Crawfish 101
Louisiana’s crawfish season is in full swing, and no doubt, folks are coming to town to belly up to a table full of boiled crawfish for the first time. My daughter Lauren’s friend Gunner from Los Angeles recently visited us, and he couldn’t wait to taste his first boiled crawfish. I gave him a list…
Seafood Bisque
With its creamy depth of seafood flavor accented by white wine and the rich flavor of artichoke hearts, my Seafood Bisque is a rich and decadent Louisiana dish that is as historical as it is delicious. This Seafood Bisque is what I like to call “Haute Creole.” It’s a classic, time-honored, … [Read More...]
Cheese-Crust Shrimp and Mushroom Pizza
This carb-friendly Cheese-Crust Shrimp and Mushroom Pizza is the best thing since sliced you-know-what. The crackle of the cheddar crust is the first signal that this is no ordinary pizza dough. As the ooze of the melted mozzarella cloaks the earthy and ocean combo of Gulf shrimp and button … [Read More...]
Redfish Sauce Piquante
Diving deep into a bowl of Redfish Sauce Piquante is an exploration of the spicy side of Louisiana’s culinary culture. It is a saucy and richly flavored dish that doesn’t hold back on taste. This recipe delivers a heavy wallop of deliciousness in a Magnalite pot. My friend Lee Robicheaux grew … [Read More...]
Asparagus Soup
The delicate flavor of asparagus makes a bold statement when cooked down into a soul-satisfying bowl of Asparagus Soup. It’s a fresh taste of spring in a bowl. Asparagus is a mainstay in my kitchen, and I use it in so many creative ways. Roasted, grilled, and steamed are obvious, but when we … [Read More...]
Hot Cajun Shrimp Dip
A culinary crowd pleaser, this Hot Cajun Shrimp Dip hits you with a double-barrel shot of shrimp flavor and spicy heat along with a comforting creaminess that is hard to resist. And I will admit this is a spicy concoction, but I leave the level of intensity to your taste buds by holding back … [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...]
5-Bean Kale Soup
Winter isn't over yet, and the first spoonful from a steaming bowl of my 5-Bean Kale Soup is enough to warm you up. With the smokiness of ham and bacon as the backdrop for the herbs and spices, these beans are packed with soul-satisfying flavor. Winter weather in South Louisiana is synonymous … [Read More...]
Whole Braised Oxtail with Pepper Jelly Glaze
Painted with a sweet and spicy glaze, and braised in a dark cauldron of flavor, my Whole Braised Oxtail with Pepper Jelly Glaze will fire up your taste buds with fork-tender beefiness. Meat close to the bone is my all-time favorite, and I’ve written much about them all—pork neckbones, smoked … [Read More...]
It’s That Time of Year – Boudin King Cake
Year after year, my Boudin King Cake is the top Mardi Gras recipe on Acadiana Table. And could this Boudin King Cake recipe be easier? Well, actually it could if we did a 1-minute video to demonstrate how simple it is. Take a look and then scroll down for all the details. There are many great … [Read More...]
Pulled Pork Sandwich on Sweet Potato Waffle
This creative, open-face sandwich is piled high with flavor. If a mound of fall-apart tender pulled pork weren’t reason enough to come to the table, then layer the pork atop a piping hot sweet potato waffle crowned with tangy Southern slaw. Pass the sauce and start soppin’ up this delicious Pulled … [Read More...]
Cajun Pig Roast (Cochon de Lait)
Fall-apart tender Roast Pig with a layer of crackling skin competes on the platter with a double helping of Paella Rice and Creole Smothered Green Beans. This dish is the iconic cochon de lait, a Cajun culinary event that is full of flavor and French tradition. Communal gatherings centered on … [Read More...]
Potato and Broccoli Soup
This Potato and Broccoli Soup is easy, cheesy, creamy, dreamy, and just about the most delicious bowl around. If you’ve ever made mashed potatoes, you’re half way to one of the tastiest soups. All we’re doing here is adding aromatics, spices, chicken stock, and cream, oh, and broccoli. Yeah, … [Read More...]
Charred Brussels Au Gratin
Creamy, cheesy, smoky, bacony—there aren’t enough words to describe your first bite of this Charred Brussels Au Gratin, but that’s okay; you won’t be talking anyway. I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Brussels sprouts are the most versatile vegetable in your recipe arsenal. Baked, … [Read More...]
Short Rib Onion Soup: The Best Soup on Earth?
For days after you’ve had this dish, your memory of it will not fade. In vivid detail, you will recall it all: the sweetness of the onions; the rich beef stock; the notes of rosemary and thyme in the pot; the chunks of tender beef short rib that add hearty flavor: the velvet cloak of melted gruyère. … [Read More...]
Wild Duck Gumbo
The bold flavors of wild duck and smoked pork sausage overwhelm your taste buds when you dive into this soul-satisfying bowl of dark Cajun roux-infused Wild Duck Gumbo—a South Louisiana specialty. I’ve heard statistics that support my contention that in Louisiana, more men cook per capita … [Read More...]