This issue, Southern Twist Restaurant in Ellijay offers some of their recipes for our readers. We were truly blown away by the amazing flavors and, most importantly, the freshness of their food. Owners James Head and Vicky Chastain both grew up on southern food and wanted to bring those country traditions to their customers, but they also wanted to bring their own spin to the food. Everything (and we mean everything) is made from scratch. There is no canned or powdered food here and either James or Vicky is always at the restaurant to make sure their customers are happy. Piping hot biscuits, crispy fried chicken and melt-in-your-mouth barbecue burgers are all made to order three meals a day, seven days a week (except for dinner on Sunday). Along with the dining area, Southern Twist also offers bar seating and their new comedy club section, located next door. The first comedy club in north Georgia, Southern Twist has a variety of entertainment—Karaoke Monday, a Beatle/Elvis tribute band, hired comedians, and entertainment by local musicians and touring bands. Dinner and the show are included and reservations are recommended. For a show schedule, call (706) 273-1631 or like Southern Twist on Facebook for updates.

Southern Twisted Biscuits

James makes these made-from-scratch delicacies himself. Paired with gravy, they make breakfast fit for a true southerner.

4 c. all-purpose flour

5 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

4 tbs. butter

4 tbs. shortening

2 c. buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Cut butter and shortening into dry mix until crumbly. Add buttermilk and vanilla. Mix until dough is formed (It will be sticky). Roll out onto floured surface about 1 inch thick. Cut with a 2 inch cutter. Place on a baking sheet so each biscuit is touching. Bake at 450° F for 15 to 20 minutes until biscuits are golden brown. Brush with melted butter.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Another southern favorite, these tomatoes are the perfect mix between crispy and soft. If you want to impress, serve with a side of pinto beans and collard greens.

4 green tomatoes, sliced

2 eggs

½ c. milk

1 c. all-purpose flour

1 c. cornmeal

2 tbs. salt

¼ tbs. black pepper

2 tbs. garlic powder

½ tsp. paprika

¼ c. vegetable oil

Slice tomatoes ½ inch thick and set aside. Mix eggs and milk in a medium bowl. Scoop flour onto a plate and set aside. Mix remaining dry ingredients with cornmeal and spread onto another plate. Roll each tomato in flour, then dip in egg mixture, then roll in cornmeal mix. In a large skillet, preheat the vegetable oil. Add coated tomatoes. Do not let them touch. When brown, flip and brown other side. Drain on paper towels.

Fried Gator Tails

We weren't sure about this, but James assures us that it is possible to find alligator meat in the north Georgia mountains. If you decide to try them at Southern Twist instead of wrestling your own gator, they are delicious and worth trying just so you can say you did.

2 lbs. alligator tail chunks

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. black pepper

¼ tsp. garlic powder

¼ c. powdered milk

½ c. flour

2 ¼ c. cornmeal

Heat fryer to 400°F. Salt and pepper the gator tail chunks. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl. Roll gator tails in mixture and deep fry 3 to 5 minutes until brown. Be careful not to overcook. Serve with twisted ranch (homemade from Southern Twist) or your favorite dressing.

Twisted BBQ Burger

Made with real Angus beef, this sandwich is one of the most spectacular barbecue dishes ever made. If you get a chance to go to Southern Twist, take a friend and get them to order the Blue Cheese-Chicken variation of this meal (which is our publisher's favorite) so you can each try both.

7 inch thin crust pizza dough

1 tsp. garlic butter (melted)

1/8 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

4 tbs. Southern Twisted BBQ sauce (recipe provided)

6 ½ oz. ground beef

Coat pizza dough with garlic butter and mozzarella cheese. Bake in a brick oven until dough is golden brown and cheese is melted. Brown ground beef and chop into pieces. Add a little twisted sauce while browning for extra flavor. Cut prepared crust in half. Put 2 tbs. of twisted BBQ sauce on each half. Spread one half with cooked ground beef and place other half on top, sauce side down. Cut sandwich in half and serve with lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion.

Southern Twisted BBQ Sauce

Paired with barbecue or brushed on ribs, this sauce is tangy and sweet without overpowering the meat.

1 c. ketchup

½ c. maple syrup

¼ c. olive oil

¼ c. Worcestershire sauce

2 tbs. cider vinegar

4 tbs. mustard

2 tbs. garlic salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Use as a dip or sauce for barbecue.