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…
Cane-Brined Roast Turkey
I love turkey. It is dependable, versatile, affordable, and delicious cooked in so many great Cajun and Creole interpretations. But for many cooks, a turkey sandwich is about as close as they get to the bird all year long. And anxiety sets in as the calendar rolls around to September, October, … [Read More...]
Louisiana Oyster Loaf
With one bite of this classic New Orleans recipe - Louisiana Oyster Loaf - I am transported back to a long ago time when simplicity reigned in Creole cooking. It is a basic recipe that elevates Louisiana oysters to spiritual heights. For a born and bred Louisiana boy, I was raised that … [Read More...]
Tomahawk Ribeye
Now and then, I must seek out the thickest cut of beef I can find for a manly meal. It is a primal urge. Cooking steaks portioned in gargantuan slabs are not really about the quantity of the meat, but rather it is all about the quality of the outcome. Let me explain. Over the years of trial … [Read More...]
Creole Stuffed Turkey Wings
The rich Creole history of South Louisiana is a beautiful mixture of heritage and customs that have become an essential ingredient of the cultural gumbo of Acadiana. Time-honored Creole traditions of Zydeco music, the Acadian horse culture, and the delicious recipes handed down through generations … [Read More...]
Catfish Courtbouillon
My Cajun recipe for Catfish Courtbouillon uses a pungent seafood stock (I make mine from dried shrimp) and the addition of a couple of spoonfuls of dark roux. Rather than the red gravy Creole version, in this Cajun recipe for courtbouillon I use a light hand on the tomatoes favoring canned diced … [Read More...]
Shredded Short Rib Sandwich
Every now and then you run into a dish that is the proverbial showstopper. It’s as if spotlights are shining down on the plate and the paparazzi are clicking away to get a shot from every angle. With this Shredded Short Rib Sandwich, a star is born. The inspiration for this Shredded Short Rib … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Smoked Green Onion Sausage and Creole Red Onions featuring Savoie’s Sausage
There is an area just west of Lafayette, Louisiana that is known for its German heritage. Roberts Cove is at the center of it, and it is home to a long lineage of German immigrants who settled the Acadiana prairie in 1880. This was a little over a century after the French Acadians found their way … [Read More...]
French Mustard-Braised Rabbit
Smothered down in a wine-infused braise of two mustards, the rich white meat of rabbit cooks low and slow in this tart and tantalizing combination of flavors. It’s Louisiana French meets European French in this French Mustard-Braised Rabbit recipe. The people of South Louisiana have many … [Read More...]
BBQ Louisiana Shrimp and Roasted Corn Grits
With Cajun spice and a buttery taste, this BBQ Louisiana Shrimp and Roasted Corn Grits elevates plain ol’ shrimp and grits to an art form. With a blast of heat and a burst of flavor it fires on all cylinders. Shrimp and grits. I’ve been dreaming of shrimp and grits. Not sure why. It’s not … [Read More...]
Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad
Rox and I stay incredibly busy most all week long, and now and then we enjoy just kicking our feet up and relaxing with a bottle of wine and a no-fuss dinner. It is those kinds of evenings that I stumble upon dishes and recipes like this simple Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad that otherwise would not … [Read More...]
Creole Jerk Chicken
My first experience with authentic Creole jerk chicken was in Jamaica on my honeymoon some years ago. The taste still lingers on, and I’ve had nothing like it since. That is, until I traveled to the Turks and Caicos islands. Staying in a house on the beach in Providenciales, we had the best … [Read More...]
Herbed Potato Salad
Fresh herbs from my garden shine in this creative take on a popular summertime side dish--my Herbed Potato Salad. And from my trial-and-error experience, marinating overnight is essential for deep flavors to penetrate the potatoes. Granted, I love a traditional Southern potato salad with its … [Read More...]
Peach Muscadine Sangria
Poolside afternoons in the heat of summer are just begging for a fresh, fruity cocktail--ice-cold with just a hint of fragrant sweetness. I usually revert to a pitcher of margaritas or mojitos, but lately I’ve been thinking a lot about sangria; a recipe for Peach Muscadine Sangria to be … [Read More...]
Cajun-Fried Catfish Bánh Mì
For obvious reason, here in South Louisiana a bánh mì sandwich is referred to as a Vietnamese po'boy. Built upon a similar French bread loaf, it doesn’t take a great stretch of imagination to see the similarities in the two sandwiches. But delving deeper, the two have even more in common than just … [Read More...]