I'm P.C., and I have studied food and cooking around the world, mostly by eating, but also through serious study. Coursework at Le Cordon Bleu London and intensive courses in Morocco, Thailand and France have broadened my culinary skill and palate. But my kitchen of choice is at home, cooking like most people, experimenting with unique but practical ideas.

I live, mostly in my kitchen, in my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.
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Crawfish Cornbread

Crawfish Cornbread

It’s Mardi Gras time, and so it’s time for crawfish.  Crawfish Cornbread is a recipe I have seen in many Louisiana community cookbooks over the years, and I’ve whipped up a batch or two in my time. I have no idea if this is a traditional Cajun recipe, or started it’s life on the [...]

February 10th, 2013 | Tags: , , , , , , | Category: Breads, Holidays, Snacks, Southern Specialties | 10 comments

Maque Choux (Cajun Stewed Corn and Tomatoes)

Maque Choux distills the essence of summer into every bite.  Admittedly, its first attraction may be the fun name. Pronounced mock shoe, it is a corruption of a French word or an Indian saying, or just straight up Acadian, depending on whom you ask.  It is a traditional Cajun dish which occasionally makes it onto [...]

July 29th, 2012 | Tags: , , , , , , , | Category: Farmers Market, Sides, Southern Specialties, Vegetables | 4 comments

Shrimp Creole

I am surrounded by good Louisiana cooks.  My brother went to college in New Orleans, my close friend went to law school there, and many of their friends from the area have migrated up to Memphis. And they love to cook up a good bayou feast.  So in all honesty, I don’t [...]

February 7th, 2010 | Tags: , , , , | Category: Holidays, Seafood, Southern Specialties | 13 comments