5 (New Orleans) Things

1) Crab cake po' boy, and the most amazing onion rings!




2) French Quarter colors

3) On the float, beads and booze at the ready

4) Dancin' in the streets




5) Royal Street



Pin It

NOLA Bound

Pin It

New Orleans Nostalgia

It's funny how these bouts of nostalgia hit.
Just a few weeks ago I wrote about moving to France and the point of no return, and yet here I am today after watching a cooking show that took place in southern Louisiana and New Orleans, feeling incredibly homesick.

We only lived in New Orleans for a few years, but it definitely got under my skin.
I do know what it means to miss New Orleans.

I try to return almost every year and while I'm there I eat (best food city in America!), soak up its rich atmosphere and celebrate. Because that's just what you do.
Because almost every day there seems to be some kind of celebration in New Orleans. For music. For crawfish season. For cocktails. For living in a great neighborhood. For holidays and for non holidays. Because it's the weekend. Because it's a Tuesday.

It doesn't matter...New Orleans simply celebrates. Everything.

So I've decided to take a little trip down memory lane to easy my homesickness until my next visit.

I think I'll go and make some jambalaya for dinner tonight.
Bon weekend!

Pin It

Where Y'at?*

I learned a few things on my annual visit to New Orleans this year.

I learned to like bourbon. The liquor, not the street.
I learned that walking 4-7 miles every day meant I could eat or drink anything I liked and not gain an ounce. Which was good, because I may have overindulged a little.
I learned that I could totally fall in love with a po-boy. Spicy gravy and a slather of Creole mustard will do that.
I learned that not all Mardi Gras balls are created equal.
I learned that Cochon restaurant just keeps getting better and better. (Try a side of the shrimp and mirliton dressing...it is divine!)
I learned that not even near freezing temperatures and pouring rain will dampen the Carnival spirit in this city!



*How are you?


Pin It

A New Orleans Treasure - Kitchen Witch Cookbooks

I have a thing for cookbooks. And luckily, I have friends who do too.

Every time I'm in New Orleans, I head down to the Quarter and stop by The Kitchen Witch. I usually show up late in the day, just before closing, so I can enjoy an apéro with the owners, Debbie and Philipe, who are old friends of mine. Then I make a point to visit a second time so I can have a leisurely look around the shop to see what's new. And I always leave some extra room in my suitcase, because it's inevitable that I'll come home with a cookbook or two.





The Kitchen Witch is a veritable Aladdin's Cave of treasures! They offer mostly used cookbooks, with a mix of new and used Cajun and Creole books thrown in for good measure. When I visited last winter they had first edition/first printings of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, volumes 1 and 2, the bookplates of which were signed by Mme. Julia Child herself. I hope someone has given them a loving home by now.

If you find yourself in New Orleans, pop by and say hello to Debbie and Philipe.
The Kitchen Witch is located on Toulouse Street, between Royal and Chartres Streets, pretty much smack dab in the middle of the French Quarter.
If you're like me, you'll find their little shop irresistible.

Kitchen Witch Cookbooks 
631 Toulouse Street 
New Orleans, LA 70130 
(504) 528-8382




Pin It

Apple And Calvados Bread Pudding: A Normandy Take On A New Orleans Classic

It's amazing just how many apples two little apple trees can produce. And when you've got kilos and kilos of apples falling to the ground every day, time is definitely not your friend! If left for even a few hours, the birds and/or insects will get them. Then, if you're like me, you'll feel guilty for letting them go to waste. (not that feeding the local wildlife is a "waste," but I think you know what I mean)
There's only one thing to do - come up with some creative ways to use them up.
And fast.

I tried some new recipes, like apple clafoutis (delicious!), and served sautéed apples alongside savory dishes such as pork roast and magret de canard. We ate apples with Camembert and I discovered that this simple recipe for apple compote is perfection.
And I made bread pudding.



Pin It

Postcard From New Orleans

Required Bloody Mary garnishes.

Pin It

Postcard From New Orleans

Fried shrimp Po Boy and Gumbo. At Liuzza's By the Track.

Pin It

Photo du Jour - Gumbo

A big bowl of Gumbo at the Acme Oyster House.


My gumbo recipe. Pin It