One of my favorite Mardi Gras traditions is king cake. Big rings of pillowy pastry with a sweet filling and a vividly decorated sugary frosting. My brother went to college and New Orleans, and during my first year at college in Connecticut, he shipped me a king cake and continued to do so while I was in school (and some years after). It was the classic cinnamon filling, which … [Read more...] about Savory Crawfish King Cake
Mardi Gras
Hot Crab Remoulade Dip
Mardi Gras is approaching, and like everything else these days, it’s going to be different. I won’t be celebrating with a big crowd, and in New Orleans the parades have been cancelled. But in true Mardi Gras spirit, the people of New Orleans have gotten creative this year, hiring local artists to decorate houses like parade floats. I encourage you to check out #yardigras and … [Read more...] about Hot Crab Remoulade Dip
Crab Remoulade Cheesecake
I love a savory cheesecake. Possibly the most talked about recipe in my book Southern Snacks has been the Country Ham Cheesecake. I even made it on the Hallmark Channel! I find the savory cheesecake to be the perfect party piece – it packs a lot of flavor and interest in a make-ahead dish that serves a crowd. And it is easy to make it look really impressive if you get creative … [Read more...] about Crab Remoulade Cheesecake
Confetti King Cake Squares
A few years ago, I was working on some Mardi Gras recipes and happened to have arrayed around my kitchen all manner of purple, green and gold decorative sprinkles, confettis, sugars and what-not when By chance I talked to a friend who was making a “funfetti” cake for her daughters’ birthday party. And standing there, looking at a cake shop worth of themed décor, I couldn’t help … [Read more...] about Confetti King Cake Squares
Muffaletta Cobb Salad
Over the summer, in the hot, hot weather, I had a few people over for a last minute meal. I couldn’t bring myself to cook much, so I decided to make a big salad. Another last minute decision was to lay out my ingredients on a big platter rather than toss it it in a bowl. It seemed more substantial somehow. It got raves, so I made it several other times and posted as … [Read more...] about Muffaletta Cobb Salad