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…
Stuffed Goo-Gootz
At the first hint of cool weather, cucuzza squash starts showing up at the farmer’s markets and produce stands around Acadiana. Some folks are unfamiliar with this elongated green squash variety, but those in the know look forward to it every autumn season. Time for a Stuffed Goo-Gootz. For most of us, cucuzza is pronounced…
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 recipe. But…
Louisiana Shrimp Creole
Paul Prudhomme, the legendary chef most responsible for the worldwide popularity of Cajun and Creole cuisine, passed away in 2015. In tribute to him, this shrimp Creole recipe and story celebrates his legacy that lives on in the black iron pots of our precious foodways he so dearly loved and helped preserve. All hail, Chef…
Pan Seared Grouper with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice
Lightly pan seared in coconut oil and served over a bed of jasmine rice perfumed with freshly grated coconut, this Grouper with Mango Salsa is an island recipe that brings back memories of a time long ago. Ask my daughter Lauren, and she will tell you the best family vacation she’s ever taken was to…