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!

********

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.