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Frozen Irish Coffee
While walking around New Orleans, the decision on where to go next can often lead to some pretty heated debate. One place, in particular, can always seem to unite even the most indecisive bar-goers. Erin Rose bar in the French Quarter is a little place right off of Bourbon Street. One not familiar with it could easily walk right by it, never having tasted the drink it made famous: The Frozen Irish Coffee. One of, in my opinion, the best cocktails in the city. Most certainly a perfect choice for the first drink of the day on a hot summer morning. (On a side note, if you do stop by…
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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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Raspberry White Chocolate Truffles
These Raspberry White Chocolate Truffles are a sweet, no-bake treat. I put sprinkles on top but you could do a chocolate drizzle instead or just keep them plain with no topping. You could also use different color sprinkles to match the holiday!
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Cornbread and Andouille Dressing
Out of all the side dishes that are on the table at Thanksgiving, this dressing is far and away my favorite. A perfect compliment to the turkey and more importantly, to the gravy. Also, an absolute must have for your day after sandwich.
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Muffuletta Pasta Salad
If you ask someone to name a sandwich from New Orleans, chances are pretty good the two things you'll hear will be poboy and muffuletta. The delicious muffuletta was born on the banks of the Mississippi in Nola and remains one of two of its most famous sandwich exports. And believe it or not, the muffuletta translates perfectly into this yummy pasta salad.
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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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Pork Cheesesteak
Cheesesteaks are traditionally made with beef and provolone but I changed this one up because well, I didn't have beef or provolone. And to tell you the truth, I'm pretty lazy in the evenings. After I get home from a day at work and shower, the five minute drive to the store can seem like hiking the Appalachian Trail. So, I improvised. Some sautéed pork and peppers, a little cheddar sauce, a slice or two of smoked gouda, and we're in business.
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Braised Pork Belly BLT
I'm going to get right to the point because this subject is important. I've mentioned before about the importance of finding the freshest produce available. This holds true for just about every fruit and/or veggie but none more so than the tomato. These tomatoes we were sent by Pure Flavor are out of this world in both flavor and freshness. The checklist for a perfect tomato is pretty small, but very important. They should be firm to the touch; a slight bit of sweetness to the taste; and a wonderful, natural, smell that leads you to believe these little guys were hanging comfortably on their vine a mere five minutes…
