I have never set myself the task of making a real King Cake, as I figure there are enough people who do that already. My brother used to send me delicious King Cakes from a bakery in New Orleans when I was in college. Those cakes were moist and tender with a cream cheese filling, with a brightly colored, but simple, frosting. The cake was packaged with beads and doubloons and … [Read more...] about King Cake Bars
Holiday Cooking
Mardi Crawfish Spread
As Mardi Gras time comes around, I start to get a good craving for some Louisiana cooking. And what is more Louisiana than crawdads? This creamy crawfish spread is perfect for a Mardi Gras party, or any time you need a little Creole kick. I like to serve this as an appetizer or on the buffet with some thick rounds of baguette, but it ain’t bad over … [Read more...] about Mardi Crawfish Spread
Chocolate Biscuits
I love biscuits in all forms, and have myself developed many permutations, from fresh corn, to blueberry, to pimento cheese. But with the sweetheart holiday coming up, I thought I’d try my hand at a rich, chocolate version. Bake up a batch of these babies for someone special and you’ll make your way onto their heart. These biscuits don’t rise as high a standard buttermilk … [Read more...] about Chocolate Biscuits
Good Luck Gumbo (Black-eyed Pea and Collard Gumbo over Rice)
I am not an overly suspicious person. Sure, I have my little quirks, but I don’t worry about black cats, walking under ladders, throwing spilled salt over my left shoulder. But there are a few traditions that I adhere to because, well, it can’t hurt. Particularly if that tradition involves delicious food. So on New Year’s Day, I always eat black-eyed peas and greens. For … [Read more...] about Good Luck Gumbo (Black-eyed Pea and Collard Gumbo over Rice)
Milk Punch and Cookies
Milk Punch has roots in New Orleans, with a history as a hair-of-the-dog remedy. In fact, my best milk punch memory is enjoying a bit too much at a wonderful wedding brunch in New Orleans. And now, that bride makes milk punch for a Christmas party every year. I have to admit though, I make it differently from my friend. I’ve had milk punch that is just milk and bourbon … [Read more...] about Milk Punch and Cookies
