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 affair…
Chicken Wings with Alabama White Sauce and Grilled Peaches
These chicken wings fly deep into the South where the smokehouse infuses dark hickory flavor, and the BBQ sauce lightens it up with a tangy balance. Spicy and full of chicken flavor, these wings have a smoky finish, and when slathered with a vinegary sauce and paired with grilled peaches, it just … [Read More...]
Black Drum Menuière with Louisiana Crawfish
Drum roll, please! Lightly floured and sautéed to a crispy finish, my Black Drum is topped with a buttery Menuière Sauce infused with Louisiana Crawfish—an easy and delicious recipe. In recent years, black drum has ascended the culinary ladder to become a center-of-the-plate star in its own … [Read More...]
Shrimp and Artichoke Sauté
Take briny Gulf shrimp from the coast of Louisiana, dredge them in seasoned flour, and sauté them ever so gently in butter. Got your attention? That's the introduction to my Shrimp and Artichoke Sauté, an easy one-skillet dish that is sure to become one of your favorite Cajun recipes. Add … [Read More...]
Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers with Maque Choux Sauce
When I saw the bin of ripe green bell peppers at my local farmer's market, I immediately thought of stuffing them. In Cajun country, stuffing sweet peppers with ground anything is a basic Cajun recipe that every home cook knows by heart. Usually it’s a mixture of beef and pork sausage with just … [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...]
Heirloom Tomato Soup
You say tomato, I say soup. It goes without saying that a steaming hot bowl of tomato soup is the ultimate comfort food. You know exactly what I mean--it feels warm and cozy just like that old pair of fur-lined slippers you refuse to throw out (c’mon, admit it). Tomato soup is quite good right out … [Read More...]
Creole Snapper En Papillote
What is it about cooking en papillote (in a paper bag) that seems so civilized and celebratory? Cooking food in parchment paper wrapped tightly to hold in the steam and juices is a mainstream technique that is embraced by many culinary cultures. The Italians have their al cartoccio, but the French … [Read More...]
Blackened Brussels & Kale Salad
Ever since renowned Cajun Chef Paul Prudhomme blackened his first redfish in the 1980s, you would think that all South Louisiana folks burn just about everything they cook. Not so. But just go to any wanna-be Cajun restaurant outside of Louisiana and you’ll see a menu full of these overdone dishes. … [Read More...]
Short Rib Onion Soup: The Best Soup on Earth?
For days after you’ve had this dish, your memory of it will not fade. In vivid detail, you will recall it all: the sweetness of the onions; the rich beef stock; the notes of rosemary and thyme in the pot; the chunks of tender beef short rib that add hearty flavor: the velvet cloak of melted gruyère. … [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...]
Guinness Beef and Mushroom Stew
This hearty beef stew is rich with the umami flavors of mushrooms, beef, dark roux, and Guinness. Yes, Guinness Extra Stout beer. My Guinness Beef and Mushroom Stew is a bowlful of St. Patrick’s Day happiness. I’m green with envy at communities that passionately celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. … [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...]
Crab Claw Sensation
These are well-dressed claws ready for your next party or holiday get-together. Just slide a cracked claw between your teeth and pull away a meaty morsel of crabmeat licked with just the right combination of spicy flavor. Time to create a Crab Claw Sensation! And I’ve found an easy shortcut … [Read More...]
Crawfish Étouffée
Just think of it: Fresh Louisiana crawfish tail meat swimming in a lightly thickened butter sauce infused with spices and aromatics over a mound of white rice. This is the purest expression of Cajun cooking I know and love. It's that time of year, and in case you missed it, here is my … [Read More...]
Catfish Head Stew
On a crisp, cool Friday morning on my way to Eunice, Louisiana, to stock up on my favorite garlic smoked sausage at my friend Kermit Lejeune's smokehouse, I drove past a little market on the highway heading west out of Opelousas. I did not have seafood on my mind, but it was the colorful exterior … [Read More...]