https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/restaurants daily 0.75 2019-10-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559251683185-ASCLE9CIKPHTGSYIEW6U/crystal-beer-parlor.jpg Restaurants - crystal beer parlor 301 West Jones Street | $$$$$ This is one fun place. Expect to have a wait and expect the bar to be crowded and loud. This restaurant, first opened in 1933, has a saloon feel, with enormous wooden booths that seat six. Food is nothing fancy, but the portions are large and everything is tasty. The menu features some Greek items due to the fact that owner John Nichols comes from a long line of excellent Greek good cooks. I can recommend the burgers, the crab burger, and the pastrami Reuben. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559251685726-4CGAIMARSOFY8WKW8B98/driftaway-cafe.jpg Restaurants - driftway cafe 7400 Skidaway Road | $$$$$ My favorite dish is the firecracker shrimp served on a bed of shredded lettuce. The shrimp are battered and flash fried and have a spicy sauce. My second favorite is the salmon tacos, which have a crispy piece of salmon inside a soft taco. This restaurant is popular with locals who live in the Isle of Hope, Sandfly, Dutch Island and Skidaway Island neighborhoods. The bar attracts a group of often noisy regulars. Friendly, casual service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167402008-CIE4PYMT3AY3UYYJKBHP/mrs-wilkes.jpg Restaurants - mrs. wilkes 107 West Jones Street | $$$$$ This rooming house restaurant, located on the ground floor of one of Savannah’s row houses, is legendary. Expect to wait in line, and expect to sit at a table with strangers and pass the food family style. The menu changes according to produce that is available, but typically expect to have fried chicken, sausage, beef stew, meatloaf, and all sort of country vegetables – cabbage, squash, beans, black-eyed peas, and so on. Only open Monday through Friday, 11-2. Closed during the month of January. Mrs. Wilkes’ is no longer with us, but her granddaughter and great-grandson can often be seen in the restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167799225-N9SXOMU3RBC4M7MIE6M8/the-vault-1.jpg Restaurants - the vault 2112 Bull Street, located in a renovated bank building | $$$$$ I can’t experiment with the menu because I’m too in love with the seaweed salad, duck tacos, and the wicked tuna roll to try anything new. This Asian-inspired restaurant is just awesome. I do not recommend dining in one of the renovated bank vaults, as they can get quite loud if you are sharing the space with a boisterous group. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167993793-DX8RGN0X8TYIHUORPCGT/vics-on-the-river.jpg Restaurants - vic’s on the river 26 East Bay Street | $$$$$ Vic’s has a bird’s-eye view of River Street overlooking the Savannah River, and is located in an 1858 renovated warehouse in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. So, it rates an “A” for atmosphere. The dishes I can recommend are the shrimp and grits ($14 at lunch and $24 at dinner); the chicken livers (they're are hard to find on restaurant menus), and the jumbo lump crab cakes ($13 for an appetizer portion and $30 for a dinner portion.) On a recent outing, the halibut special and the pecan-coated flounder were the hits of the night. Delicious unconstructed salad with white balsamic dressing was superb. Terrific servers. Take advantage of the complimentary valet service offered Monday through Saturday beginning at 5:30 if you are concerned about parking or walking a long distance on cobblestones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562166999265-OS80DFCND9D8HYIAKN4U/circa-1875.jpg Restaurants - circa 1875 48 Whitaker Street | $$$$$ This small restaurant features French cuisine, like the classic coquilles St. Jacques – scallops in a creamy wine sauce, topped with bread crumbs and cheese, then broiled. Yummy. The steamed mussels are also on my recommendation list. The dining room is small, with a second dining area downstairs for those who are agile enough to navigate the stairs. A very narrow, attractive, noisy bar is in a separate room off of the upstairs dining area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167654610-PMYN3JI75M2KFLCCL91C/sundae+cafe.jpg Restaurants - sundae cafe 304 1st Street, Tybee Island | $$$$$ This is one of the best restaurants in the area, and there are many great dishes on the menu. But the two I recommend are the fried green tomato BLT, which is just what you’d think it is, and the fried shrimp or fried oyster po boy. One year, I was in New Orleans, LA, with my friend Dottie trying to find the best shrimp po boy in the city, which we did at Johnny’s Po-boys. Well, the one at Sundae Café equals that sandwich. Great bun, great sauce, full of fat, perfectly fried shrimp or oysters. Crowded during the summer months and on holidays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167234219-O23OYMT1W2SRJLW1AKVP/leopolds-ice-cream.jpg Restaurants - leopold’s ice cream 212 East Broughton Street | $$$$$ There is usually a long line at Leopold’s, located in the heart of the historic district on what can be described as Savannah’s main street. That’s because the ice cream is exceptional and the servers are hand-picked for their speed and congeniality. Owner Stratton Leopold and his wife, Mary, are active in the community and use their ice cream to reward students who can recite the Pledge of Allegiance, win academic awards or attend church. Try the Tutti Fruitti, the pistachio or the chocolate chewie flavors. Or, maybe the rum raisin. Or, maybe the lemon curd. Oh, heck, try them all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559251676223-E0FEIQ7LCFDSZ2KK8B7T/back-in-the-day-bakery.jpg Restaurants - Back in the day bakery 2403 Bull Street | $$$$$ Everything at this place is good, but I particularly like the Pimiento and Pig Sandwich - white Cheddar, apple-smoked bacon and roasted red pepper between two hunks of homemade bread, grilled. When my son and daughter-in-law visit Savannah, they always make one trip to Back in the Day for …. And we love the Back in the Day cookbooks - the recipes work and make you look like a real baker.. Saturdays are very busy, so expect a little wait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167421479-AZX8U74SAW5NMISFEXEX/pearls-saltwater-grill.jpg Restaurants - pearl’s saltwater grill 7000 LaRoche Avenue | $$$$$ Occasionally, I save my calories so I can order a plate of fried shrimp from Pearl’s. Although there are lots of appealing-sounding items on the menu, I get the same thing every time I go – a small fried shrimp dinner with a baked potato and coleslaw. Small, sweet hush puppies are brought to the table while you are waiting for the main course, and I often eat too many of those. The restaurant isn’t fancy but has a great view of the Herb River, which is beautiful at high tide. At low tide, the creek is mostly mud and marsh grass, but it’s still fun to see the seabirds and oyster shells. Moderately priced. Quick service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1570196598070-AYF479442FXBD1RPK6WL/Screen+Shot+2019-10-04+at+9.39.37+AM.png Restaurants - sweet potatoes 531 Stephenson Ave | $$$$$ Some nights, my husband and I will just look at each other and say, “I’ve got to have pot roast.” That means a trip to Sweet Potatoes, a casual restaurant that caters to locals on Savannah’s south side. The pot roast is melt-in-your-mouth tender and served over mashed potatoes, of course, for $12.50. You can choose side dishes like butter beans with dill (a little too thick) or roasted Brussels sprouts, which they have a tendency to burn, or fabulous candied apples. Other dishes that I can recommend are the fried catfish, pecan-crusted chicken, the grilled pork chop, the black and blue burger, the fried chicken and the fried shrimp. This place is a jewel! Moderately priced. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167726242-2JBHDKEZK5IVCEBCUP1P/the-old-pink-house.jpg Restaurants - the olde pink house 23 Abercorn Street | $$$$$ Tourists especially like this place, located in a restored Savannah historic home built for a cotton planter in the 1770s. The restaurant is usually crowded and lively. Try the goat cheese stuffed artichoke fritters or the crispy scored flounder, a signature dish. My friend Elizabeth loves the BLT salad. Desserts are calorie-rich and delicious. There is a great bar downstairs. Perfect for a special occasion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559251679325-OHGXH2U72D763I39BU5Q/chive.jpg Restaurants - chive 4 Broughton Street | $$$$$ The dish I love here is the striped sea bass, which currently is being served with baby bok choy, herbed orzo and lemon, capers, and mixed greens. If you want to know how to cook fish properly, this is the way it’s done. The restaurant is small and chic and has great service. I love the fact that you can get a large serving, or a half-portion. Does not take reservations and there is usually a wait. Moderately priced for such delicious food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167594697-D18BMM8YR64BD3VYJ7QK/husk.jpg Restaurants - husk 12 West Oglethorpe | $$$$$ Of all the restaurants mentioned here, this one has, perhaps, the most spectacular location, a renovated mansion on a lovely mid-town street with a center aisle of moss-draped oaks. Very romantic and beautiful. Favorite dishes are the fried chicken skins (I know, they have to be very bad for you, right?), the crackling cornbread (you will have to ask for more butter), and the potato crusted whiting over creamed cabbage. Our table ordered the four-vegetable dinner and shared the vegetables and I highly recommend doing this. My tab was $70, so I think this is a special-occasion restaurant. Expect a wait between courses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559251696489-Q4P6VBYDY3J2Q0G8Y6OM/elizabeth-on-37th.jpg Restaurants - elizabeth on 37th 105 East 37th | $$$$$ Located in a restored mansion in mid-town Savannah. This is a special-occasion restaurant where you will experience extraordinary service and imaginative dishes in a lovely setting that is both elegant and comfortable. Think Sunday dinner in Aunt Maude’s dining room. This restaurant is so sure of its culinary offerings that the menu changes with the seasons and with Chef Kelly Yambor’s nightly inclination. Get the pan-seared scallops and the parmesan-dusted local flounder if they are on the menu. And believe it or not, the Brussels sprouts are amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167413022-JVUZRM96J3G9VNZM054N/Noble-fare.jpg Restaurants - noble fare 321 Jefferson Street | $$$$$ Diver scallops with smoked bacon, sweet corn, spinach and balsamic vinegar is my go-to dish. The ice berg wedge and grilled Romaine salads are both delicious. This is a small, intimate restaurant. Because everything is individually priced, the tab can jump in a hurry. Lovely service. This is a restaurant where it’s OK to linger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1562167543550-S2E5HTHI3S7ANBGFG5KE/cotton-rye.jpg Restaurants - cotton and rye 1801 Habersham Street | $$$$$ Located in a former 1950s bank building in mid-town Savannah with two large open dining rooms and outdoor seating. Creative low-country favorites, often with a twist. Recommend the hanger steak, shrimp and grits, and the fried chicken thighs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1570297624186-YPVBR8LKXEBMRCQYA3F5/IMG_4190.JPG Restaurants - BULL STREET TACO 1608 Bull Street/$$$$ I have done mission work in Tapachula, Mexico, and this food is exactly like what we are served when we eat at our favorite restaurant, which is a car repair shop by day and a restaurant serving carnitas by night. The homemade chips, the salsa, the carnitas (roasted pork, grilled pineapple, onion, and cilantro on a corn tortilla) are spot on. We always order Mexican Coke (sweeter and “thicker” than that served in the USA) or hibiscus tea, a deep plum, sweet drink. Bull Street Taco takes their menu a step further with superb red-chili tempura cauliflower tacos and raw tuna tacos, among other offerings. Tacos cost about $4 and usually three will do it. Nice selection of beer. Super laid-back atmosphere and friendly service. This restaurant is located in an evolving section of Bull Street where lots of good things are happening. Love it when a restaurant gets the authenticity right. https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/cookbooks daily 0.75 2020-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561516466063-YKAARWQLB0HRSCQ6W2SC/savannah-collection.jpg Cookbooks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561516877282-KALANJUTKIM0ZS11PXE2/savannah-celebrations.jpg Cookbooks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561517372045-8N4JFYFA60STH0UTPZU4/dishing-up-hope.jpg Cookbooks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1581963508845-C930QGP4DI6KCKSYRBUE/IMG_4400.JPG Cookbooks Nibbles and Scribbles - Cooking and Writing in the Deep South is finally available for purchase! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561517659324-558UE0IFABOIL9Q2YN9H/image-asset.jpeg Cookbooks https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/things-i-love daily 0.75 2019-07-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561529570137-TCGDA24ZEXZWLZGFPLHK/rice-uncle-bens.jpg Things I love - Rice I always use Uncle Ben’s Original Enriched Parboiled Long-Grain Rice for my red rice because the grains don’t stick together. This is essential when making red rice, a Savannah staple that requires that the rice be cooked al dente and that each grain be separate. Also on my pantry shelf you will find Mahatma Jasmine and Mahatma Basmati rice. Both are aromatic and fluffy and delicious, better choices for dishes that have delicious juices that need sopping up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561529849729-DEJ6T8XQRS9TPCRJ0HX2/nestle-toll-house-chocolate-chunks.jpg Things I love - Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chunks I believe I have perfected my chocolate chip cookie recipe. The recipe has lots of butter, so the cookies spread and are quite thin. I started leaving out the nuts, and instead of chocolate chips, I discovered chunks. When you bite into cookies made with chunks, you get a hunk of chocolate instead of a chip. Not every grocery carries the chunks, and so I buy in bulk when I find them, as I make chocolate chips once a month and store them in freezer bags in the freezer. I’ve asked the grocery stores about why they aren’t available year-round and the response is that the chunks are “seasonal.” Go figure. My husband, children, and granddaughter know where to go for their cookie fix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561529629592-FWZXT1PCSK2ORVKGZ901/casina-rosa-truffle-salt.jpg Things I love - Casina Rosa Truffle & Salt Rub this heavenly mixture onto your steaks before pan-searing in a teaspoon of coconut oil. In fact, I like this combination so much, I prefer to pan-sear filet mignons instead of grilling. You can find the salt on-line and in specialty salt and spice stores. Coconut oil, once a specialty item that you had to mail order, is now available in the supermarket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561520713829-6HU4YYXNBX1UGTFYI9VZ/heinz-tomato-ketchup.jpg Things I love - Heinz Tomato Ketchup Let’s think about the simple hamburger . It’s just got to have a slather of Duke’s and a squirt of Heinz, right? And meatloaf without a Heinz and brown sugar topping, hash browns without a side pile of Heinz, and barbecue sauce without Heinz? No way! Like Duke’s, I always have one bottle in the fridge and another in the pantry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561520962265-PJ8BG3V4QBLE3VIT8MRS/mateos-gourmet-salsa.png Things I love - Mateo’s Gourmet Salsa The label says “uniquely different,” and I would agree. Looking at the label, there is nothing surprising about the ingredients - tomatoes, water, jalapeno peppers, dehydrated garlic, salt, cilantro, red wine vinegar, spices, lemon juice concentrate. It’s just really good canned salsa, perfect for topping my shrimp tacos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561529760406-O6EEN8XMB3R913X1WADI/quaker-old-fashioned-grits-photo.jpeg Things I love - Grits Some people are very snotty about grits. Although I don’t care for quick or instant grits, I have had excellent results with Quaker Old Fashioned Grits. When I want to show off, I serve Yelton’s Best Stone Ground Grits, which I order on-line, or Freeman’s Mill white or yellow grits, which are milled using century-old equipment in Bulloch County Georgia. For a listing of where Freeman’s Mill products are sold, go to freemansmill.com In general, I’ve had the best results using about a quarter of a cup less water than the package recipe calls for. You want the grits to have good body . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560993538196-T0225A6GSNQXGL1HP1RB/stonewall-kitchen-old-farmhouse-chutney.jpg Things I love - Stonewall Kitchen Old Farmhouse Chutney Chutney is the key ingredient to a curried chicken salad I make with purple grapes and slivered almonds from a recipe given to me by friend Dottie, who was given the recipe by her Aunt Myrtle. Chutney is also a great condiment to curried shrimp over white rice – along with pickle relish and crisp fried bacon crumbles. I had never tasted curry before coming to Savannah, and as a young food editor was surprised to find recipes for curried dishes in old Savannah cookbooks. Turns out that curries have been popular in this area since Colonial days, when spices were brought over Europe. Curry was listed in estate inventories of Savannah residents dating from 1804. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560992859985-PNLSGE0ZYQW28NQ81N43/dukes-mayonnaise.png Things I love - Duke’s Mayonnaise Duke’s Mayonnaise, which, like the label says, is the secret to great food! I am never, ever without Duke’s. I try to purchase it when it goes on the buy one-get one sale at the supermarket. It goes into my chicken salad, my potato salad, my egg salad, and a dollop goes into my homemade pimento cheese. It’s the secret weapon in hot chicken salad, chicken divan, and tomato pie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561529696015-1L2RJ7HZ8L9EL52DAMA2/south-georgia-pecan-co-roasted-and-salted-pecan-halves.png Things I love - South Georgia Pecan Co. Roasted and Salted Pecan Halves This company is located in my hometown of Valdosta, GA. I almost always stop there on my way into town and buy at least two one-pound bags of these nuts. Roasted, salted nuts will transform your cookies and brownies. They also make a delicious snack with drinks. I can salt and roast my own pecans, but why do it when you can let this company do it for you? I keep these in the freezer until needed to keep them from getting moldy or rancid. https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog daily 0.75 2019-07-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561561082068-OQQZ8MH6L9CPVS3ENIBV/IMG_3742.jpg Blog - chili January 12, 2019 | FOOD I started out the New Year with an itch to cook, and since I’m also watching calories, I’m focusing on soups and stews without cream. Chicken or beef broth, tomatoes, lots of vegetables, and seasonings give the dishes flavor without the fat. This chili is a longtime favorite, and in fact was requested by a blog reader who had just moved to St. Simons… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560641263323-IBOH1RSX226CHZVK4OVH/sandwich.jpg Blog - Vine-ripe tomatoes July 6, 2018 | FOOD If there is a taste of summer in the Nesbit house, it’s vine-ripe tomatoes. It’s not uncommon for us to eat a tomato sandwich every day during the short time (June-July) when tomatoes are at their peak. This year, the tomatoes are coming from our own vines, thanks to plants sent to my husband by our son, Zack. We’re harvesting both cherry tomatoes and slicing tomatoes… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560641284297-IJF2QAP3UVDYW39U5JVV/IMG_3549.JPG Blog - British Isles July 31, 2018 | FOOD My husband and I are just back from a two-week trip that took us to London for three days on our own, and a 9-day CIE bus tour of Scotland and Ireland. I had always heard that the food in that part of the country was nothing special, but I beg to differ. As we had those in our group who are of English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560640949505-2P8COV1J0CE1TKXGX2TU/polks-market-edit.jpg Blog - Farmer’s Market June 5, 2018 | FOOD This week, our neighborhood farmers’ market – Polk’s Produce – reopened for the summer. We were one of the first in line to buy peaches, tomatoes, delicious Silver Queen corn, and small yellow squash that looked like they had been picked that morning. I have a soft spot in my heart for Polk’s because when I was food editor of the Savannah Morning News… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560640964650-U6QBCMZCG37QJ6MQXB2Z/IMG_3466.JPG Blog - mint June 8, 2018 | DRINKS I have a forest of mint. Previously, I planted mint in pots, and it did OK. But now that it is in the ground, it has spread like wildfire and produced the most beautiful, bright green, aromatic herb you can imagine. So, what’s a cook to do but make lots of Mint Julep syrup, the basis for one of the South’s most refreshing summer alcoholic beverages… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561572873020-IMVA8W4W0IPATFXPL80G/First-Watch.jpg Blog - first watch Februrary 23, 2019 | FOOD If there’s anything I love, it’s stumbling onto a new breakfast/brunch spot. That’s what happened a couple of months ago when my husband and I drove to a furniture store in Bluffton. After a couple of hours of fruitless shopping, we were starved and the sales rep recommended First Watch, The Daytime Café, located on Fording Island Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560641262518-OT2EMKAADGGAXT7Y5LG9/IMG_3484+%281%29.JPG Blog - Bluffton June 27, 2018 | FOOD I go out to eat monthly with a group of friends. We call ourselves the Diners’ Club, because there is no purpose to our meeting except to enjoy each other’s company by enjoying a meal together. June’s outing took us to The Cottage in Bluffton, S.C., an easy 40-minute drive from Savannah. Bluffton’s main drag is Calhoun Street, and that’s where we found the quaint little restaurant, located in what really appears to be an old cottage-style home. Seating is available on the porch and in two small dining rooms inside, which we opted for since we’ve been… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560641324169-87AU7UYVH66J105ZAEM9/IMG_3622.JPG Blog - Cucumber sandwiches September 21, 2018 | FOOD On a recent Friday in September, I attended a celebration of the life of Tina Norris, my former Isle of Hope across-the-street neighbor. Tina had lived a rich 95 years being embraced by family and the community and church she loved. She was known for her kindness, sincerity and faith ... and for her cucumber… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1563476317084-GLQUWI7M3AH5NWC3PV7P/60337654_2487951844550549_3715269297996562432_n%5B1%5D.jpg Blog - The Farm Cart - Athens JULY 18, 2019 | FOOD One of the Saturday traditions when we visit our son and daughter-in-law in Athens is to head to Bishop Park for a breakfast biscuit from The Farm Cart. Well, now The Farm Cart has its own sit-down location at 1074 Baxter Street. We made a recent visit, and it did not disappoint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560641254690-ZABIJCJS30RKGWUOQ1KH/hunters-cafe.jpg Blog - mcintosh county eats June 20, 2018 | TRAVEL When traveling, I love to find hole-in-the-wall restaurants that serve good food at fair prices. For almost 30 years, we’ve owned property in Townsend, Ga., in McIntosh County, and have enjoyed two restaurants there that fit this description. Hunter’s Café is just a little wooden shack on a dirt lane across from the marina at Shellman’s Bluff. Try the hamburgers for lunch… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561560953537-9OGUHCAAJQTB57Y97S18/IMG_3430.jpg Blog - salad August 18, 2018 | FOOD This time of year, the heat in the South is oppressive, and that really affects the appetite. Often, particularly for lunch, all I want is a hearty, cold salad. I start with a packaged kale salad kit because I like the little package of pine nuts and dried cherries. Then, I add a combination of ingredients that add color and flavor… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561560834096-JMO1B289S1I9ONIU82CL/office_party0093.jpg Blog - chicken divan September 1, 2018 | FOOD I am just back from a week spent with my Mother, Alice Jo, who turned 96 on Aug. 21st. And what did the birthday girl want to eat during her birthday week? Lots of home cooking, particularly savory casseroles that made the house smell so wonderful. One of our all-time favorites is a curried chicken casserole made from a… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561561017326-MPOCDLO059OC4J182VAR/IMG_3694.jpg Blog - Last of the lemons December 11, 2018 | FOOD I have made it a practice for most of my life to stay out of the yard. I kept the house and cooked the meals, and my husband took care of the mowing, the planting, and the pruning. Old-fashioned, right? I just didn’t like to get hot and sweaty. But in retirement, I have discovered that I love growing things. I don’t even mind weeding!… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561560991700-FWQWXQM6Z3K3BA1UQ1I3/fox-and-fig-cafe.jpg Blog - fox and fig October 21, 2018 | FOOD Let me say first that I am not a vegetarian. I love a good hamburger and a flavorful grilled steak. However, over the past month, so many people have asked me if I had eaten at Fox and Fig, a plant-based restaurant, that I had to try it. What an experience! I honestly don’t know what I ate or what my friends ate, but it was all delicious… https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/home-margot daily 1.0 2025-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559250415676-R70806WAI104OAYF4EU8/Martha+Cooks+74.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559262318749-VXHECKE3OS1EY6FVNFXO/Martha%2BCooks%2B65.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559262465527-WWO5YLAMT99UR9K94XX1/Martha%2BCooks%2B47.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561564413073-BG6J98YBKJJHNZI7BH6V/nesbit-martha.jpg Home https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/contact daily 0.75 2019-07-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559250277979-E28PDR0UTU6J8MHND7ID/nesbit-martha.jpg Contact https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/about-martha daily 0.75 2019-10-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1560633298794-J1HOX6VGGIJPU4SCKHKJ/Nesbit.Martha+14.jpg About Martha https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/shrimp-and-grits daily 0.75 2019-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559255464283-K90D8BOVX3XTYYQ05BFP/Martha%2BCooks%2B47.jpg Shrimp and Grits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559255725842-HCGNC7VSHM2AI6MQW52A/Martha+Cooks+27.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 1 1. Measure 4 cups water into a heavy-bottomed non-stick pot. Add the salt and pepper and bring the water to a boil over high heat Photography by John Carrington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561409444375-N7AM6MZI36M5S33LT352/Martha+Cooks+27.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 2 2. Add the grits in a steady stream and stir well with a whisk. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the grits to cook until they are thick and creamy, stir occasionally. You will need to use the time on the package of the grits you purchased. I order stone-ground grits Online and they usually take around 20 minutes to cook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559255742490-POAY1WGDEVEUV0R2F9KT/Martha+Cooks+35.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 3 3. Add the butter and the sharp Cheddar to the grits, stir and keep warm over lowest heat possible in the covered pot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559255754666-NX6W5TDBIEAVHLYMOSI7/Martha+Cooks+28.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 4 4. While the grits are cooking, cut the bacon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559255774778-JWMBV0JXSDQM56ZZLHQF/Martha+Cooks+29.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 5 5. Fry the diced bacon in a heavy-bottomed skillet until it is very brown and crisp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1559255788664-JK9TMBUIVEM6X030WQZB/Martha+Cooks+30.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 6 6. Continue to stir the grits occasionally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561410686879-T5L1WDB79JZYNSPH63EI/Martha+Cooks+31.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 7 7. Remove the bacon to a paper towel to drain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561410728150-CMF8G66Q5O85C3QYDMNT/Martha+Cooks+30.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 8 8. Continue to stir the grits occasionally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561410784581-TX5IE94YEB08P25UDNIT/Martha+Cooks+32.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 9 9. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease. Saute one chopped onion over medium heat in the bacon grease until it is very soft, about 8-10 minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561410816152-YQA7JDRF8FB2Q9KEBKTC/Martha+Cooks+33.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 10 10. Continue to stir grits occasionally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561411003011-23MKK2N26DTT6Z2WDZRC/Martha+Cooks+39.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 11 11. Chop the fresh parsley, scallions (thinly sliced), garlic (minced), lemon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561411062489-OLMF7YWU2Y593VKEXABP/Martha+Cooks+41.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 12 12. Pat shrimp with paper towels to dry before adding to the bacon grease over medium heat. Stir fry until shrimp just begins to turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561411183710-ZYUCPFQ4C7Z2KPAW9CNM/Martha+Cooks+43.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 13 13. Stir together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561411204736-UPPNV39CJ13OB6MKGTLP/Martha+Cooks+44.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 14 14. Add the lemon juice, chopped parsley, sliced green onions, and garlic. Saute 1-2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of soft butter to smooth out the sauce. Turn off heat to keep shrimp from becoming overcooked! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561411277344-8GCP912R7BFN1VRCA5ET/Martha+Cooks+46.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 15 15. Stir together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561411298008-HTGXL85AI42RM7DGF2GB/Martha+Cooks+47.jpg Shrimp and Grits - Step 16 16. To serve, spoon a half cup of grits into a bowl and top with 1/2 cup of shrimp and juice. Garish with a sprinkle of bacon. Serves 4 as a main course, or 8 as an appetizer. https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/panfried-flounder daily 0.75 2019-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561487617376-FYWD6E86OFJ7NWSNOEDW/Martha%2BCooks%2B65.jpg Pan-fried flounder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561488298637-DRLP2KKKTX6N56T0TPAU/Martha+Cooks+52.jpg Pan-fried flounder - Step 1 1. Purchase flounder fillets with skin. I always buy one light and one dark fillet. Remove fish from wrapper, wash under cold water and blot dry with a paper towel. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. Photography by John Carrington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561488310303-KAR7WL03MY62VDRPAJPL/Martha+Cooks+54.jpg Pan-fried flounder - Step 2 2. Place about a half cup of all-purpose flour in a heavy-duty plastic bag with a zippered closing. Shake each fillet in the flour until all surfaces are coated with flour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561488328476-84NGDIJT6OPXG6A9MOO8/Martha+Cooks+56.jpg Pan-fried flounder - Step 3 3. In a flat, heavy-bottomed frying pan or an electric skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable (not olive) oil. This mixture should be medium hot when you add the fillets. Add the fillets flesh side down and cook until very brown, about 5-6 minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561488353905-3XH2IPTSMRMWH8KOHICX/Martha+Cooks+59.jpg Pan-fried flounder - Step 4 4. You can use a spatula to peek to see if the skin is the color of dark caramel. When it is, turn the fish to the skin side down and cook 4-5 minutes more, until the skin side is also very dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561488371257-GPUM35SAOJ44DNP11Q2Y/Martha+Cooks+62.jpg Pan-fried flounder - Step 5 5. Using a large spatula, remove fish to a serving platter. Turn off the heat in the pan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561488396327-F1DAEJU98XP2YRTGVAMA/Martha+Cooks+63.jpg Pan-fried flounder - Step 6 6. Into the pan, squeeze the juice of 1 lemon and the entire 2-3 ounce jar of capers, with juice. (It won't matter, I promise, how many capers you add!) Add 1 tablespoon more of butter and whisk this into a smooth, thin sauce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561488412388-8HAJ0RKE11TMTU0UJ2B6/Martha+Cooks+64.jpg Pan-fried flounder - Step 7 7. Pour over the fish and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561488429544-OSJP1NXDD58EE1PDK5YT/Martha+Cooks+66.jpg Pan-fried flounder - Step 8 8. Serves 4 (each person get a half fillet.) https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/new-page-3 daily 0.75 2019-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561490610068-C7FHWNIAAT8R7QMAJQQJ/Martha%2BCooks%2B74.jpg New Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561491852614-0RBBIR7GMSFKBB111NCL/Martha+Cooks+01.jpg New Page - Step 1 1. Preheat oven to 350 degree. Lightly toast benne seeds (hulled sesame seeds) in a single layer on a sheet pan in the preheated oven for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully, until lightly browned. Allow sesame seeds to cool before using, or they will melt the butter in the recipe. Photography by John Carrington https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561491861006-AIBMX3CDTDXCYRHUKLNZ/Martha+Cooks+02.jpg New Page - Step 2 2. Prepare the butter for mixing (I leave the butter out on the counter overnight). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561491965771-BWKHEPMK8WTVH268KK8Z/Martha+Cooks+04.jpg New Page - Step 3 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar until it is light and fluffy. You can also use a hand mixer if you don't have a stand mixer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561491975348-8GKWE7TBIGKD06HGY3T6/Martha+Cooks+05.jpg New Page - Step 4 4. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl if you need to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561491997971-Z0N58EI5NIYXCSSNG53H/Martha+Cooks+06.jpg New Page - Step 5 5. Add the eggs and beat well, until the mixture is light and fluffy again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561492009710-R9FMGGNF4UCO5F30W85I/Martha+Cooks+07.jpg New Page - Step 6 6. The mixture should look like this at this point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561492026789-MGLRQP0V06VCXEDD30MU/Martha+Cooks+09.jpg New Page - Step 7 7. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir with a spoon, fork or fingers until it is combined. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561492043317-MCIWXJ2X5DV9AFAHYBXB/Martha+Cooks+12.jpg New Page - Step 8 8. With the mixer off, add the dry ingredients. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561492057299-VKHG29KDBVQMQMEFY6G7/Martha+Cooks+13.jpg New Page - Step 9 9. Turn the mixer on the lowest setting (so the flower won't fly out of the bowl) and begin to mix. You can increase the speed once the flour has become incorporated. Mix until blended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561492066868-PWQ82HJSSGRQTQZYUEC3/Martha+Cooks+14.jpg New Page - Step 10 10. The mixture should look like this at this point. Add vanilla and mix again until blended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561492081450-GEG5FTCPULT7E285Q2IB/Martha+Cooks+16.jpg New Page - Step 11 11. Remove the bowl and scrape down the beaters. Add the cooled sesame seeds to the batter and stir well with a spatula, making sure that you get the batter in the bottom center of the bowl and that the seeds are well-distributed throughout the batter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561492089215-9O48AJEZLDJJ4SAYN2AW/Martha+Cooks+17.jpg New Page - Step 12 12. Drop by 1/2 teaspoonfuls onto parchment-lined cookie sheets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561492104697-6SS04NHS8KDENLJTUB76/Martha+Cooks+20.jpg New Page - Step 13 13. Bake at 350 degrees for about 14 minutes, until very brown. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the parchment before you try to remove. You can use a spatula or just lift them off with your fingers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561492461495-EO5QDBVTTRMDU7EO3ML1/Martha+Cooks+72.jpg New Page - Step 14 14. Store in an airtight container. Both the cookies and the dough freeze well. Makes about 12 dozen cookies. https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog1 daily 0.75 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561770668590-JZVRSVX1HY5J7ZIFX4BS/forsyth-farmers-market.jpg blog-1 Forsyth Farmers' Market https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561560863117-IAW7OAANTHHC08ZBIWS7/polks-market-edit.jpg blog-1 Watercolor of Polk's Produce by Mary Adams https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog2 daily 0.75 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561771130734-SDNYLYHYJX82G3V46BQB/IMG_3467.JPG blog-2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561770908546-OWIRP1AW2TJTPSC2BC9F/IMG_3466.JPG blog-2 My forest of mint https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog3 daily 0.75 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561773303743-9UB5BHAK8MMILRFNT1L3/speeds-kitchen.jpg blog-3 Speed's Kitchen in Townsend, Ga https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561773264399-QJG7UCI36ZF639I5MJVB/hunters-cafe.jpg blog-3 Hunter's Café in Townsend, Ga https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog4 daily 0.75 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561773568083-FGMEO60FI2CSK4HLHTR0/IMG_3484+%281%29.JPG blog-4 The Cottage, Buffton, S.C. https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog5 daily 0.75 2019-09-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561812159457-20XG8A4OJRR6UHEF1U20/sandwich.jpg blog-5 Tomato sandwich https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog6 daily 0.75 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561812510736-HTH9XUI2HHMM1GMVUDLI/IMG_3549.JPG blog-6 Sheep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561812545957-TM1CJ15LZ07TN1T3P20E/image-asset.jpeg blog-6 Dog https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561812908621-F1LJQSJAWC1GK06OBTE5/IMG_3539.jpg blog-6 https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog7 daily 0.75 2019-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561813079925-8GZSNTVSAGWWFJDOZ6P3/IMG_3430.JPG blog-7 Summer Sweet Kale Salad https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog8 daily 0.75 2019-07-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561814971756-L2L5905379SO1T05X7E1/office_party0093.jpg blog-8 https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog9 daily 0.75 2019-09-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561815668357-L3GKPWMLVA4JXL5JMKCB/IMG_3622.JPG blog-9 https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog11 daily 0.75 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561816246610-XC73LUKQZZWEHLQ1FJYC/LEMON%2BBARS.jpg blog-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561818456320-WT6RDVVMYSYIG26TWLVD/IMG_3694.jpg blog-11 https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog11-1 daily 0.75 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561818845023-BHEVDIY490H4QPODPMCM/IMG_3742.jpg blog-12 https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog10 daily 0.75 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561815928269-TLBL1Z42IBJEFRQPPFCD/fox-and-fig-cafe.jpg blog-10 Fox and Fig Cafe https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog13 daily 0.75 2019-06-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1561819894956-ENLX03EPLWFLDGDKIA4V/First-Watch.jpg blog-13 https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog-14 daily 0.75 2019-09-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ceeeba504620000018586c3/1563476317084-GLQUWI7M3AH5NWC3PV7P/60337654_2487951844550549_3715269297996562432_n%5B1%5D.jpg blog 14 https://www.marthagiddensnesbit.com/blog15 daily 0.75 2019-09-08