Let the Good Times Roll, Cher !

It was an incredible, exciting weekend in Cajun Country! Three Mardi Gras parades and the SAINTS WINNING THE SUPERBOWL!!!!!!! WOOOOO- HOOOOO! GEAUX SAINTS!!! WE DAT!, CHER!
And this is the black and gold, king ake (filled with chocolate Bavarian cream) that I served at my Superbowl party. Cest bon, cher! I have lots of pics to share, but just to give you an idea of the electricity in the air, here is a little clip of one of the many Saints parties, that pretty much sums up how everyone in Louisiana is feeling right about now! And this victory party is just beginning and will be going on until midnight on Mardi Gras night! Wish you all were here! Merci beaucoup for stopping by and stay tuned!
Lassiez les bon temps rouler!!!

A Visit with Cuz + New Orleans Beat

Although today might be officially the first day of Fall, we are still in summer mode in Cajun Country, with temps. around 90, for highs and 70, for lows. It's a lovely time of year, warm, but not hot, and mornings and evenings are nice. I am thankful for this extra month of summer and all it embraces, including being able to wear flip flops, swim, and go boating. I would love to live somewhere, where it would be summer all year long. That somewhere would have to have Cajun cuisine, music, and people, of course.


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I dropped by my dear cousin's house for a little visit the other day, and as usual, Cuz was busy working in her beautiful yard. It is one of her passions and she was definitely born with a green thumb. The patio was a bit too sunny, so we retreated to her lovely, shady porch for a few glasses of wine and a little music. I brought my cd's, so I picked one of my faves,"La Toussaint".


I was in the mood for some Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. Their La Toussaint album is fabulous and has several of my favorite songs on it. Since Cuz has music piped out to the yard, it was a most enjoyable afternoon. Here is a shot of her pond that she built herself, complete with 12'' long goldfish under those lily pads.

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Here is a clip of my favorite song on the La Toussaint CD, "New Orleans Beat" Crank it up for this one. Enjoy! Happy Fall , Ya'll !!!

New Orleans Muffaletta + Cajun Boogie

Of all the wonderful cuisine that New Orleans is famous for, the Muff is one of my favorites. My favorite place to eat muffalettas -muff-uh-lot-uhs,- in New Orleans is Central Grocery, located on Decatur Street, in the French Quarter. The muffulatas, -moo-foo-let-tas-, as they are called at Central Grocery, are the real deal. Pure D. Sicilian! Sinfully delicious!

According to local folklore, the muffuletta was invented in 1906 by Signor Lupo Salvadore, the original owner of Central Grocery. More often, I make these scrumptious muffalettas at home, Cajun style. They are very easy to make and are a delicious addition to any celebration. Mini muffalettas can be made and served on large round platter for party buffets.

The quality of the bread is important. First you will need a 10 inch round French or Italian loaf with a good course texture, and a medium hard crust, and sesame seeds. Most bakeries and specialty bread stores carry this type of bread. And a good quality 16 oz. jar of Olive Salad. (I use Boscoli)

New Orleans Muffalettas

1 (10 inch) round loaf, French or Italian bread
1/4 lb. ham, thinly sliced
1/4 lb. Genoa salami, thinly sliced
1/4 lb. each, Mozzarella and Provolone cheese, sliced
1 cup olive salad, with oil
2 tbs.'s creole mustard

Split the loaf horizontally. Spread top half with Creole mustard. Spread each half equally with olive salad with oil. Place meats and cheeses in layers, alternating each on bottom half of bread. Cover with top half and serve or, if desired, warm in a 325 degree oven for 5 minutes or until cheeses melt. Oh, Le Bon Manger, cher!

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I received an email requesting a video clip of a Mardi Gras party. There was quite a party going on at The Blue Moon on Lundi Gras, better known as Mardi Gras Eve. This one's for you, Wayne!

Balfa Toujour

New Orleans New Years

Having spent quite a few New Year's Eves in New Orleans, I can say that there's no other place quite like it, for ringing in the New Year. The French Quarter is in it's element for this occasion and hosts one gigantic party, kinda like a mini Mardi Gras. Here are a few of my favorite New Orleans drink recipes that will surely please your guests. Cheers!

 

French Quarter Champini

 
1 1/2 oz. rasberry liquor
1/2 oz. Grand Mariner
1/2 oz. lime juice
1/2 oz. cranberry juice
Mix all ingredients in a shaker and shake for 10 seconds. Strain and pour into champagne glasses. Garnish w/ a frozen rasberry.

Cajun Martini

1 1/4 oz. vodka
1 dash of vermouth
Pickled jalepeno pepper
Combine vodka and vermouth in mixing glass w/ cracked ice and stir well. Strain into martini glass. Add jalapeno pepper.

Big Easy Bloody Marys

2 oz.'s vodka
6 oz.'s V-8 juice
Few dashes Tabasco
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
1 dash white pepper
1 tsp. lime juice
Shake all ingredients and strain into cocktail glass
Garnish w/ jalepeno peppers and cocktail onions

Click on the this link to see more New Orleans drink recipes.

Big Easy Cocktails: Jazzy Drinks And Savory Bites from New Orleans