Dinner
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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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Seafood Stuffed Potatoes
A specialty item at a lot of neighborhood seafood joints here in Louisiana, the seafood stuffed potato alone will ensure that you will not be ordering dessert. A delicious treat, one as rich and heavy as it is yummy. I see a lot of seafood potatoes around that use crab. I like shrimp myself but if you want to add some crabmeat too, I'm sure it'll make it even more delicious.
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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.
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Pulled Kung Pao Chicken
A staple at just about every Chinese takeout restaurant across the US (as well as an integral plot point in one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes "George likes his chicken spicy."), Kung Pao chicken is one my of favorite dishes in Asian cuisine. Originating in the Sichuan province of China in the mid 19th century and eventually taking hold in Western cuisine, it's now difficult to imagine Chinese menus without this dish.
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Shrimp and Grits
Made famous by Crooks Corner restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC; this dish is now a staple at brunch all across the south. It seems as though there are as many variations as there are places that serve this iconic dish.
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Fried Oyster Tacos
One of my favorite things about tacos is their versatility. Just about anything can be turned into a taco if you have the imagination. This recipe is a prime example.
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Pulled Pork
Easily one of the most recognizable forms of BBQ is pulled pork. Which, by definition, is a piece of pork that has been cooked to a temperature that allows itself to be pulled off the bone. Many cuts can be used but the most common is the shoulder, aka Boston Butt. A staple at every decent BBQ restaurant and competition. For first time smokers, pulled pork is an excellent option mainly because the shoulder is a very forgiving cut of meat.
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Chicken and Dumplings
Ah, comfort food. The culinary category that takes us to a nice, soft place with very little worry... and even less responsibility. A very broad-ranging category whose only membership requirements are that the dish takes you to another time and sets your mind at ease. Mac and cheese for some. Chicken noodle soup for the others. My comfort food list is fairly long. I guess nostalgia and gluttony go hand in hand for me. Explains a lot actually. But at or very near the top is chicken and dumplings. My ultimate comfort food.
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Fried Chicken Sandwich
During last year's fried chicken wars on social media, I remember thinking “I am so sick of this nonsense. I can't wait for this to be over.” Now, a mere year later, I would give my left arm if all we had to worry about was some stupid fast food marketing ploy. Amazing how much can change in a year. Anyways, fried chicken sandwiches are a secret obsession of mine. While I fully admit that there are better sandwiches out there, there is just something so delicious and simple about these things. The beautiful part is, they are really hard to mess up. If you've got even just a little…
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Black Eyed Peas
Black Eyed Peas are a New Year's Day tradition in the south. Although the name and recipe can change depending upon where in the south you find yourself (a lot of folks grew up knowing them as Hoppin' John but I always heard them referred to as Black Eyed Peas) the basics are still the same. This dish is one of several (cabbage and greens being a few others) that is supposed to bring you prosperity and good luck during the new year.