Lunch with award-winning chef Scott Peacock
Update: I am now on Twitter! I will start using it very soon.
Scott Peacock is an award-winning chef who has appeared on my television show sharing some of his famous Southern recipes. Scott grew up in Alabama and went on to study classic French cooking. He was working as the chef in the Georgia’s Governor Mansion when he met the late Edna Lewis, who was considered by many to be the Grand Dame of Southern cuisine. The two became great friends and it wasn’t long before Scott returned to his Southern roots. He and Miss Lewis researched the history of Southern cooking and founded the Society for the Revival and Preservation of Southern Food. And together they wrote ‘The Gift of Southern Cooking: Recipes and Revelations from Two Great American Cooks.’ Sadly, Edna Lewis passed away in 2006 at the ripe old age of 89.
Today, Scott Peacock is the executive chef at his Watershed Restaurant in Decatur, Georgia. Whenever I breeze through Georgia, I make a concerted effort to go there because Scott’s cooking is so fresh and so satisfying. And I was especially pleased when he agreed to meet us at the Georgia Aquarium to prepare one of his wonderfully delicious meals. Enjoy these photos of a real master of Southern cuisine. I’m also linking to Scott’s recipe for pimento cheese and a video clip of him making his famous pan-fried chicken.
Scott Peacock making his famous fried chicken!
Looks delicious! But I am not sure this is the type of food one should be eating for the Body&Soul challenge. However, you always manage to keep your shape and look great. Wish I was that lucky!
Posted by: Florence | February 19th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
Hi Martha, You have the most fantastic friends from all walks of life. I really enjoy meeting and learning about each and everyone of them through your blog and TV show. You have expanded my knowledge about famous chefs, crafters, gardeners, authors, musicans, artists and the list goes on and on. This blog about Scott Peacock is truly fantastic. Not only is he a handsome fellow, but his food looks absolutely delicious. Yummmmmm again!!! Can't wait for the next blog. I learn something new every day from your blog, TV show and magazines. You really make my day in the most positive, informative and fun way. Thanks again for all you do for all of us. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | February 19th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
I'm from the south and it's nice to see chef's putting good southern food in the forefront.
Posted by: Jenna Lang | February 19th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Martha
I could use some good southern cooking about now it's only 12545 AM but country cooking is good anytime. The food looks mouth watering! Lucky you I think yuu are to spoiled really all these talented chefs cooking for you move over and share please!
I followed you to Myspace then Facebook and to your Community then The Martha Blog and now to Twitter do I get Martha frequent follower miles points for Martha devotion by any chance or cookie points?
After reading about Twitter I still don't know what to do so HELP !!!!!
I know you haven't started using it yet but when you do please HELP. I don't DO text messaging or mobile phone email,I don't own a lap top, camera cell phone, Iphone an Ipod or a Blackberry, I guess I am a real SQUARE so I will just TWITTER away until you post your next blog of course ~
YO Martha!!! (see I can be hip)
Enjoy your weekend
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam From California | February 19th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
pecan sandies, I used to have walnut sandies could we please get the recipe please and what are collard greens please?
It is so interesting to try other countries food, thanks Martha.
Regards,
Robyn
Posted by: Robyn - Aussie girl | February 20th, 2009 at 2:38 am
My South Carolina grandma made excellent pan-fried chicken and I learned from watching her. She used lard, but never as much as Scott shows; I think his is sort of half-deep-fried chicken. Otherwise her method was similar. I'm going to try the cornstarch to see if it adds crispness.
Fried chicken is a special occasion food nowadays. And even when my grandmother made it frequently, we knew it was special then!
Posted by: Charlotte K | February 20th, 2009 at 2:56 am
Martha,
The new haircut is excellent. Scott is a great guy. I am so happy you featured his pimento cheese. Most of my New England friends have never had it. It's the best stuff in the world.
Chad
Posted by: Chad | February 20th, 2009 at 4:33 am
Hi Martha,
Scott's chicken does look delicious; I guess the key is to not eat too much of it. I notice he is pretty slim and so are you. My mother used to use lard years ago and her chicken always tasted great. I think I would like to try Scott’s method of soaking his chicken in water and then milk. I’ve seen that method on your previous show too.
When I saw you were on Twitter, I went right over and signed up and read your update this morning. (Yes, don’t forget your camera!) The weather down here is great, not too hot in the 70s, low 51s-59s; you should enjoy a nice breeze near the water. There are a few isolated showers forecast but they usually don’t last long. Enjoy your visit to South Beach; maybe I’ll come down and ‘stalk’ you! Actually, I think the tickets are sold out for the tasting event. I would love to taste your dish now that the right grainy mustard has been purchased! That was a cute article. See you on Twitter and enjoy your Florida visit and dinner with Emeril. Trish
Posted by: Trish | February 20th, 2009 at 5:49 am
Nice blog.
It is always nice to read about people who have a passions and exceed with them. It is especially touching when they can do this by going back to their roots.
Scott Peacock is a prize!
I have to ditto Pam. I am afraid if I spent my working hours with all the interactions the new internet media provides I would not only a sorry work record but worse the work would not be done.
Posted by: Margie | February 20th, 2009 at 6:55 am
Everything looks soooo gooood! It's cold and blustery again today (winds 20-30 mph) and I can't seem to get enough to eat today (and it's not even lunchtime yet)! Chef Peacock's menu would definitely provide those comfort foods that would help to warm me and fill up my tummy! My picks would definitely be some pimento cheese, tomato soup, and the sweet potato puree. MmmmHmm! Yes, indeed!...oh, and a biscuit or two...
Here I go, to take a look at Scott's recipe for pimento cheese...
=^..^=
"Friendship is a living thing that lasts only as long as it is nourished with kindness, sympathy, and understanding."--Anonymous
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | February 20th, 2009 at 7:15 am
Dear Martha,
We enjoyed listening to you talk last night at the 92nd St. Y. You are looking better than ever and your zest for life is contagious!
I was somewhat touched to hear you say that at this point in your life the difference between the private Martha and the public Martha has disappeared. It must have been quite a sacrifice to give up your privacy but I for one enjoy living vicariously through you, and as a New Yorker I love being able to visit the places you recommend!
Posted by: Mario | February 20th, 2009 at 7:39 am
My husband love fried chicken wings. I think I will try this with wings only
Posted by: Lisa Kirchner | February 20th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Oh the chicken looks so yummy! I love the blog Martha!!
Posted by: Anne Haynes | February 20th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Watershed is one of my favorite places in the world. I live in NYC now, but grew up in Atlanta and my mom now lives within walking distance to Watershed. It is my absolute favorite brunch place in the world. Now I'm hungry and homesick, not a good combo!
Posted by: Amy@OldSweetSong | February 20th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Martha
I figured out Twitter now and invited friends.
OK what's next on your list? Where are we going? I am EXHAUSTED following you I need a GPS system attached at my hip to keep up with you.
Have a safe trip to FL.
Pam from California
P.S I am napping now to preserve my energy. Will we join Pulse have you heard of it?
Signed" POOPED OUT in California
Posted by: Pam From California | February 20th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Hi Martha,
So glad you blogged about Scott Peacock. I first saw him on your show and liked him (and his style) immediately...even though I just know MY fried chicken is at least as good as his. Hee Hee!
Posted by: tinay | February 20th, 2009 at 9:37 am
What a charming guy Scott is. It's very yucky and cold here in Chicago so his food would really hit the spot right now.
Aha! so now you're sending out tweets? Very cool! I'm following along and think it would be funny if Francesca and Sharkey sent out some tweets here and there too!
Posted by: Sonya | February 20th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Hello Martha,
Mmmmmmmm good...collard green's, pan fried chicken and sweet potato puree! Looks like a well rounded dinner.
I just looked at twitter and you wrote "just landed" (2 minutes ago). I don't know much about twitter yet but I look forward to learning.
Enjoy your trip and take lots of photos! Ooooops! I don't think I need to tell you to take lots of photos...right?!
~Gloria
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, Maine | February 20th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Dear Martha,
I enjoy reading your blog from time to time, but I cannot watch the videos anymore. The message that appears says that the video is not available in my country or domain. I am in British Columbia. Must I be in the US to watch them?
thanks
Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Jungwirth | February 20th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
For some reason my computer tells me that the video is not available in my domain.....what on earth that means, I'm not sure.
Great to see the photos anyway
Posted by: Tamara | February 20th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Hi Martha,
Welcome to Twitter! Looking forward to your tweets!
We were in the front row of Conan's show on Feb 18th for your surprise visit. You looked great! Loved what you brought Conan!
It was great to be at one of his last shows in NY and fantastic to see you as a guest, and to top it off, he gave us a piece of the set at the end of the show!
Just wanted to tell you that you're now part of one of my favorite memories!
Sandy
Posted by: Sandra Lira | February 21st, 2009 at 11:15 am
Living here in Atlanta and only about 2 miles from Watershed, we eat there often. The fried chicken is so good and burgers too, but the chocolate cake is legendary!
Posted by: Sherrelle Kirkland-Andrews | February 23rd, 2009 at 6:20 am
Ok, I am so jealous and just amazed! You are constantly surrounded by great food, great chefs, and really interesting people all around! How do you attract all of the right people? Are there just a plethora to choose from? I mean, honestly, your ability to find fresh faces and tastes, over and over again, is truly incredible! LOVE IT!
Posted by: LAL | February 25th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
What a great surprise! I enjoy Scott's recipes so much. This was a very nice post.
Posted by: Bread and Jam | March 1st, 2009 at 2:41 pm