
4. Hermit Cookies
What is it? These molasses bars are as New England as food can get. They’re made with ingredients you could have found in Colonial New Hampshire, including molasses, dried fruit, and warm spices like ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove.
Where did they come from? First, the name. There’s no definitive answer, but many believe these bars are named hermits because they traveled with New England sailors and were stable enough to last on ocean voyages. There’s another theory that they’re named for their resemblance to a hermit’s robe. All that’s certain is that the not-really-sweet cakey cookie has deep, deep roots in New England.
Where can you try some? The Yum Yum Shop.
5. Beach Pizza
What is it? It’s exactly what it sounds like! This pizza is served along New Hampshire’s seacoast, especially at Hampton Beach. It’s cut into rectangular pieces and has a thin crust, mozzarella, and occasionally provolone cheese, with a sweet tomato sauce—the most distinguishing feature of a beach pizza.
Where did it come from? Most New Hampshire beach bums associate this summer treat with Tripoli Bakery in Seabrook. It was first concocted at Tripoli’s original location in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1944.
Where can you try some? Pretty much anywhere along the boardwalk at New Hampshire beaches and, of course, at Tripoli Bakery.
6. Apple Cider Donuts
What is it? At New Hampshire’s pick-your-own farms, fall festivals, and general stores across the state, apple cider donuts are fried up to a golden crisp and served warm. These are not your donut-chain donuts with pink frosting, jelly infusions, and colored sprinkles. Like Granite Staters, apple cider donuts are subtly sweet, understated, and if done right, just a little bit crusty. They’re made with apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Where did they come from? Apple cider donuts have been served during harvest time since New Hampshire was a colony when there were plenty of apples and fat to fry them in from the fall harvest of farm animals.
Where can I try some? These donuts are a perpetual offering at the 187-year-old Harrisville General Store.
7. Tourtière/French Canadian Pork Pie
What is it? This pie with homemade crust is filled with ground pork, onion, and warm spices including sage, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, mustard cloves, and pepper.
Where did it come from? This is another French-Canadian standard that made its way to New Hampshire. It’s served mostly in the winter, especially during holidays.
Where can we try some? Crosby Bakery.
