This year, I welcome Easter with open arms. We’ve had our share of dismal, cold, wet weather this year. The barren landscape is quickly taking on its spring lushness. Wild dogwood, native azaleas and delicate bridal wreath add bright splashes…
This time of the year in Louisiana is usually busy with Carnival parades, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, St. Joseph’s Day and the beginning of crawfish season. Not so this year because of COVID-19. We are being urged to hunker…
When it comes to holiday menus, my family is all over the table. When I was a youngster, we had the usual baked turkey, roast pork, rice dressing (or eggplant dressing), some kind of sweet potatoes, green bean bundles and…
Supremes are sections of acitrusfruit with all of the pith and peel cut away. Once sliced, you can usethem in salads (and ceviche) or for garnishes. Since the bitter pith and peel are removed, you get…
Redfish, speckled trout, flounder and red snapper — longtime Louisiana favorites — are getting harder and harder to come by unless you have the luxury of either catching them yourself or have friends who share their bounty with you. Like…
Since childhood, summer has been my favorite time of year. What better time to enjoy lolling in a hammock staring at the clouds, and maybe a having a quick dip in a cool swimming pool. In my adult life, a…
Can it be that the days are getting just a bit longer, perhaps imperceptibly so, but longer just the same? As spring approaches I watch for telltale signs like the pale green leaves sprouting on the towering pecan trees in…
For years, I’ve bounced through the holidays attending every party, initiating impromptu gatherings and hosting several family celebrations. The day after New Year’s, I’m ready to take to my bed but hey, it’s Louisiana and Carnival season begins a few…
When a blustery cold front slides into south Louisiana, my husband and I know the drill. Light a fire in the fireplace in our party house living and dining area that looks out over Bayou Teche. Invite a few friends…
Tableside service (the preparation of a dish by a server at your table) went out of vogue for a while, but according to trendspotters, it’s becoming popular once again. Having an entire meal, from soup to dessert, prepared tableside is…
My summer vegetable crops are winding down but not before I harvested several beautiful eggplants (also known as aubergine or brinjal). To celebrate, I made a large batch of caponata, a Sicilian dish of eggplant, olives and onions seasoned with…
This is the time of year I plan meals around what I can find in my garden or at local farmers markets. Fresh herbs — sweet basil, mint, thyme, rosemary, oregano, chives, lemon balm — are flourishing. Creole tomatoes are…
Mardi Gras is late this year — March 5. The latest it can be is March 9 and the earliest it can be is Feb. 3. Every year, no matter on what date is falls, it’s either “early or late.”…
PICTURED, ABOVE Rather than offer dinner rolls, you can opt to garnish the soup when serving with crispy croutons. These may be stored in an airtight container (after cooling completely) for up to 2 days. If there are no fresh…
While everyone is cursing the high temps and humidity, I’m as happy as a clam at high tide. I agree August days can be as hot as Hades, and the mere thought of cooking can certainly make one break out…
Abundant, sweet tomatoes are ripe for picking and eating alone or in a meal
Elevate sweet and savory dishes with fresh herbs
There will be leftovers of the soup and dessert, which can be served again at another meal. Valentine’s Day this year is the day after Mardi Gras, which is Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), declared by the Catholic…
Family favorites to get you from Thanksgiving into the new year
Oysters three ways to share and savor
Creamy, dreamy homemade mayo elevates sandwiches, sauces and salads
Tomatoes, corn and figs take center stage during the hottest season
Winter’s heavy bounty gives way to light, seasonal vegetables
Sourcing the ‘good ice’ for better cocktails
Comfort and joy in one delectable pot
Four crowd pleasing after school treats
Get creative with non-standard toppings.
5 desserts that beat the heat
4 light and easy recipes
2 recipes to try out at home
