For a born and fed bayou boy like me, eating light in the summer makes up for the countless pounds of boiled crawfish I consumed this spring. And it gives me pause for the endless bowls of gumbo to come this fall. That’s why today’s fresh Salmon and Shrimp Salad featuring poached salmon and sautéed…
Nature’s Canvas: Spring Harvest Salad with Creole Mustard Vinaigrette
This eye-popping salad is not a recipe, but rather an individual work of art that expresses your own creative interpretation of springtime. It is as delicious to eat as it is beautiful to look at. And with fresh greens, herbs, vegetables, and Gulf shrimp layered into an edible canvas painted with a tangy Creole mustard…
A Slice of Spring: Heirloom Tomato Sandwich on Sourdough with Garlic Aioli
With the crisp snap of the first bite of grilled sourdough, I can taste the dual combination of smooth goat cheese, and creamy garlic aioli as the intense juice of the heirloom tomato flows over my tongue. My taste receptors are in overdrive as the flavors meld together into my Heirloom Tomato Sandwich on Sourdough with Garlic…
Finally, An All-Vegetable Recipe With Meaty Flavor
Listen up: Vegetables take center stage in this Portobello and Arugula Salad with Fried Okra Croutons. Soaked with intense flavor, pan-sautéed to perfection, and combined with fresh herbs, heirloom tomatoes, and a drizzle of pecan oil vinaigrette, these mushrooms are elevated to the center-of-the-plate star attraction. What could be better? Crown the platter with crispy…
The Freshest (and easiest) Sandwich Idea
So, what exactly is a tartine? By definition, it’s a French open-faced sandwich with sweet or savory ingredients. A rather fancy little word that conjures up snooty French folks taking dainty bites in between sips of their French 75. Not exactly down-home Cajun fare is it? Well, I beg to differ. This Radish and Goat…
Cajun Rice Bowl with Griddled Shrimp
Brown rice isn’t my thing, but my daughter Lo (remember, she moved to La La Land) recently teamed up with Roxanne to add a healthier regimen to my Acadiana Table. Ok, so roasted pork belly, bacon-wrapped meat loaf, and boudin gravy need to be brought into balance with a few healthy choices; although I don’t…
Duck and Brie Pizza
The perfect pizza has been a lifelong quest. Across the world and closer to home, I’ve visited the acclaimed chefs and prowled the back alley dives for just one bite of the perfect pie. I’m not talking about your typical red sauce-laden, mozzarella-coated, pepperoni-dotted New York pizza or even your deep-dish, lasagna-like Chicago version. No,…
Crab and Avocado Napoleon with Spicy Citrus Salsa and Creole Green Goddess
More and more these days, I’m seeing traditional South Louisiana restaurants serving Cajun and Creole dishes with plate presentation techniques that impress. The days of a sprig of parsley and wedge of lemon are over. Simple things: a swish of sauce, a cedar plank fish, a scooped-out bread bowl, or even a “Frenched” bone exposed…
Mustard Quail Egg Potato Salad
In South Louisiana, you won’t find a fish fry, backyard barbecue, or even a steaming bowl of gumbo that doesn’t have a scoop of potato salad at the ready. It’s a Southern thing, and a familiar down-home southern Louisiana preparation is a mustard-infused potato salad. While this ubiquitous dish is expected and accepted, it is…
Cajun-Spiced Lettuce Cups with Vidalia Onion Relish
I must confess that, like many of you, I always start the year off with a goal of eating lighter, but living in Acadiana–ground zero for the most amazing food culture in America–it is a daunting task. So today I am offering a compromise of sorts: These Cajun-Spiced Lettuce Cups deliver on the spicy Cajun…