Fresh blueberries rock my world. And when jammin’ with sweet basil and stuffed inside a crispy pastry, I just can’t get enough. I can assure you this Blueberry Basil Pastry will rock your world, too. You might call these turnovers, tarts, or even a hot pocket, but by any name, they are the perfect breakfast…
Strawberry Muffins
Scratch-baking a batch of strawberry muffins sounds like a lot of work for a fruit that is so easily consumed simply piled high atop a scoop of ice cream or morning bowl of cereal, but there is a reason. When baked, Louisiana strawberries take on a deeper and richer taste–a syrupy sweet depth of flavor. …
Sweet and Simple: Gateau Sirop
Nothing could be more pure and simple than a slice of Gateau Sirop—a Cajun syrup cake. This spiced, dark cake oozing with sugarcane is a rich pastry that home cooks nonchalantly describe as an “everyday” cake. This classic dessert is built on sugarcane, one of the essential ingredients of Acadiana, and Steen’s brand cane syrup…
Les Oreilles De Cochon – Pig’s Ear Pastry
I love hometown cookbooks. You know the kind I’m talking about. Not the glossy, full color, celebrity chef-endorsed titles that scream from the shelf of the big box bookstores. No, these are the quiet, little regional books–usually comb-bound with no photographs–tucked neatly in rows far from the main displays. These are the cookbooks that define…
Rum-Soaked Coconut Bread Pudding
Recipe inspiration can come from just about anywhere at any time. A long, lazy Saturday with family and friends by the pool sipping frozen pina coladas and chowing on cheeseburgers doesn’t always spark an idea. But, a stack of leftover hamburger buns, an unopened can of pina colada mix and a half spent bottle of…
Watermelon Bread
Watermelon stands lining the side of the rural parish roads are an especially Southern thing. Truckloads begin arriving as the temperature soars, and there is no better way to cool down than a slice of ice-cold watermelon on the back porch steps. Or maybe there is: Watermelon Bread – hot out of the oven. I’ve…
Strawberry Shortcake Jars
In the South, strawberry shortcake and the 4th of July just go hand-in-hand. There’s no better way to top off a backyard holiday barbecue than with fresh seasonal fruit topped with whipped cream. These Strawberry Shortcake Jars are the simplest recipe that delivers crowd-pleasing results every time. So, how can we improve upon perfection? I grew…
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 Gateau with Calvados…
Bourbon Pecan Pie
With its deep dark syrup set in a custard base, the smoky bourbon and molasses bring flavor to the scent of toasted pecans in this iconic Bourbon Pecan Pie. I was recently asked what the most popular sweet dessert in Louisiana is, and as usual, I began to complicate the answer with questions of my…
Lemon Meringue Pie
With a tart lemon custard, a slice of my Lemon Meringue Pie will make your mouth pucker and smile. It is a classic Southern dessert that is as easy to make as delicious. But first, a slice of history. This Deep South dish was invented in England by George Fox, founder of the Quakers during…