Monday, October 4, 2010

A Cajun Blast on the Bayou + Spicy Cajun Chicken Wings

It was another great weekend in Cajun country, with perfect, beautiful Fall weather. We had an ultimate blast at the Bayou Vermilion Festival on Sunday, held at Vermilionville, in north Lafayette. Vermilionville, a Cajun/Creole Heritage and Folk Life Park, was the perfect setting for this fabulous festival which serves to educate and preserve the Cajun culture. It was simply an ideal day for walking around the grounds, along the banks of the bayou, and for enjoying the many events of the day.



There was a ton of great Cajun food, red beans and rice, fried chicken, and an array of sweets. The aroma was wonderful, and was carried by the gentle breeze.




There was also a special, all you could eat, Cajun buffet being served in the restaurant, Le Cuisine de MaMan We couldn't resist! Oh cest bon, cher!




There were many demonstrations and old fashioned crafts in the Historic Village, boat rides, and an antique car show. There was a little something for everyone.




The cooking demonstration at the Cooking School, L'ecole de Cuisine, was my favorite. Chef Anthony St. Julien was cooking up a storm and a few of his delicacies included Garfish Courtbouillon, (coo-boo-yon) and Fried Alligator Bites. Out of this world! Also, some scrumptious bread pudding with vanilla sauce. Samples were enjoyed by the crowd.




And after all of this food, it was time to dance, for what Cajun festival would be complete without some great live Cajun and Zydeco music. There were three different bands playing in the Performance Center, throughout the day.


We arrived at the dance, just in time to catch the beginning of the second band, the fabulous Feufollet. At times, I thought the roof would blow off! They were really jammin' down!


The last band was the very popular, Geno Delafose and French Rockin' Boogie. The crowd was getting bigger and bigger and the packed dance floor was going wild!


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Spicy Cajun Chicken Wings

Here's a quick and easy recipe for Cajun wings that is perfect for tailgating or for those busy days. Just throw everything into the crockpot and enjoy!

3 lbs. boneless chicken wings
2 cups hickory smoke barbecue sauce
1 tbs. Creole mustard
2 tsp.'s minced garlic
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
3 tbs.'s Worcestershire sauce
1 tbs. Tabasco sauce
1 tbs. Cajun seasoning

Combine all ingredients except chicken wings, in large crock pot and mix well. Add chicken wings and stir to coat. Cook on low for 4 to 4 1/2 hours. Serves 6 Cest bon, cher!


Hope that you all had a fun weekend, too! I will be resting up this week, in preparation for the upcoming Festival Acadiens et Creole, which will take place October 8, 9, and 10th, in Lafayette! You don't want to miss this awesome festival, with three days of fabulous Cajun and Creole food, fun, and music! Click here for a complete schedule.

24 comments:

Pam said...

You just have too much fun!!! ;)

This sounds like a blast and you can never have too much Zydeco and Cajun music as well as food. What a great time!

We have the heat on now, in the 40's this morning so no celebrations outside now except for football.

Pat Tillett said...

I was going to say the same thing as Pam. You reall do have a good time don't you?
I'm liking the looks of those chicken wings!

Unknown said...

Can I just say... YUM!!!!! This looks amazing *drooling* I mean beyond amazing *still drooling*

Eddie Bluelights said...

You really captured the atmosphere beautifully, Marguerite. I really admire you all for your sense of fun and laughter and zeal for life. I think I was born in the wrong place, as you have said a few times. Love watching people really enjoying themselves . . . . and stuffing their 'chops' with lovely food LOL. See ya ~ Eddie

Joanne said...

I love to walk, and your Bayou Festival sounds like the perfect walking day, with so much to see and do! Your weekend was a lot more fun than mine ... removing wallpaper, good times :)

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

All you can eat ribs for $10 bucks... when and where (and 12 hours notice)!

Making wings myself tonight, looks great. I still look forward to every[post you do... truly, wish I were there

Nancy said...

Loved watching the dancing couples - all ages! Wonderful spirit.

Mmm, those chicken wings look perfect for a cocktail party for my husband's work later in the month.

Drick said...

one day, I am going to join you on one of your enjoyable trips around your countryside, not just to taste the food, or to enjoy the party atmosphere, but to share your love for such a wonderful culture... and the wing recipe, it's in the book cher....

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Your Cajun everything just warms my soul, especially now that it's getting so cold here and I'm shivering in my bare feet, short sleeves and capris. Time to get the winter clothes out I guess. Oh darn, I will miss summer and I'll read your blog and wish I was in Louisiana.

Rosaria Williams said...

One never has enough spicy Cajun wings. Bring them on! How about those alligator bites? Are they really alligators?

Anonymous said...

Yum.... I wish I was there. Food and fun!!!!

Arlee Bird said...

Cajun buffet for only $10.95--sounds like a pretty good deal. Land sakes--don't you all ever take a break down there?

Lee
Tossing It Out

Mehmet Osman Çağlar said...

Everything seems perfect and it's a big fun dear Marguerite ...get a great weeek. Cheers!

Love and hugs, Zhivago

Anonymous said...

Mmmmm. because it's all about the food isn't it?

- Jazz

Marguerite said...

Pam- You can never have too much fun! It was a blast but, we have one of our big festivals coming up this weekend. Three days of fun. Stay tuned! Thanks for coming by!

Pat- Fun is one of my favorite pastimes and is a very big part of the Cajun lifestyle. Thanks, they are fab and so easy, too!

Jen- Thanks so much for your sweet comment and for coming by! So glad you enjoyed it!

Eddie- Merci beaucoup for your lovely comment! It's all just part of being a Cajun, cher! Enjoying life is what we do best! Wish you were here!

Joanne- Thanks, it was a lot of fun. I know you would have loved this festival, but we've got a big one coming up, this weekend, that you would love even more! Stay tuned, cher!

Dave- I know, it's a great buffet, at a great price! They have this buffet, every Sunday, at Vermilionville! Merci, cher, such a sweet thing to say! Likewise, bon ami! Cheers!

Warren Baldwin said...

I'm new but believe I'll follow since those recipes look worth trying out up here (quite a bit north of Louisiana).

Please visit Family Fountain if you get a chance.

Linda Starr said...

I learn something new every time I read your blog. My brother used to play accordian, reminded me of him.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

You live in paradise, dear Marguerite!!! Love it!!! Such charming cafes, wonderful music...food to die for...what more could you want!!! Love you!! Janine XO

Keri said...

Wow, Love this food, and love these people. Life for you always looks like so much fun. I'm envious and happy to come here for a vicarious read. Food looks and sounds incredible. Take care,

keri

Marguerite said...

Nancy- So glad to hear from you and glad that you enjoyed it! Thanks, they are delicious and I hope that you give them a try!

Drick- Thanks for your sweet comment, cher! I would love it, if you would! I got this recipe from a friend about 10 years ago! Guess it's one of those that gets around!

Karen- Merci beaucoup for the lovely comment! So glad that you enjoy it! I love summer, too and hate to see it end. Thanks for coming by!

lakeviewer- Thanks, cher! Yes, they were real alligator bites! I've never prepared it, but it tastes very similar to chicken.

Moogie- Thanks, always good food and lots of fun, here! Wish you were here, too! So glad you stopped by!

Magic of Spice said...

Great sauce for those chicken wings...and what a fun weekend, would love some red beans and rice right now :)

January Asia said...

That must be one of the best-bargained and most delicious buffets in the world. Your Chicken Wings look delicious. Thanks for the recipe.

Just want to let you know that, in my latest post, I mentioned you and your blog. See for yourself:
http://caffeinatedglobe.blogspot.com/2010/10/caffeinated-globe-turns-1.html

Also, I just sent you an e-mail about your posting a comment on my current giveaway post.

Dee said...

Looks like you had a blast, don't forget about the Gumbo Cook Off this weekend in New Iberia! Come pass a good time cher'!!

threesidesofcrazy said...

These wings sound fantastic!!!!!! Thanks for linking them to tailgating time.