Cajun Grilled Pork Chops + Weekend Fun

With the unusually cool Spring we've been having in Cajun country, it's been perfect weather for grilling up some Cajun faves. Here's a fabulous recipe for grilled pork chops. I am also grilling some jalapeno sausage and veggie kabobs. The secret is in the rub (recipe below) and is guaranteed to please your family and guests. Cest bon, cher! Bon appetit!

Cajun Grilled Pork Chops 

4 center cut pork chops
2 tbs.'s Worcestershire sauce
Tabasco to taste

Rub
2 tbs.'s salt
1 tbs. cayenne pepper
1 tbs. black pepper
2 tbs.'s paprika
2 tbs.'s garlic powder
2 tbs.'s onion powder
1 tbs. dried thyme

1 tbs. dried oregano


Mix all ingredients in a bowl and rub into both sides of chops. Shake on Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before grilling.

Grill on a preheated medium high grill on indirect heat for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees, basting twice with my Spicy Cajun BBQ Sauce. (recipe below) Enjoy!

 

Spicy Cajun BBQ Sauce
 
1 cup ketchup
4 tbs.'s Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. each, yellow mustard and Creole mustard

1/4 cup molasses
6 dashes Tabasco
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, finely chopped

Place all ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Keep warm, until ready to use.

Serve with my  Spicy Cajun Dirty Rice and Grilled Veggie Kabobs for a delightful meal.

Spicy Cajun Dirty Rice 

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

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Weekend Fun

It was a beautiful Spring weekend in Cajun country, packed with fun! We started out at the Bach Lunch at Parc Sans Souci in downtown Lafayette. The Revelers were entertaining the crowd.

After all of that dancing, it was time for a cold drink and so it was on to Agave Cantina for a round of frozen Margaritas.

We also went to the Boudin Festival where Kevin Naquin and the Ossun Playboys were rockin' the crowd.

Wishing all of you a wonderful week, filled with fun! Merci beaucoup for stopping by!

Cajun Grilled Catfish and Veggies w/ Lemon-Butter Sauce + Zydeco Fun

It's summertime and the grillin' is easy and I just love to throw the whole meal on the grill and keep the heat out of the kitchen. I mainly like to use a gas grill, except when I'm smoking meats, in which case, I'll use my trusty Old Smokey. Most of the meals that I prepare on my gas grill are done in less than 30 minutes, like these scrumptious grilled catfish and fresh veggie kabobs  So easy and when I tell you that they are out of this world, then you know that I mean it, cher! Enjoy!

Cajun Grilled Catfish w/ Lemon-Butter Sauce

3 large, thick catfish fillets

1 large lemon, cut in half

1 tbs. or more Cajun seasoning

1 tbs. Old Bay, "Garlic and Herbs" seasoning

Salt to taste

If catfish is unavailable, your favorite fish may be substituted.

 Squeeze lemon juice on catfish and  sprinkle with the seasonings, set aside, and let marinate for 10 minutes. Meanwhile make my lemon-butter basting sauce. (recipe below) Spray grill with grilling spray or place in an oiled grill pan,  and grill catfish on pre-heated grill,  on medium heat for about 7 to 10 minutes on each side, (depending on size), basting often, or until fish flakes with a fork. Fabulous!

 Lemon-Butter Sauce

1 stick butter, melted
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tsp.'s crushed garlic
Few shakes Tabasco sauce
1 tsp. Creole or Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients in small bowl and use to baste catfish. You'll  want to double the recipe for basting the veggies, too.

 Grilled Veggie Kabobs

1 zucchini squash, sliced

1 yellow squash, sliced.

1 red onion, cut in half, and quartered

 Baby bella mushrooms, whole

1 green bell pepper, seeded, cut in half, and quartered

1 red bell pepper, seeded, cut in half and quartered

Fresh pineapple chunks

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon-Butter sauce

Alternate veggies on skewers, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and drizzle with lemon-butter sauce. Place skewers on grill pan,  and grill for 10 minutes and turn and grill for 10 more minutes. Baste often with lemon-butter sauce.

Serve with my Cajun-style French bread and a nice glass of white wine.

Click here for recipe. Bon appetit!

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Zydeco Fun

Here's a little clip of some recent fun on a Saturday morning,  over at Cafe Des Amis in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. Cafe' Des Amis is one of those quaint little Cajun places where you can get a good authentic Cajun breakfast and hear live music and dance, too. And even though the music starts at 8:30 am., patrons are lining up to get in at 7:00 am! It's all a little early for me, but usually after a Bloody Mary or two, I'm raring to go! Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band were rockin' the crowd. Lassiez les bon temps rouler, cher! T.G.I.F

Corey Ledet and His Zydeco Band

Wishing ya'll a fabulous weekend, filled with fun! Merci beaucoup for stopping by!

More Sinsational Cajun Sides !

It's summertime and the living is easy and so is cooking up a great Cajun summer side dish . With the bounty of fresh veggies and fruits reaching its peak, I love to make up as many of these delicious side dishes as possible. Some are so good that I end up eating them for an entree.I stocked up today at my favorite fresh produce market. These are 2 of my favorites. Cest bon, cher! Enjoy!


 

Corn Maque Choux

6 ears fresh sweet corn, scraped off the cob
1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbs. fresh basil, finely chopped
1/3 cup olive oil

Mix all ingredients in large bowl, except olive oil. Heat olive oil in large, heavy skillet. When oil is hot, add seasoned vegetable mixture, stir and lower heat. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This savory dish is dynamite!

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Cajun Grilled Veggie Kabobs w/ Sugar Cane Vinaigrette

2 green bell peppers, cut in half, then into quarters
1 large eggplant, cut in half, then cut into eighths
2 zucchini squash, cut into thick slices
2 yellow squash, cut into thick slices
2 red onions, peeled, cut into halves, then into quarters
1 carton cherry tomatoes
1 tsp. salt
1 tbs. Tony's Spices and Herbs seasoning
or 1 tbs. Cajun seasoning

Place all ingredients on large cookie sheets and season on both sises. Arrange veggies on skewers, alternating each. Drizzle with sugar cane vinaigrette, wrap with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour. Place veggie skewers on grill pan and grill on top rack, for 10 minutes on each side, basting often with vinaigrette. Serve with grilled seafood or chicken. Fabulous!

Sugar Cane Vinaigrette

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup cane syrup
1/4 cup Creole mustard
1 tsp. crushed garlic
1 cup olive oil

Combine all ingredients and mix well. This is divine and is also a wonderful salad dressing.

What is your favorite summer side dish?

Hope that ya'll have a fun weekend!!! Let the Good Times Roll, cher!

Fourth of July Favorites + Bayou Boogie !

With just a few days left to finalize my menu for the Fourth, I am doing some last minute shopping, and trying to decide on the desserts that I will be serving, for our family cookout. These are some of the favorites that my family has requested. All cest bon ! Hope ya'll have a fabulous, fun, holiday weekend! Merci beaucoup for coming by! Let the good times roll, cher!

Happy 4th!

(click on title for recipe)

Who Dat BBQ Chicken

Spicy Saints Burgers

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Marguerite's Hot & Spicy Jambalaya

Deviled Egg Potato Salad

Grilled Veggie Kabobs w/ Sugarcane Viniagrette

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Bayou Boogie

Here's a little clip of one of my favorite bands, Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas, rockin' the crowd at the Crawfish Festival. The man knows HOW to play an accordion! Crank it up for this one, cher! Dancing to this one is guaranteed to burn off those calories! Enjoy!

Cajun Grilled Favorites + Festival Fun

The weather has been perfect for grilling and I've been grilling up a storm. Here are a few of my family's grilled faves that are all out of this world and are so quick and easy to prepare. I will be posting some scrumptious sides to go along with these, so stay tuned.  Bon appetit!

Spicy Grilled Stuffed Jalapenos

Cajun BBQ Chicken w/ Bourbon BBQ Sauce

Cajun Grilled Veggie Kabobs w/ Lemon Butter Sauce

Cajun Blackened Grilled Catfish

Cajun Grilled Pork Chops

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Festival Fun

We are right in the middle of the Spring festival season in Cajun country and we've been having a blast! Going on this weekend in downtown Lafayette is the 30th Anniversary Festival International de Louisiane. For a complete schedule, click here.

And here's a little clip that I took at Bach Lunch at Parc Sans Souci in Lafayette. The Revelers were rockin' the crowd. Let the good times roll, cher! Merci beaucoup for passing by!

Special Fathers Day Menu and Recipes

It's time to put the finishing touches on my Father's Day celebration menu! I will be preparing all of my Dad's faves, and I wanted to share a few of these divinely delicious recipes with ya'll.  Cest bon, cher!

Happy Father's Day!

 



Father's Day Menu

Cajun BBQ Ribs (recipe below) and Andouille Sausage

Spicy Cajun Shrimp Kabobs ~ Spicy Bayou Crab Cakes ~

Crawfish Pasta Salad ~ Deviled Egg Potato Salad ~ Creole Grilled Veggies ~
Fresh Fruit and Veggie Trays ~

Cajun Cake w/ Peanut Butter Icing
Banana Pudding Pie ~ Creme de Menthe Brownies

Sangria LeBlanc

Cajun BBQ Ribs

4 lbs. pork spareribs
Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce to taste

Trim and clean ribs. Prepare rub. (recipe below) Rub spice mixture into ribs, then shake on Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce on both sides and cover and refrigerate overnight. Pre heat grill and grill ribs on indirect heat for about 45 to 50 minutes, turning midway. Baste often with BBQ sauce. (recipe below)

Rub

2 tsp.'s salt
2 tsp.'s cayenne pepper
2 tsp.'s black pepper
2 tsp.'s paprika
2 tsp.'s garlic powder
2 tsp.'s onion powder
1 tsp. thyme

BBQ Sauce
 
1 cup ketchup
4 tbs.'s Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. each, yellow mustard and Creole mustard

1/4 cup molasses
6 dashes Tabasco
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, finely chopped

Place all ingredients in saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Keep warm, until ready to use.

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Spicy Bayou Crab Cakes

1 lb. lump crab meat
2 tbs.'s butter
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 green onions, sliced, including tops
1 tsp. fresh parsley, chopped
1 egg, beaten lightly
1 tbs. Tony's Creole Seasoning or Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbs. Creole mustard
2 tbs.'s mayonaise
Few shakes Tabasco
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 cup white cornmeal and
1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs, mixed together
Salt to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Melt the butter in a skillet, and saute onions, garlic, and parsley until soft, and set aside.
In a large bowl, squeeze lemon juice on crab meat and mix gently. In separate bowl, combine sauteed veggie mixture, egg, Tony's or Cajun seasoning, salt, garlic powder, mustard, mayonnaise, and breadcrumb/cornmeal mixture, and mix well. Fold into crab meat, until just mixed. Shape into 4 patties. Pour oil into skillet to a depth of 2 inches. Fry in vegetable oil until golden brown, flip and repeat on other side. So much flavor, with so little effort and worth the calories! Bon Appetit!

*****
Creole Tartar Sauce
 
1 cup light mayo
1 tbs. Creole mustard
1 tbsp. each, green onions and fresh parsley, chopped fine
1 tsp. minced garlic

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl and chill until ready to serve.

Wishing all of you guys a wonderful Father's Day! Relax and enjoy!
Merci beaucoup for coming by!

Cajun Fourth of July Cook-Out

It's almost time for the Fourth of July, and that means it's time to bring on the best that summer has to offer. I will be posting several of my favorite grilling recipes, for the next few days, along with some yummy side dishes. There is nothing better than getting together with family and friends, especially if there is a feast behind it. Here is a partial menu of the spread that I will be preparing for my guests. Le bon manger, cher!!! Wish ya'll were here! Have a Happy, Fun 4th!!!

Fourth of July Cook-Out Menu

Grilled Chicken Jalapeno Poppers
Spicy BBQ Chicken and Ribs
Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Cajun Rice Dressing
Grilled Creole Vegetable Kabobs
Grilled Cajun Corn on the Cob
Fresh fruit and veggie platters
Banana Coladas
Southern Iced Tea w/Mint and Lemon

   
Cajun Grilled Chicken Jalapeno Poppers

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves,
1 tbs. or more, Cajun seasoning
12 large jalapenos, cut in half, lengthwise, and seeded
Two 8 oz. packages cream cheese
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb. bacon, cut in half, lengthwise

Cut the chicken breasts crosswise into 1/2 inch strips, and season.

Sprinkle the top of each square of cream cheese with the minced garlic
Cut each square of cream cheese in half, lengthwise, and then cut each half into 6 pieces for a total of 12 pieces per square. Stuff each pepper with a piece of cream cheese, and press down. Then press a chicken strip down on top of the cream cheese. Wrap each pepper with a strip of bacon and hold in place with a toothpick. On an oiled grilling surface, grill away from direct heat for about 10 minutes on each side or until bacon is cooked. You might want to double the batch of these sinfully delicious poppers, cher! Bon appetit!

Cajun Rice Dressing

1 cup onions, chopped fine
1 cup celery, chopped fine
1 cup bell pepper, chopped fine
2 tsp.'s minced garlic
1/2 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound lean ground pork
1/4 lb. chicken giblets, chopped, optional
Salt and Tabasco, to taste
1/2 tsp. red pepper
1/2 tsp. black pepper
2 tbs.'s Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 bunch green onions, chopped, including tops
1  cup beef broth or stock
3 cups cooked rice

In heavy skillet, on medium heat, brown the beef, pork, giblets, salt and Tabasco, and cook, stir and chop with large spoon, until browned. Drain excess oil and add the trinity, (onions, bell peppers, and celery), garlic, and remaining seasonings and stir fry for 10 minutes. Add the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, stir, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the green onions and parsley and cook for 10 more minutes. Cut heat off and add the cooked rice and gently stir until well blended. Divinely delicious! Serves 6