Appetizers
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Sweet Potato Beignets
If you're sick of sweet potato casserole, sweet potato souffle, candied sweet potatoes, or whatever else during the holidays, these little guys can be the perfect change. The batter doesn't take too long to whip up and they don't take long to fry. I usually like to serve them with a Cane Syrup Gastrique and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. But, some jam/jelly or whipped cream would also work with yummy results.
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French Onion Soup
When the weather turns cold here in Southeast Louisiana (and by cold I mean anything below ninety degrees and one hundred percent humidity) most folks' thoughts go immediately to gumbo. I'm certainly not saying that mine don't. It is called gumbo weather for a reason. But sometimes on a cold and rainy night, you need the comfort of French Onion soup. Warm, oniony, and cheesy (not sure if oniony is a word but I don't care). Everything in the bowl just screams "stick to your ribs".
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Crawfish Bacon Cheesecake
Sometimes you come across food that folks will refer to as "stick to your ribs". This is one of those recipes that will stick to your ribs, your arms, and your legs. Seriously, do not plan on eating anything else the rest of the day if you make this recipe. I've always been a fan of the idea of taking a dish that is usually thought of as sweet and making it savory. This is a prime example of that.
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Mexican Corn Salad
When people use the phrase "street food", the first thing that leaps to my mind is elote. Elote, or Mexican Street Corn as some of you may know it, is grilled corn on the cob slathered in a delicious creamy sauce full of citrus and spice then topped with cotija cheese. It is truly one amazing culinary adventure. If I had to try and find one negative to this amazing dish, it would be that it does require a bunch of napkins. It is certainly not the cleanest thing out there to eat. But, never fear! That's where this amazing recipe from Tuttorosso comes into play. This one pot (ok, maybe…
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Crawfish and Mascarpone Bisque
Sometimes you have to wonder how you went so long without realizing that two particular things made a great combo. For instance, how long did people go before they realized peanut butter and jelly went well together? On this particular day, I discovered how well crawfish and mascarpone cheese went together.
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Chorizo Waffle Fries
A quick, albeit super unhealthy, weeknight meal; these waffle fries are just different enough from normal cheese fries to keep you on your culinary toes.
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Boudin King Cake
This recipe first started making its rounds on the internet about five years ago and to put it simply, at a party or function, it's a show stopper. Unless someone at the party is roasting a whole pig in a hole in the ground or your drunk uncle is chasing the soon to be fried chicken around with a hatchet, I promise this will be the most talked about dish at the get-together.
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Short Rib Debris Quesadillas
The quesadilla has had quite the journey in its existence. From its humble beginnings in Mexico, to now. It's available in just about every south of the border style restaurant in the world, from sit downs to drive thrus. I've come to notice that the mighty quesadilla is to adults what chicken nuggets and mac and cheese are to kids. Even the most picky eaters can always find culinary solace in the quesadilla, which does indeed make dining out a bit easier. Because again, you usually will always be able to find a quesadilla on a menu.
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Turtle Soup
Although it has variations that span the globe, (including China, Europe and even Pennsylvania) nothing has come to symbolize a fancy New Orleans appetizer more than Turtle Soup. Considered a delicacy just about anywhere it's served, Turtle Soup is a very unique dish that you will not soon forget; especially if you're lucky enough to be served this soup seated in one of Nola's grand dame restaurants.
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Gumbo
There is no better culinary metaphor to help exemplify the cultural stew that is Louisiana than gumbo. Seemingly every influence possible is represented one way or another in gumbo. African, French, and even Choctaw are just a few of the cuisines that helped gumbo become what it is today. It's easily one of the most divisive dishes in southern cuisine.