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 Brussels Soup…
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…
Salmon and Shrimp Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette
Today’s fresh Salmon and Shrimp Salad featuring poached salmon and sautéed shrimp dressed lightly with a tart grapefruit vinaigrette is perfectly timed for summer. Like many culinary-focused Southern Louisianans, I enjoy delicious ingredients even if they are not locally sourced. Salmon is one of those. But in Southern California, having access to the best of…
Crawfish Baked Potato
I know many of you will agree that nothing goes better with a thick, juicy steak than a baked potato. I’ve been to the fanciest steakhouses in all the land and when it comes to the perfect side dish, I’ll order a baked potato–loaded, for sure–every time. Oh, I’ve tried the creamed spinach, the frou-frou…
Fire-Roasted Red Pepper Pimento Cheese
In the Deep South, pimento cheese is the mortar that holds society together. Whether sandwiched between two slices of white bread or elegantly stuffed in a stalk of celery, no Southerner worth his salt would be without a basic pimento cheese recipe. And my recipe for Red Pepper Pimento Cheese ups the ante with Creole…
Cream of Cauliflower, Garlic and Fennel Soup with Goat Cheese Crouton
These days, home cooks are moving toward freshly prepared, light, and healthy dishes. However, Louisiana cooks don’t always follow conventional wisdom. This time of year, you are just as likely to see a hearty etouffée or a platter of steak, rice, and gravy on the dinner table. But with my Cream of Cauliflower Soup, you can…
Gumbo Z’herbes
The heady aroma of fresh greens (collards, spinach, chard, and kale, to name a few) simmering on a stovetop is heavenly. And with just one bowl of this roux-infused Gumbo Z’herbes, you’re praying for a second helping. As in most culinary cultures, religion has an impact on the dishes of South Louisiana with gumbo z’herbes…
Cajun Cabbage Casserole
Just in time for your New Years’ menu planning, this meaty side dish keys on the flavor of cabbage smothered down in a smoky, spicy casserole. Unlike any cabbage dish you’ve tasted before, this one will call you back for seconds. Cabbage plays a popular role in Cajun and Creole cooking with an endless variety…
Griddled Eggplant with Meyer Lemon Parsley Vinaigrette
For all you vegetarians out there (yes, both of you), I have an easy recipe for griddled eggplant on today’s Acadiana Table that will rock your world. Now, for the rest of us this dish is just as good as a side accompaniment for a grilled pork chop or even a before dinner appetizer. It…
Mirliton Dressing
This flavorful casserole featuring pork and beef combined with mirliton squash does double duty as either an entrée worthy of the center of the table or a buffet side dish. This perfectly balanced combination has just the right level of aromatics, herbs, and spices to bring your guests back for another spoonful. Mirliton is an…