Cajun Pumpkin Faves + Festival Fun

It's that time of year again for all things pumpkin and with the cooler weather, I just can't seem to get enough of these heavenly pumpkin treats. Here is my latest creation along with a few more of my favorite pumpkin recipes that are all so totally decadent, cher, and will surely be a huge hit with your family and guests. Enjoy!

  Pumpkin-Pecan Cupcakes w/ Praline Glaze and Bourbon Whipped Cream

1 (1/2) cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp.'s baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. each, ground cinnamon and nutmeg
a sprinkling of ground cloves
1/2 cup buttermilk or milk
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup melted butter
1 large egg
1/2 cup chopped pecans

 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 12 muffin cups or use paper liners. Mix all ingredients, except pecans, until just mixed.

Fold in pecans and stir gently. Fill muffin cups, 3/4 full, and bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on wire rack and meanwhile, make the praline glaze.

Praline Glaze #2

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans


 

In heavy saucepan, heat butter, brown sugar, and pecans, on medium heat, and bring to a boil. Lower heat and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and cool slightly and spread over cupcakes.

And for another little touch of decadence, top with my Bourbon Whipped Cream.

Bourbon Whipped Cream

1 pint heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbs. bourbon


Mix the wet ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk in the confectioners sugar. Whip the mixture with an electric mixer until raised peaks form. (about 4 minutes)

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  (click on title to view recipes)

Pumpkin Bread Pudding w/ Chocolate Bourbon Sauce

Pumpkin - Chocolate Chip Cake w/ Praline Glaze

Pumpkin-Praline Squares

Pumpkin Cheesecake

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Festival Fun

We had an absolute bon temps last weekend at Festival Acadiens et Creole. Here's a little clip that I took of Roddie Romero and the Hub City All Stars rockin' the crowd on Saturday afternoon. Crank it up and let the good times roll, cher! Merci for stopping by!

Cajun Jacked Up Shrimp + Festival Preview

Here is a family fave that is so easy to prepare and is guaranteed to please. These fabulous, spicy shrimp will send you over the top, cher, and have you begging for more. And baked, not fried, so healthier, too. Enjoy!

Cajun Jacked Up Shrimp

2 lb.'s large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbs.'s Cajun seasoning
2 ounces Jack Daniels Whiskey
2 tbs.'s Worcestershire sauce
Juice of one lemon
1 tbs. fresh or dried thyme
1 tbs. fresh or dried basil
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped


Combine the first 8 ingredients in a large bowl.

Heat butter and olive oil in a large heavy skillet, over medium heat.

Add the shrimp mixture to the skillet and blend well into butter mixture. Cook for 2 minutes on each side. Remove shrimp and place on skewers and place in a large baking pan.

Pour the butter mixture over the shrimp and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes or until shrimp are pink. Turn shrimp and baste well with sauce and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes.

Serve with the seasoned sauce for dipping with hot French bread.

Totally scrumptious, cher! Bon Appetit!

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Festival Preview

One of  the biggest and best festivals in Lafayette is Festival Acadiens et Creoles. It's coming right up and is scheduled for Ocotber 9th - 11th. It's 3 days of great Cajun and Creole food, music, and fun!  Here's a little clip of some Cajun Honky-Tonk that I took at last year's festival. For a complete schedule, click here.

Wishing you all a fun and  fab Fall season! Merci beaucoup for passing by!

HAPPY FALL YA'LL!