Jam Jars in July
Fresh cherries jam with sweet blueberries as they infuse their juices on a bed of vanilla pound cake in this whimsical Southern dessert. And these Jam Jars couldn’t be easier. They’re Southern, and sweet, and so delicious. Jam jars make me think of all the summers of my life. Tiptoeing barefoot through my backyard with…
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Tangy, spicy, and full of chicken flavor, my Chicken Tortilla Soup is a Mexican soup classic. It brings maximum flavor with minimum effort. For me, soup is a simple dinner meal that delivers flavor and comfort in a bowl. If you’ve spent any time at my Acadiana Table, you no doubt know my love … [Read More...]
A July 4th Tradition: The Bluesiana Burger
The Fourth of July holiday is my favorite family holiday: no last-minute dash for flowers, no arduous trek to the mall for gifts, not even a holiday card. It’s just a leisurely American celebration of family and freedom. And it’s the perfect day to fire up the grill. I’ve always had a hunger for … [Read More...]
Apple Gateau with Calvados Crème Sauce
My Apple Gateau with Calvados Crème Sauce balances tart fruit with sweet creaminess against the delicate crumb of a perfectly baked cake. The French liqueur adds elegance that makes this a special occasion for any dinner. Plus, it's simple to make. If you were to ask me why I love this Apple … [Read More...]
Top 12 Legendary Lafayette Restaurants
Celebrating the local restaurant scene in Lafayette has been an annual affair ever since the local tourist bureau created the summer-long Eat Lafayette ad campaign. A project of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission and tourism head Ben Berthelot, it is a way to highlight the homegrown … [Read More...]
Potato and Brussels Soup
Potato soup is friendly and familiar—just like that old high-school BFF that visits once a year. The recipe has become a comfortable (and predictable) interpretation of a thick and creamy bowl of pulverized potatoes loaded up with cheese. And yes, I love it as much as you do. But with my Potato and … [Read More...]
Top 10 Favorite Sandwiches and How To Make Them
A simple sandwich just hits the spot. But one thing that’s not simple is making a choice among all my favorites. If you’ve been a part of my Acadiana Table for some time, you no doubt understand my pursuit of the perfect sandwich—so many sandwiches, so little time. So here’s a list of my Top 10 … [Read More...]
Boiled Crabs at Randol’s Dancehall
This weekend, when I saw the flashing sign announcing "BOILED CRABS" in big, bold letters outside Randol's restaurant, I knew that things were heating up in South Louisiana, and I'm not talking about the weather. Propane burners and stovetop boiling pots are firing up as crab season ushers in on the … [Read More...]
Chilled Seafood Salad with Two Dressings
Ice-cold shrimp and chilled lump crabmeat need nothing more than a tasty dressing or two to complete a casual springtime meal. And my recipe for Chilled Seafood Salad with Two Dressings keeps it simple and light—two ingredients for an easy dinner. Anytime Roxanne and I visit Biloxi, … [Read More...]
24-Carrot Puréed Gold: Carrot Ginger Soup
You might approach your first spoonful of this Carrot Ginger Soup with a bit of culinary doubt, but trust me. When the flavors explode on your tongue, you’ll be back for a second, third, fourth, well, you get the message. And you’ll be getting compliments galore from family and friends. And I … [Read More...]
Lemon Thyme Chicken Breast with Cauliflower Mash
Lighten up with my Lemon Thyme Chicken Breast with Cauliflower Mash. This boneless, skinless breast of chicken is flavor-filled, herb-infused, and laced with a delicate lemon thyme cream reduction. It’s baked, broiled, and sauced to perfection. It’s Spring in the South. And it’s time to turn … [Read More...]
Pulled Pork Tacos with Creole Crema
For Cinco de Mayo, South of the border meets South Louisiana in this Pulled Pork Tacos with Creole Crema--a taco taste sensation. I love how the citrus flavors of the orange-brined pork shoulder are elevated by the spike of jalapeños and Cajun seasoning that work so deliciously with farm-fresh … [Read More...]
Crawfish 101
Louisiana's crawfish season is in full swing, and no doubt, folks are coming to town to belly up to a table full of boiled crawfish for the first time. My daughter Lauren's friend Gunner from Los Angeles recently visited us, and he couldn't wait to taste his first boiled crawfish. I gave him a list … [Read More...]
Seafood Bisque
With its creamy depth of seafood flavor accented by white wine and the rich flavor of artichoke hearts, my Seafood Bisque is a rich and decadent Louisiana dish that is as historical as it is delicious. This Seafood Bisque is what I like to call “Haute Creole.” It’s a classic, time-honored, … [Read More...]
Cheese-Crust Shrimp and Mushroom Pizza
This carb-friendly Cheese-Crust Shrimp and Mushroom Pizza is the best thing since sliced you-know-what. The crackle of the cheddar crust is the first signal that this is no ordinary pizza dough. As the ooze of the melted mozzarella cloaks the earthy and ocean combo of Gulf shrimp and button … [Read More...]
Redfish Sauce Piquante
Diving deep into a bowl of Redfish Sauce Piquante is an exploration of the spicy side of Louisiana’s culinary culture. It is a saucy and richly flavored dish that doesn’t hold back on taste. This recipe delivers a heavy wallop of deliciousness in a Magnalite pot. My friend Lee Robicheaux grew … [Read More...]