Happy 4th of July! The namesake "Long Beach" is just across Ocean Blvd to our left, and the beach all along Alamitos Bay is just two streets behind us, so our neighborhood has been busy for a few days, to put it mildly. As I write this on Thursday evening, crowds are gathering back there for a big fireworks display that takes place in this neighborhood on July 3rd each year. Tomorrow night we'll see the fireworks that the Queen Mary, about 4 miles up the beach, will stage.

Kind neighbors have clued us in as to what to expect over the next few days; sounds like Mardi Gras crowds so I think I'm prepared. Thankfully, we have parking, so I don't have to worry about that, nor will I get stuck on the wrong side of a parade.

For the recipes this week, I'm starting out with a sausage-studded herb and cheese tortellini dish. . Next, one of my mother's favorite treat meals, deviled crabs. They used to be on the menu all over New Orleans, but they're hard to find these days. And finally, a curried shrimp salad that's good served hot, or made in advance and served cold on a hot day. 

Enjoy these 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

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Previous week's recipes:

 • Grilled Shrimp & Watermelon Salad • Chicken Fra Diavolo • Marinated Sandwich

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Herb and Cheese Tortellini

This recipe from Tony Morain is included in the pasta section of the cookbook Down the Bayou... and Back Again from the Cajun community of La Rose. It's got chicken and sausage in it, and comes together in about the amount of time it takes to cook the tortellini. I'd garnish with some freshly grated Parmesan and hot pepper flakes...

Old Fashioned Deviled Crabs

My mother loved deviled crabs, and she would have loved this recipe. By all means bake this in cleaned out crab shells if you have some, or turn it into a greased casserole or individual ramekins.

Curried Shrimp Salad

This dish is equally good warm or chilled, and will be a welcome addition to any potluck table this weekend.