This recipe came about one morning after we had a “taco night” the evening prior, and I had leftovers. The liquid I used for the basting was part of a margarita that was still on the counter next to the stove. A little hair of the dog, so to speak, and it worked fine. This...Read More

Bananas Foster is a New Orleans classic — it’s easy, delicious, and makes a grand finale to any meal! INGREDIENTS: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 4 firm-ripe bananas, peeled and sliced lengthwise into halves 1/4 cup banana liqueur 1/2 cup dark rum 1...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon butter, melted 3 extra-large whole eggs 8 extra-large egg yolks 5 cups half-and-half 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon allspice 6 croissants, preferably stale, sliced horizontally 1 cup raisins (soaked in 1/4 cup bourbon overnight) 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 tablespoon sugar METHOD: Preheat...Read More

Shirred eggs is not a dish you see often on menus. This dish is usually referred to by its French name, ouefs en cocotte, which simply translated means “eggs baked in a ramekin.” Hidden underneath a layer of softly cooked egg, cream, and butter are savory surprises of your choosing. You can add bits of...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 lb. bittersweet chocolate, premium quality 1/4 lb. cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 3 eggs 3 egg yolks 3 tablespoons sugar 3/8 cup all-purpose flour, sifted Special Equipment: 5 four-ounce ramekins, buttered and floured METHOD: Preheat oven to 375.° Melt butter and chocolate together over a double boiler or in the microwave....Read More

The original recipe is from The New Orleans Cookbook, by Rima Collin, featuring crawfish – but shrimp is also popular and more readily available in California. Étoufée is a highly spiced stew and a one-dish meal. If you can find a copy of this cookbook, it’s worth every penny for authentic New Orleans-style cooking. INGREDIENTS:...Read More

Classic French rémoulade is a mild white sauce, but the spicier New Orleans version is made with Creole mustard and horseradish. Elegant old restaurants in the French Quarter, such as Arnaud’s and Galatoire’s, serve the most delicious shrimp rémoulade in town. This creamier sauce is closer to the version served at Arnaud’s. It’s delicious over...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup minced parsley 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 4 large garlic cloves, minced 2 whole bay leaves, crushed fine 1 teaspoons dried basil 2 teaspoons dried rosemary 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon paprika 1 teaspoon Worcestershire...Read More

There are a few variations of this classic salad, and many stories as to its origin. The story that is generally accepted in the restaurant world is that Caesar Cardini invented the recipe “on the fly” once when the restaurant was packed and he was out of some ingredients. Using ingredients he had on hand...Read More

When a Southerner wants banana pudding, this is the recipe they’re expecting – the one that was printed on the Nabisco Nilla Wafers box for years. It’s even better if you can find your grandma’s yellow Pyrex bowl from the set of nested bowls popular in the 1950s or 60s. That was the standard banana...Read More