Crawfish: An Industry That Needs Your Help
At the peak of what was forecast to be an “epic” crawfish season, COVID-19 has shut down channels of distribution threatening the livelihood of Louisiana crawfish farmers and the future of the industry. With closure to dine-in service, it is reported that farmers can only sell 10 to 15 percent of what they catch. And…
Comfort in a Casserole: Seafood Mac and Cheese
There is nothing more comforting than a bowl of macaroni and cheese. Spending more time at home these days, it's time to kick back and relax. And every family loves mac and cheese; it's time to indulge that mac obsession, but with a twist. No processed and packaged noodles here, I decided to up the … [Read More...]
Gumbo Z’herbes – A Religious Experience
As in most culinary cultures, religion has an impact on the dishes of South Louisiana with gumbo z’herbes being an example. In the predominantly Catholic region of Acadiana, meat is consumed sparingly during the Lenten season leading up to Easter and this “gumbo of herbs” has become an alternative … [Read More...]
Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo
It’s Fat Monday, ya’ll! Lundi Gras (French for Fat Monday) ramps up the Mardi Gras holiday with a full schedule of parades, balls, and of course, the Courir de Mardi Gras—the rural Cajun celebration before the beginning of Lent. Break out your capuchon (a cone-shaped ceremonial hat), don a … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Cajun Glazed Chicken Lollipops on Sweet Potato Hay
Party menus are legendary in these parts, and whether it’s a full-blown cochon de lait for the neighborhood or just a big pot of gumbo on the stovetop, delicious South Louisiana cuisine is always cause to celebrate in Acadiana. And this recipe for Cajun Glazed Chicken Lollipops is sure to be a hit … [Read More...]
Signs You Are Eating Real Cajun Food
In every culinary culture there are certain misconceptions and downright mistakes that if allowed to perpetuate will work to erode the authenticity and traditional foundation of the cuisine. Our precious Cajun culinary heritage - the most treasured of American cuisines - has been under siege since … [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...]
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...]
A Christmas Tradition: Crown Roast of Pork
Christmas dinner menu planning is underway, and on my Acadiana table, there is no more dramatic presentation than a crown roast of pork in all its regal glory. This cut of meat always wows your guests for several reasons. Beyond the center-of-the-table showcase for the roast, the meat surrounding … [Read More...]
Dirty Rice Stuffed Onions
An iconic side dish of Cajun cuisine is rice dressing, commonly referred to as dirty rice, made from a Cajun recipe featuring seasoning and spices along with pork liver. You won’t see a meat-and-three plate lunch without a scoop of the stuff--it’s practically a food group in Acadiana. Here in … [Read More...]
Speckled Butter Bean, Okra, and Lamb Soup
This warm and hearty Speckled Butter Bean, Okra, Lamb Soup delivers on Southern flavors, and when topped with a wedge of rosemary cornbread, it is a filling dish. And it showcases lamb, an ingredient not often seen on Southern tables. For far too long, Cajuns have been missing out. Beef, … [Read More...]
Crawfish and Pumpkin Bisque
This hearty Crawfish and Pumpkin Bisque defines the fall season in Acadiana for me and represents the best of rural farm-to-table sourcing. Combining the sweet tail meat of crawfish and fresh seasonal corn cut from the cob, it is certainly a winning combination. But, when you introduce pumpkin … [Read More...]
Baked Oysters with Collards and Cajun Hollandaise
With this Baked Oysters with Collards and Cajun Hollandaise, the salty Gulf oyster hides underneath cloaked in a Rockefeller type covering of bacon-infused greens and a spicy hollandaise for a perfect one-bite dish that will send you back for more. Another dozen, please. If you've never been … [Read More...]
Crabmeat-Stuffed Artichoke
When I saw the large artichokes stacked high at the produce stand, I knew in an instant that crabmeat-stuffed artichoke would be the perfect dish for my Sunday football party. It was time to get stuffing. Though hardly Cajun, globe artichokes are actually a cultivated variety of thistle. … [Read More...]
How To Make A Roux with Roxanne Graham
In this quick video, watch Roxanne make a dark Cajun roux and find out all about her Rox's Roux in a jar. … [Read More...]