Owner of Maria’s Mexican Pueblo in Waynesville, NC

Interviewed by Dennis Ray

For more than 28 years, we’ve been perfecting our family’s secret, home-style recipes and bringing them right to your table. Everyday, all our dishes are made from scratch – packed with the freshest ingredients and centuries of tradition.

Rapid River Magazine: Tell us a little about what you’re offering for Thanksgiving.

Maria Pressley: We’re now taking orders for Cajun Fried Turkey for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We fry a whole turkey or boneless turkey breast, using only vegetable oil because of all of allergies to peanuts — traditionally this recipe calls for peanut oil. This recipe has been handed down through the generations with the promise that I will not share with anyone the actual recipe.

RRM: How did you get the recipe?

MP: A dear friend who I had helped some years ago gave this recipe to me. It had been in her family for generations. And it is simply to die for. She said I could use the recipe any way I want as long as I do not give out the recipe. It is in my head so when I die the recipe dies with me. We have been doing this for 18 years. Order now and call for more information and pick-up dates.

RRM: You are also doing a yearly traditional Cajun turkey meal as well. When does this happen?

MP: December 14, starting at 4 p.m. I should say that reservations are requested but not necessary.

RRM: Tell us a little about the meal.

MP: Cajun fried turkey served with dirty rice, dirty gravy and mashed potatoes —made fresh from fresh whole potatoes— some greens, and we top it all off with Mexican Corn Bread (Maria’s personal recipe).

RRM: How did this meal come about?

MP: Last year I decided to offer our first Cajun meal. Something different. It was a huge success, having sold out in two hours, with many of my customers requesting I put it on my menu. I had to say no because I like to keep it as a once a year tradition.

Sample Menu Items

Turkeys average 12-14 lbs., $38; Breast of turkey is 5 1/2 lbs. before cooking and is boneless, $30. Cajun Meal, $15 for adults; children under 12 only $7.99; children 5 and under are free.

Maria’s Mexican Pueblo

(828) 456-6413

67 Branner Ave, Waynesville, NC 28786

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30-3 p.m. Evenings 5-until. Sat. 12 noon-9 p.m. Closed on Sunday. All ABC permits