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Creole Tomatoes

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

When we travel, our souvenirs naturally include something regional to eat or drink. Our last trip to New Orleans, we picked up Cat Daddy Moonshine, Ryals Goat Roast and Creole Tomatoes. Lucky for us we drove, so it was much easier to carry these treasures home.

Now, I know what to do with the Moonshine, not sure how to fix the goat (any ideas out there?), and the Creole tomatoes just epitomize the essence of summer. Eric and I brought home about 6 of these Louisiana beauties, akin to heirloom tomatoes, and have been enjoying them in the yummiest BLT sandwiches you can possibly make.

Those Gorgeous Creoles - Photo Courtesy of Jason Perlow

Can you grow them where you are? Well, it’s a little late in the season, but you (and I) can always plan for next year. Here’s some info about them from Gary Ibsen’s Tomatofest website:
 

The Creole was developed by LSU around 1956. An heirloom developed in Louisiana for hot, humid climates. This variety has a very loyal following. Yields 3-inch, round, firm, red fruit with a lots of juice and delicious tomatoey flavors with good acidity.

 
All I know is that sounds like we could grow those here in the hot Georgia summers. I’ll be purchasing the seeds for next year and hope mine grow as big as they do in Bayou country.

So, if you are anywhere near Louisiana soon, pick up some Creoles. You will be tasting summer!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Justin Timberlake – Summer Love

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It’s A Rave!

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

I know you are always looking for fun things to do. Caren West just sent me this press release for a super fun foodie event to wrap up summer.

Take a look!

This Could Be You!

THE ATLANTA FOOD RAVE ANNOUNCES 2010 PARTNERS

Event Experiences By Room & Board, SmartWater, Three Olives Vodka, El Zarco Tequila, Leblon Cachaca,
Freixenet Sparkling Wines, Tapena Spanish Wines, Whynatte, Sinless Margarita, Chocolate Pink,
Peachy Treats, Sweet Infinity Cakes and The Artmore Hotel

Atlanta, Georgia (August 3, 2010) – The Atlanta Food Rave, an interactive night of food, fun, cocktails and live entertainment slated for Friday, August 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery has announced a variety of exciting new partnerships and experiences for attendees. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Tickets are $55 per person for ages 21 and up and are available for purchase online at www.atlantafoodrave.com.

A percent of the proceeds from The 2010 Atlanta Food Rave will go to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which currently distributes nearly two million pounds of food and other grocery items each month to more than 700 non-profit agencies and 38 counties in the Atlanta area. With a mission to fight hunger by educating, empowering, and engaging the communities of Metro Atlanta and North Georgia, The Atlanta Food Rave is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds from the event to this great charity. Visit www.acfb.org for more information.

The Atlanta Food Rave will be held on Friday, August 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery at 199 Armour Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30324. Tickets are $55 per person for ages 21 and up and are available for purchase online at www.atlantafoodrave.com. Complimentary valet parking will be available. For more information about the event or partnering with The Atlanta Food Rave, please visit the Web site or call 404-856-0157.

Whoo Whee! Doesn’t that sound like a good time? Get on out there and enjoy one last hurrah before the weather turns cool.

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Nelly & Fergie – Party People

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Cochon – New Orleans

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

New Orleans is one of my all time favorite cities in the world. It’s French, it’s American, it’s wild, it’s beautiful.

Also, the food is some of the best you will ever taste.

Although I was there writing an article about The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, and the article won’t run until October in Design Is Magazine, I still wanted to share some of our weekend there with you.

Friday night found us at Cochon, the city’s palace of pork. And what pork they have! Eric and I ordered most of the appetizers and set out to have ourselves a taste treat.

Let me share with you!

Cochon Is Open and Ready For You!

You Have Got To Join Us Inside!

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Watermelon Kegs With Curtis

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

My friend Curtis is a hoot – he is always coming up with new ideas for food. Last week he thought it would be cool to make a watermelon keg and fill it with champagne. I invited him over to build it at our house so I could document the entire process.

First, you need a watermelon. Check.

Okay, We've Got the Melon

This Is So Cool, Come On In

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Fun Find Friday – It’s ME!

Friday, July 30th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

I have never wanted this blog to be anything more than my diaries of good times, great food and tipsy parties. I always felt if I tried to sell something, you might run the other way.

But I’m taking a leap of faith. I am partnering with Opensky to bring you the coolest things for your lifestyle. Your kitchen, your table, your parties. I promise never to preach or to push anything on you. Heck, I won’t even post about stuff I would never use myself.

Pinky swear.

In 10 days, I will open my very own Anatomy of a Dinner Party Store in conjunction with my buddies at Opensky. I have to tell you, a skeptic like me was terribly hard to convince. But after a swell phone conversation (who calls anyone anymore?) with the lovely Jonathan, my fears were allayed and I look forward to dishing on some cool stuff that will make your food a little more yummy, a little easier to cook and a lot lovelier to look at.

Jonathan, by the way, went to school in Atlanta. I like that. And he loves Fat Matt’s BBQ.

Dang, Now I'm Hungry For Ribs!

Stayed tuned, Darlings!

xoxo, Patti

Today blogging to Willie Nelson – Blue Skies

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You Saucy Tomato!

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Do you remember this past spring when you couldn’t wait to plant your tomatoes? Do you now have a bundle of tomatoes and can’t decide what to do with them?

I am also experiencing a massive amount of tomatoes on my vines. What to do with that beautiful crop? How about some scrumptious, fresh, tomato sauce? With the addition of those herbs you are also growing, you can have a super healthy dinner on the table tonight.

When you have gathered all your ripe, luscious tomatoes, wash them and make an “x” at the bottom of the fruit. Put a large pot of water on to boil and drop your tomatoes right in to boil until they just start to look wrinkled. Transfer the tomatoes to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking. The skins will peel right off and then you can squish them with your clean hands into another bowl.

Cut an "x" into each tomato

Ready to Make Some Sauce? Come On, Let’s Do It!

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Peas on Earth

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

My dear friend, Christy, is really changing lives, one pea at a time. With her organization, Peas For Prosperity, not only is she creating the sweetest jewelry (made with black eyed peas), but she is employing the homeless. In my eyes, she is a true saint.

Miller Jackson and her staff at The Mansion on Peachtree have also taken note and feted her last week with a fabulous party in her honor.

The Mansion on Peachtree

Join Me At The Party Inside

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Lunch With Three Sisters

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

A very special celebration is in the works and it involves my good friends at Three Sisters Vineyard & Winery. Last week I traveled up to Dahlonega with my fun friend Terri (you met Terri here) and we lunched with Doug & Sharon Paul. Chef Dairen was on hand to cater and discuss the event with us. Everything was lovely and I just adore being up in the north Georgia mountains – it’s all so serene. As an extra special treat, Sharon took Terri and I on a fabulous tour of some glorious spots on the property. I cannot wait until I can share the details of our upcoming evening with you!

But I can share the details of our lunch together.

A beautiful salad with homemade dressing started the meal.

Salad Course Paired With Fat Boy White

For More Lunch Goodies, Click Here

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One Show Stopping Night

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

Saturday night we attended our third(!!) Secret Supper with Black Tie Barbecue. I am of the opinion that what they do is unlike any secret supper operation in town. The suppers are always at a fresh, fabulous, fun location and the food is incredible. Just when I think they cannot top themselves, they do.

The morning of the supper I received a call from Spencer with the location. This time to be held at Theatrical Outfit, a small, professional theatre downtown. A theatre! Eric and I were both theatre geeks in high school and college, so this was a special treat.

The Ultra Chic Venue

Join Me In The Theatre For A Night Of Fun!

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Chocolate Bread Pudding

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

Good Morning, Darlings!

I was thinking of you all this Saturday morning, and just had to share this dessert I made last night for 7 of us.

Maureen, our dear friend from high school, was in town and I decided on a Taco Bar to welcome her to Atlanta. I cooked all day (what a luxury to putter around in my swell kitchen) and then promptly forgot to take any photos. That’s how much fun we were having.

But, I would love to share the bread pudding recipe with you. It’s from Paula Deen, so you know it is going to be yummy. The recipe says it feeds 10, but I would say at least 12. It’s huge…and rich. Instead of french bread, I used a loaf of brioche…because, you know, it needed more richness. As if. And I made my own whipped cream to top it with.

It was super yummy. And easy. Easy is important. This would be a fabulous dish to bring to a potluck. Trust me on this one.

Miss Paula's Bread Pudding

Chocolate Bread Pudding
courtesy of Miss Paula Deen
Ingredients

  • 1 (1-pound) loaf French or Italian bread, cubed
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup coffee flavored liqueur
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated
  • Whipped cream (optional)

    • Directions
    Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

    Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish and place the bread in the dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, and liqueur. Using another bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder and mix well. Add the sugar mixture to the milk mixture and mix well. Add the vanilla and almond extract, and cinnamon to the beaten eggs. Combine the egg mixture to the milk mixture and mix well.

    Stir the grated chocolate into the mixture. Pour the mixture over the cubed bread in the pan. Let the mixture stand, stirring occasionally for approximately 20 minutes or until bread absorbs most of the milk mixture. Bake pudding for 1 hour or until set. Check pudding by inserting a knife through the middle and it should come out clean.

    Serve the pudding warm, or refrigerate and serve chilled with whipped cream if desired.

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Darlings!

    xoxo, Patti

    Today blogging to Hot Chocolate – You Sexy Thing

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