Another Reason I'm Glad I'm Southern: Chess Pie Recipe

When you grow up with such deliciousness as chess pie you tend to take it for granted. Much to my surprise I recently learned that many of my friends had never had this wonderful, sugary treat. Seems it's a Southern thing. That led me to ask my mother for a recipe to share. She had a blast looking through all her versions to find my great-grandmother Tootie's version. She said she found coconut and pineapple chess pies, one that called for Damson preserves and a meringue on top (as if it isn't rich enough!), and one that called for "1/2 eggshell" milk!

Here's Tootie's version. It's soooo easy that I might even try it myself!

CHESS PIE

1/3 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 T cornmeal
2 T milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Sprinkle of nutmeg

Cream butter & sugar; add cornmeal. Add eggs, one at a time; add milk. Add vanilla & nutmeg.
Pour mixture into readymade piecrust, either homemade or purchased.
Bake 375 degrees until brown.

(thanks to RoadFood for the photo that looks most like the ones I remember)

It's Follow Friday! Meet our Tweep of the Week @WineKulers

Sometimes the world of wine can be a tricky one to navigate...  Do I want something oaky? Something floral? Something lush? Or do I just choose the coolest label??

Luckily for you, our tweep of the week Gil Kulers keeps followers and readers on the straight and narrow when choosing the best wine to fill your glass. Between his tweets and his AJC & Golf Digest Index columns, he’s a great guide and stays away from any stereotypical wine pretentiousness. Cheers to @WineKulers!

Georgia Organics "Reclaiming Agriculture" just around the corner

For those of you who have a green thumb or want to learn about farm fresh foods will be delighted to find out that “Reclaiming Agriculture,” Georgia Organics’ 13th annual conference is coming to Athens, GA the weekend of February 19-20. Take part in all the garden-fresh offerings, including tours of farms, ag research stations, gardens and restaurants; presentations and exhibits; workshops and classes on everything from composting to cheese making; and local meals and a “Farmers Feast” featuring keynote speaker Carlo Petrini founder of the Slow Food movement, the “international face of joyful eating and agricultural insight.” Last year’s conference in Decatur topped more than 1,100 attendees from 14 states and nearly every county in Georgia. For the first time ever, the exhibitor’s expo area will be open to the public. Athens is planning film, music and food events to complement the conference. UGA students get a perk -- discounted student rates to attend conference classes.

ServeHAITI Fundraiser at Toulouse

On Tuesday, February 9, Toulouse Restaurant offers a great chance to combine fine wine, fine art and a good cause by hosting a Steve Penley Wine Dinner to benefit the ServeHAITI Foundation. The dinner will feature a five-course meal with two glasses of wine and the chance to meet artist Steve Penley and view his artwork.

Throughout the evening, you'll be able to view and purchase Penley’s paintings, reproduction posters and book with illustrations, as well as view photographs of Haiti from Donna Williams, a photographer who has been working with ServeHAITI. Meet the artist and get books autographed starting at 6:30 p.m. and be ready for dinner by 7:15 p.m. The menu will feature a field green salad with red wine vinaigrette; seared scallops served with broccoli and sundried tomatoes in a rosemary-citrus reduction; wild mushroom ravioli atop arugula sprinkled with gorgonzola cheese, cranberries and pistachios drizzled with a white balsamic sauce; beef tenderloin filet with mushroom cream sauce coupled with grilled salmon in a balsamic beurre blanc; and flourless chocolate cake with chocolate glaze for dessert. The cost is $125 per person and includes tax and gratuity. A portion of the art proceeds as well as a sizeable portion of the nightly proceeds will be donated to the ServeHAITI Foundation. To make a reservation, please call 404-351-9533.

Simply The Best - Metromix Releases Winner List

The votes have been counted and the verdict is in!

This morning, Metromix released the winners of their “Best of Atlanta” contest… and we’re quite excited to see that Woodfire Grill won Best Restaurant and their executive chef/ co-owner/ Top Chef fan favorite Kevin Gillespie won Best Chef! It’s been an exciting year for Woodfire Grill and we’re excited to see what they’ll cook up next.

We're in Love...with the Fish Tacos at Uncle Julio's!

Since it’s the season for love at first bite, we thought you should know about the yummy new fish tacos that will be making an appearance at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food come Monday, February 8: white corn tortillas filled with tilapia, shredded cabbage, carrots and pico de gallo, drizzled with tangy avocado cream sauce and served with black beans. You can get the grilled fish version every day or visit the restaurant on Thursdays and Sundays to snag the fried fish version. At lunchtime, the fish tacos come two to a plate for $8.95; at dinner they’re $11.95 for three tacos.

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food: In Buckhead at 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To-go line: 404-974-2991. In Sandy Springs at 1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100; 678-736-8260. To-go line: 404-974-2991.

The Day of Love Lurks Around the Corner

Valentine’s Day is almost here (just 19 days away) and even if you’re not a big fan of the lovey-dovey holiday, Atlanta restaurants have some cool options lined up this year. Whether you’re looking for intimate evening for two or a singles celebration, we’ve got the low-down on this year’s Valentine’s Day deals. Click here for all the information.

Lights! Camera! Flickr at RA Sushi!

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words… make it true with your very own entry in RA Sushi’s “It’s A Hot Mess” Flickr contest starting today until February 28th, and you could walk away with a $100 gift certificate to RA, or a complimentary appetizer card! Just head to RA for their new delicious Hot Mess roll (featuring crispy rice balls topped with spicy king crab mix, baked and finished with jalapenos and cilantro, and strike a pose!

There are four equally fun photo challenges you can aim for: “Hottest Hot Mess,” “Messiest Hot Mess,” “Biggest Hot Mess,” and those with the creative bug can try for “Anything Goes!” Encourage your friends to comment on your picture on Flickr and you could be well on your way to victory and fame – in addition to the prize, winning photos will also go up on their Facebook page.

Extra bonus: during the contest, RA Sushi is having Hot Mess Mondays, where you can share this tasty dish for just $10! Now get to snapping…