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…
Orzo, Shrimp and Kale Salad
More and more, I see orzo pasta showing up on the Acadiana table of folks who didn’t even know it existed a few years ago. Cajun and Creole home cooks are a stubborn bunch who hold to Cajun recipe tradition more so than most cultures. But in my Orzo, Shrimp and Kale Salad recipe, this ingredient … [Read More...]
Baked Eggs in Tasso Cream features Savoie’s Smoked Tasso
Oven-baked eggs oozing their liquid sunshine and swimming in a sea of smoked tasso-infused cream is a thing of beauty and taste. I’ve made this easy breakfast dish for years, and it still astounds me how flavorful and straightforward this Baked Eggs in Tasso Cream recipe is. In my travels … [Read More...]
Louisiana Seafood Salad with Creole Citrus Vinaigrette
It's Memorial Day and time to dine on the water, and it doesn't get any fresher than this: Gulf shrimp and lump crabmeat combine with a zesty Creole dressing in this light Louisiana Seafood Salad with fresh coastal flavors. And it's easy with this simple recipe. With the summer vacation … [Read More...]
Coffee-Rubbed Short Rib Burger
Fire up the backyard grill for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend; it's time for a classic hamburger. With my recipe for a Short Rib Burger featuring a spicy seasoning with Louisiana coffee, I am out to create a new classic burger. I've done it before, and it's high time to do it again. It’s … [Read More...]
Salt-Encrusted Red Snapper
A little-known fact is that coastal southwest Louisiana right along the southern portion of Acadiana is built on a series of natural salt domes. Avery Island (home of Tabasco), Jefferson Island and Weeks Island are all built atop geological caverns that house salt formations. Over the past century, … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Perfect Herb-Roasted Chicken
Roasting a whole chicken is as basic to French Acadian cooking as it is to French Provencal cooking. Although the spice blends vary and most Louisianans would be stumped at the thought of trussing a bird, the two cultures still elevate the lowly poulet to a stellar dish. It seems these days … [Read More...]
Fig-Glazed Double-Cut Stuffed Pork Chop with Andouille Rice
A stuffed pork chop with sausage or any number of different spice-infused stuffing mixtures is a Cajun recipe that has grown in popularity. Back in the 1970s and 80s the Veron family opened a market in Lafayette that catered to local tastes with an emphasis on specialty meats. Fresh sausage was a … [Read More...]
Tomato Cheese Tart
One bite of the flaky piecrust infused with herbs and cheeses and topped deliciously with ripe heirloom tomatoes will unlock your taste buds and send them to that delicious culinary hiding place in your brain. You know where I mean, and you know that you don’t visit that place as often as you like, … [Read More...]
Catfish Creole – The Quick and Easy Way
The blast of flavor from Atchafalaya Basin wild-caught catfish fillets bathed in a spicy red tomato gravy defines this classic Catfish Creole, an iconic Louisiana dish. But this recipe takes a few time-saving shortcuts to arrive at a delicious destination. From time to time, I receive comments … [Read More...]
Fried Softshell Shrimp
Just think about it: A pile of hot, crispy Gulf softshell shrimp, just out of the fry pot, placed in front of you. The whole shrimp--head, tail, body, legs, and antenna—is breaded and deep-fried golden brown. They’re crispy and delicious. Hands down, Fried Softshell Shrimp is a culinary … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Shrimp and Okra Gumbo
Just last week I was telling a good friend that I had plans to make Shrimp and Okra Gumbo for the weekend. Without hesitation, she asked, "Cajun gumbo or Creole gumbo?" Oh, here I go again. After a 10-minute explanation, I could see my friend regretted even asking the question. But, it is a … [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...]
Sheepshead Sauce Piquante
Simmered down in a spicy tomato-based sauce, the tender fillets of fish take on the exotic flavors of a classic Cajun specialty—Sheepshead Sauce Piquante. So what’s a sheepshead, you might ask? Unless you are an experienced coastal fisherman along the shores of Louisiana, you may not have run … [Read More...]