May 31, 2024 It's hard to believe, timewise, that it's June this weekend already. Weather-wise, I can certainly believe it. First we thought that winter would never end, and this week it's been so hot and humid moisture condenses on the windows and my glasses fog up when I walk outside. Seems like we're in for a long, hot summer. For the recipes this week, I'm dusting off some old favorites. First up, a shrimp scampi with a secret ingredient: super-crunchy breadcrumbs. Double or triple the recipe because the ...Continue Reading

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May 25, 2024 I conjured my mom and granny this week. I invited a dozen friends over Thursday night and made smothered pork with brown gravy and chicken cutlets with cream gravy. I made a pot of field peas with snaps; baby lima beans; smothered green beans; and a skillet of sweet corn. Buttermilk biscuits and buttermilk cornbread with chiles and sharp cheddar; a platter of sliced tomatoes and cukes, and a blackberry crumble with a cardamom cream sauce; a friend brought watermelon, and another a frozen mar ...Continue Reading

May 16, 2024 The rumor was true! I got two cases of Creole tomatoes last week; they weren't quite ripe so I had to wait a bit before slicing, but we've been eating at least two a day ever since. It's one of those things that remind me of childhood; over the summer, there was a plate of sliced cucumbers and tomatoes on the table with every meal, usually with a few hot peppers for those of us who wanted to spice things up. For the recipes this week I'm kind of all over the map. First, a seafood and artichoke d ...Continue Reading

May 11, 2024 Rumor has it that they're finally harvesting Creole tomatoes. I'm going to take myself across the river to the Becnel produce stand tomorrow morning to stock up; my favorite of all the summer fruits and vegetables. I'll slice and eat at least 5 tomatoes every week that they're in season. For the recipes this week I'm starting with an easy crawfish pie recipe Chef Darin Nesbit prepared for a cooking demonstration stage I produced a few years ago; it's easy and delicious. Next, a catfish dish ...Continue Reading

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May 3, 2024 Happy May! Beautiful weather in store as we roll in to the final weekend of Jazz Fest. I'm hosting a Cinco de Mayo fiesta on Sunday afternoon (isn't it funny that we've made such a big deal out of the anniversary here in the US while it passes unremarked in Mexico? Except in the state of Puebla) and am expecting about 20 people. I reckon I'll be making tortillas for hours Sunday morning. For the recipes this week I'm starting with a personal favorite, Creole Shrimp and Grits. Their are as many re ...Continue Reading

April 26, 2024 I am stalking the Facebook pages of the local Creole tomato growers, because I had a flat of the goodness by this time last year. The cold winter and late spring has delayed the crop, I know I'm pushing the season, but I am ready. Honestly I eat one a day as long as they're in season. I've always loved tomatoes. For the recipes this week I'm starting with a New Orleans classic that is more than appropriate for any celebration meal, Chicken Pontalba. It does have quite a few steps, but none of ...Continue Reading

April 18, 2024 Several nights each week, someone on one side or the other of our families will start a text thread, with pictures and information about what's for dinner. No surprise, everyone in our families really enjoys food! It's a really nice, and easy, way to stay in touch even on the busiest of days, and we end up exchanging recipes. This week I'm starting with an easy dish of shrimp cooked in a vodka sauce; I'll definitely serve it over spaghetti or angelhair pasta. Next up, a Cajun-spice catfis ...Continue Reading