The Germans who settled in what would become Lexington County brought with them many of their traditions and beliefs. Some traditions survive until the present day including some of their foods.

One of the classic Lexington County Dutch Fork dishes is liver nips. This dish made of beef liver dumplings comes from the German dish leberknödel.

Another food that the settlers brought with them is, of course, that classic German dish sauerkraut. Almost every house featured a sauerkraut barrel. One chronicler stated that the favorite midday dish for many in the 19th century was sauerkraut with bacon fat in the middle and either fried chicken or roast pork.

JR Fennell is Lexington County Museum director.