Mothers Day Gift Idea! A copy of my cookbook makes a great gift for Mothers Day. Order here.

Jim and I are moving back to California next month; a new chapter in our lives, much closer to family we've not been close to in almost 20 years. We will really miss the family I still have here, and all the great friends we've made here, but here we go on to the next chapter of our lives. I will, of course, continue  with this newsletter, presenting great recipes for your consideration. May be including a little more Cali cuisine, we shall see!

So I am full bore packing these days, and scheduling lunches and dinners with friends to say goodbye. It is hard. in addition to all my kitchen gear, I have at least 25 boxes of cookbooks packed, with a few of my absolute favorites set aside waiting to go in the car with me. And that is my secret list!

For the recipes this week, I'm starting with an easy shrimp and orzo salad; better the next day, so consider upping the yield to ensure leftovers. Next, think Italian Wedding Soup, but simpler. And finally, shrimp broiled in a lemon garlic mixture that can't go wrong, and can be used in so many ways.

Enjoy the recipes, stay safe and healthy, and, as always, let me know what's on your mind.

Best regards,

Susan Ford, Publisher and Editorial Director
Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

P.S. You can easily share this newsletter with family and friends, just use the link at the bottom of the page.

Previous week's recipes:

 • Creamy Seafood Lasaga • Shrimp Alfredo with Broccoli • Chicken Paella

Mothers Day is Here!

A copy of my cookbook would make a great gift for a mom who loves to cook. So far, we've shipped copies to all but 5 states, plus a few to Canada, and more than one customer has called to order additional copies because they loved it so much. Happy cooks all over the country! Get a copy, autographed by me, for yourself, and keep in mind that it makes a great gift!

To order your copy, call 504.208.9959 or CLICK HERE to order online.

140+ recipes, all but a handful with lush photography, all tried and tested-- and tasted!

Shrimp and Orzo Salad

This easy recipe comes together in just a few minutes and is good served warm or cold. In fact, it's better after the flavors have had time to meld a bit-- any leftovers make a great lunch the following day.

Pasta with Mini Meatballs

I bought the cookbook Back Pocket Pasta on a whim a few summers ago, and it's turned into one I browse for inspiration on a regular basis. Pasta is easy to cook and my husband could eat it twice a week with basic marinara sauce, but I prefer a little variety. Every recipe I've prepared has been good, and this one, a riff on Italian Wedding Soup, is no exception.

Lemon-Garlic Broiled Shrimp

This easy recipe is in one of my favorite community cookbooks, Pirate's Pantry, from the Junior League of Lake Charles. Just make sure you use domestic shrimp, preferably Louisiana wild-caught shrimp, and have plenty of toasted French bread on hand for sopping up the sauce.