The Mint Julep

I'm a few months late with this post by some standards, but not by mine, afterall, this isn't "Kentucky" Cuisine. I like to have my first Mint Julep when it tastes best; that is, when it's hotter than hell outside. There is no better time for a Mint Julep in New Orleans, or Detroit for that matter, than summertime.
To me a Mint Julep instantly evokes visions of Plantation Homes of old during the swelter of Summer, maybe a table underneath Spanish Moss-draped Live Oaks, and a glistening silver cup, beaded with sweat and garnished with an emerald sprig of mint. Ah, what could be more refreshing than that.

The Mint Julep Recipe

6 Fresh Mint Leaves
1 Tbsp Simple Syrup (See Note *)
2 oz. Bourbon (I like Maker's Mark)
Crushed Ice (See Note **)
Wooden Spoon
Rocks Glass (use a silver cup if you have one!)

Combine the mint and simple syrup in the bottom of the glass. Using the handle end of the spoon, smash the leaves into the simple syrup (muddle). Add the Bourbon, then the top with lots of crushed ice, stir, trying to keep the mint leaves on the bottom of the glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve.

*Note - Simple Syrup is equal parts (by volume) water and sugar, cooked just until the sugar disolves. I make a 1 Cup batch and keep it in a squeeze bottle in the refrigerator.

**Note - It's important to use Crushed Ice, it keeps the mint on the bottom of the glass while you're sipping.

Makes 1 Cocktail.

If you don't have a taste for Bourbon, try a Mojito over at Cook's Journal. It's a Cuban Rum drink that is very similar.

Also, check out this great idea for making Mint Juleps from the Food Network that my good friend Tom emailed me. Very cool idea, I will have to try it!

Other New Orleans Cocktail Recipes from this site:

The Sazerac
The Ramos Gin Fizz

Okra Jambalaya Recipe

I've been doing some research into Cuban Cuisine lately and I came across a recipe called Arroz Con Quimbombo, or Rice with Okra. It is cooked in the Spanish Paella style, using Chorizo, and Spanish Valencia rice, which is similar to Arborio. I'm very intrigued by Cuban cooking right now, it has a lot in common with Louisiana's Cuisine, with it's Spanish, African, and Creole influences. I didn't get around to making the Cuban dish yet, but it inspired me to make this into a Jambalaya, I will make it in the Cuban style later in the week which will be posted at Cook's Journal. I love exploring root dishes, and it is plain to see (IMO) that Jambalaya is a derivitive of Paella.
I love fresh Okra, and anyone who loves Okra knows that it goes wonderfully with Tomato, which is also featured in this recipe. As I've said in the past, I always finish my Jambalayas in the oven, I find the even heat produces a better textured rice. I use a cast iron pot here, some folks will pass out if they see you cook okra in a cast iron pot, personally, I have yet to notice any discoloration in Okra that has been cooked in cast iron.

Okra Jambalaya Recipe

1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
1/4 Cup Andouille Sausage, Diced
1/2 Cup Tasso, Diced
1/2 Cup Onion, Diced
1/2 Cup Bell Pepper, Diced
1/2 Cup Celery, Diced
2 Tbsp. Garlic, Minced
1/2 Cup Tomataoes, Diced
1/2 Cup Tomato Sauce
2 Tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
1 tsp Fresh Oregano, Chopped
1/4 Cup White Wine
1 1/4 Cup Chicken Stock
1 Cup Enriched Long grain Rice
1 1/2 Cups Fresh Okra, sliced into 1/2" rounds
(Seasoning Mix: 1/2 tsp Cayenne, 3/4 tsp White Pepper, 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, 1 tsp Kosher Salt, 3 Bay Leaves)
Chopped Parsley
Green Onion, Thinly Sliced

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a cast iron dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Saute the Andouille and Tasso until slightly browned, then add 1/2 of the trinity (onion, bell pepper, and celery), saute until tender. Add the Okra and Saute for 2-3 minutes. Add the Tomato and cook for about 1 minute, then add the Tomato Sauce, Fresh Thyme, and Oregano, cook 1 minute more. Add the Rice, cook 1 minute. Add the stock, garlic, white wine, bay leaves, seasoning mix, and the other half of the trinity. Stir well and bake uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked, but still has a little bite. Stir in the chopped parsley, and sliced green onions. Enjoy!

This would also be wonderful topped with Creole Sauce.

Makes 3-4 Servings

Other Jambalaya Recipes:

Chicken and Andouille Jambalaya
Shrimp and Chicken Jambalaya

Other Recipes using Okra:

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

Five Favorite (Food) Books

I was tagged by B at Culinary Fool to do the favorite book meme, so here it is:

Number of Cookbooks I've owned: Right now about 86, 25 of these being Creole and/or Cajun. I've owned more cookbooks in the past, which I've donated to the library during moves.

Last book that I bought: Great Restaurants of the World: Commander's Palace

Last (Food) book I read: What Einstein Told His Cook by Robert L. Wolke
Cookbooks: I'm Just Here For The Food by Alton Brown
Bouchon by Thomas Keller

Five Cookbooks that mean a lot to me: I love all of my Cookbooks, I use all of them at least on a weekly basis, not to mention the 10 or so I usually have out from the Library. But here is my list.

1.) Chef Paul Prudhomme's Louisiana Kitchen
2.) All of Mario Batali's books, Molto Italiano is getting to be one of my faves.
3.)Both Commander's Palace cookbooks, the 1984 by Ella & Dick Brennan, and the 2000 by Ti Adelaide Martin and Jamie Shannon.
4.)The Picayune's Creole Cookbook - A reprint of the 1901 edition with notes from Marcelle Bienvenu
5.)The Joy of Cooking - Always my first resource when I have a question.
I'm cheating:
6.)The Food & Wines of Spain by Penelope Casas
7.)Creole Gumbo and All That Jazz by Howard Mitcham

Which Five People would I most like to see fill this out: (I don't think any of these folks have done this yet.
1.)Jill at Cookies In Heaven
2.)Caryn at Delicious! Delicious!
3.)Chuck Taggart at The Gumbo Pages (Looka!)
4.)Kevin at Seriously Good
5.)Carolyn at 18thC Cuisine
6.)Mario Batali

Pain Perdu with Pecan Cane Syrup and Bananas Brulee

Pain Perdu or Lost Bread is a brunch and breakfast favorite in New Orleans. If you have leftover French Bread from the night before, this is an easy, economical, and wonderful breakfast, I'm eating it right now as a matter of fact :). It will turn out best if you use lost bread, or stale bread, if your bread is too fresh it will get soggy and lose some of it's texture. Still good, mind you, but not as good. I have an interesting classic Creole recipe for this from the 1901 Picayune's Creole Cook Book, the batter used is as follows:

5 Eggs
2 Tbsp of Orange Flower Water
1/2 Cup Sugar
The Finely Grated Zest of a Lemon
3 Tbsp Brandy

I will have to try this one sometime, sounds interesting, and of course they fry the bread in Lard. Ahh, the Good Old Days! Of course, Lard has only half of the Cholesterol of butter, which I use, so I shouldn't talk. If you don't have Steen's Cane Syrup, you could use Molasses, or good old Maple Syrup. If you can find it though, (found it!), it's a great product. Here is my version of Pain Perdu:

New Orleans Cuisine Recipe - Pain Perdu with Pecan Cane Syrup and Bananas Brulee

3 Eggs
1/2 Cup Milk
1/8 Cup Banana Liquer
1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
A dash of Nutmeg
1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil
1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
Leftover French Bread, Cut into 3/4" thick Slices
(This recipe will make enough batter for 3-4 servings.)

Pecan Cane Syrup (Recipe below)
Bananas Brulee (Recipe below)
Mint Sprig
Powdered Sugar (Optional)

Whisk together the Eggs, Milk, Banana Liquer, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg. Heat the Oil and Butter (this will keep the butter from burning) over medium heat. When hot, dredge the bread slices in the batter, making sure they soak up quite a bit, then place the bread in the oil/butter mixture and fry until they're a nice golden brown on both sides and cooked through. You can keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve.

Serve drizzled with the Cane Syrup (recipe below), dividing the Pecans between plates. Garnish with the Bananas Brulee (recipe below) and the Mint. Give a dusting of Powdered Sugar if desired.

Serve with Cafe Noir, Cafe au Lait, or if you're in the mood a Ramos Gin Fizz!

Pecan Cane Syrup

1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
1/2 tsp Toasted Sesame Oil
1/4 Cup Pecan Halves
1/2 Cup Steen's 100% Pure Cane Syrup
1 Tbsp Bourbon (optional)

Heat the butter and Sesame Oil over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add the Pecans, and saute until Fragrant. Add the Steen's and Bourbon, mix well and keep warm for serving.

Bananas Brulee

1 Banana (per guest)
Granulated Sugar
Kitchen Torch

Cut the Bananas in half lengthwise. Cover the flat sides with a heavy coating of sugar, as in Creme Brulee. Flame with the torch until the sugar is Caramelized and has a hard shell.

Pommes Frites or French Fry Recipe at Cook's Journal

Check out my Pommes Frites Recipe at Cook's Journal. Coming soon here, since I'm in the mood to fry Potatoes, and the frying techniques are so similar, Pommes Souffle! Those wonderful little fried Potato Puffs of air made famous by Antoine's, Galatoire's, and most of the other "old line" Creole restaurants. Coming very soon.

New Orleans Cuisine - Shrimp Remoulade Recipe

Shrimp Remoulade (pronounced ruma-lahd) is a nice first coarse cold appetizer, because the sauce has a nice zip to it that really gets your taste buds jumping. Of course, the most important thing about this dish is the Shrimp. There is nothing worse than bland, overcooked Shrimp, so I've included my recipe (which is actually more of a technique). As far as the best Shrimp Remoulade in New Orleans, I'll leave that up to you and the comments section, as always your comments are always appreciated! One that I had in the city was at Arnaud's, which is supposed to be famous for it's Remoulade, called Shrimp Arnaud. I thought it was too heavy on the horseradish personally, and I'm a guy that likes horseradish. I like a balance of flavors, all I got out of the one at Arnaud's was nostril flare.
There are two types of Remoulade sauces in Louisiana, and probably a million recipes for each. One is a white, mayonnaise based style, similar to the French Bistro Classic, Celeriac Remoulade. The other is a red version, the version I prefer, and the one which is below. This sauce is best if made a day ahead to let the flavors marry. The Recipe:

Remoulade Sauce Recipe

1 Large Rib Celery, Chopped
2 Green Onions, Chopped
1 Garlic Clove, Chopped
1 Tbsp Italian Parsley, Finely Chopped
2 Tbsp Creole Mustard
2 Tbsp Paprika
1/4 Cup White Vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp Horseradish
2 tsp Hot Sauce
2 Tbsp Ketchup
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper To Taste
1/2 tsp Cayenne or to taste

Combine the above ingredients in a food processor, process until smooth. With the motor still running, slowly drizzle in:

1 oz. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Vegetable Oil

The emulsion should be fairly thick. Adjust the seasonings and refrigerate overnight.

For the Shrimp, I used a 26-35 Ct Shrimp. When cooking Cocktail Shrimp it's important to leave the shells on, both for flavor and to prevent the shrimp from curling up too much. I don't cook these long at all, it's actually more of a steep. This is for a small portion:

Boiled Shrimp Recipe

1 tsp Mustard Seed
1 Tbsp Black Peppercorns
3 Tbsp Kosher Salt
1 Tbsp Cayenne
2 Fresh Bay Leaves
1 Rib Celery Chopped
1 tsp Whole Allspice
5 Whole Cloves
1 1/2 Lemon
6 Cups Water

Combine the ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer partially covered for 20-30 minutes. Prepare an ice bath, call it 6 cups ice and 6 cups cold water. Return the liquid to a boil. Add:

16 Shrimp (26-35 Ct)

Turn off the heat. Wait 2 minutes (make sure the Shrimp are white all the way through), then remove them to the ice bath. When they're completely cooled, remove the shell and tail, then devein.

Marinate the shrimp in the sauce for about 30 minutes, I don't like to keep them in too long.

To serve the Shrimp Remoulade, cover the base of 2 chilled appetizer or salad plates with shredded lettuce. Tastefully arrange the shrimp on top of the lettuce, 8 per plate, and garnish with green onions, thinly sliced on the bias.

Serves 2.

New Orleans Coffee and Chicory

New Orleans is a coffee town, they take their coffee very seriously, so for my post I decided to ask the good folks at Mr. Lake's NonPompous New Orleans Food Forum, most of which are locals, how they like their Coffee and Chicory. It seems the local brands of choice are Community, Union, and Cafe du Monde (CDM). As far as Coffee Stands, although everyone likes Cafe du Monde, the real fondness and nostalgia seems to be for the Morning Call coffee stands. My friends M.A. and S.A. over at The Wreckroom drink Community Coffee and prefer Morning Call as well. Morning Call is no longer in the French Quarter, but they have 2 locations in Metarie. Here is the info:

MORNING CALL COFFEE STAND
3325 Severn Ave., Metairie 885-4068
4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd. (Clearview Mall), Metairie 779-5348

If you've never been to New Orleans, they love their coffee strong! Real strong. JDM from Mr. Lake's describes the coffee best with a traditional Cajun French rhyme:

Noir comme le Diable;
Fort comme la Mort;
Doux comme l'Amour;
Et chaud comme l'Enfer.

English Translation:

Black as the Devil;
Strong as Death;
Sweet as Love;
And hot as Hell.

Thanks to everyone at Mr. Lakes for sharing all of the great info! Here is a link to the thread.

The classic way to make a good cup of Coffee and Chicory, or Cafe Noir, is with an Old- Fashioned drip Coffee pot, or Biggin. The object is to get all of the flavor out of the beans and Chicory, and into the coffee. Here is how I make Cafe Noir.

Cafe Noir

Here is the ratio I use, I think it's pretty standard, if I'm wrong please say so in the comment section:

For every 1 Cup of water
1 Heaping Tablespoon of drip ground Coffee and Chicory
(Mr. Lake suggests adding a pinch of salt to the ground coffee)

Place the coffee in a drip style coffee pot, lined with a filter. Starting with cold water, bring the water just to a boil. Pour a small amount over the grounds, just enough to moisten them. Add about 1/2 cup of or so of water at a time, do not add more until the previous addition has completely dripped through. Continue until you've used the remaining water. Serve.
You can keep the coffee hot in a Carafe or in a Bain Marie on the stove.

Now that you have a nice cup or pot of Cafe Noir, you can either add milk or half & half, and or sugar, or you can make Cafe au Lait.

Cafe au Lait

Cafe au Lait is nothing more than equal parts of scalded milk (Milk brought just to a boil) and Cafe Noir, sugar optional. The classic presentation is two pots, one with coffee, one with milk, poured into the cup at the same time in one long stream.

Serve Cafe au Lait with the classic accompaniment Beignets.

Side note - Don't try to order a Cafe au Lait outside of New Orleans. Chuck Taggart's rant on Coffee house Cafe au Lait at The Gumbo Pages is right on the money.

Future coffee post....the show stopping Cafe Brulot.

Chicory

New Orleans is a coffee town, and you can't talk about New Orleans Coffee without first discussing Chicory. Coffee and Chicory (Chik-uree) go hand in hand in New Orleans, so before I write my Coffee post, I will first post on Chicory.
Chicory describes a group of bitter greens in the sunflower family, the likes of which, those of us who love to cook are very familiar: Belgian Endive (Witloof), Curly Endive (or Frisee), Escarole, and Raddichio. The Chicory we're interested in here, the one used for extending coffee, Cichorium Intybus, is a perennial herb, which grows wild in parts of the country, and has flowers that are usually blue. It has a root resembling a white carrot, getting as large as 2" at the top and 14" long. Before Chicory root is used for coffee, it is sliced, kiln-dried, roasted with a little oil until dark, and ground to desired fineness. The addition of Chicory to Coffee makes it stonger, thicker, and slightly bitter. I think it adds an almost unsweetened Chocolate flavor and consistency.
I've read different versions of who first starting using Chicory to extend coffee, here is what I've heard. The first known use was in the 1600's, some say of Dutch origin (as am I), some say French, some say Chicory was first used to extend coffee for Napoleon's troops. As far as New Orleans and the United States is concerned, maybe it started during the Civil War due to Naval blockades, which blocked the import of coffee. Maybe the French brought it with them. Who knows? One thing I do know is that Chicory makes New Orleans Coffee distinctive from all other Coffees in the States, and possibly the world.
Certain grocery stores in my area sell Ground Roasted Chicory on its own for extending coffee, and French Market brand Coffee with Chicory, which is what Commander's Palace uses, is available just about anywhere. If you live in the Detroit area, Rafal Spice Company in Eastern Market sells a whole bean, New Orleans Style Coffee with Chicory that is very good.

Prime by Poppy Z. Brite

I just finished the novel Prime by Poppy Z. Brite, which is the follow up to Liquor. I loved both books, she really captures what it is like to work in a restaurant, all of the pleasures, frustrations, and unpleasantries. These novels are a foodies dream, both set in New Orleans in a restarant where the main ingredient in every dish is laced with Liquor, which is also the restaurants name, run by Rickey and G-Man. The main ingredients in these novels are Food and New Orleans, two things I can't get enough of, obviously. Apparently she is working on a 3rd Rickey and G-Man novel, I'll be waiting. Make sure you read these on a full stomach, you'll be standing at the fridge after a couple of chapters.

Also, a new post at Cook's Journal, Homemade Flour Tortillas; I've been on a real Southwest and Mexican food kick lately!

Homemade Beignets

Beignets
Originally uploaded by Danno1.

Here is a pic of the Homemade Beignets from last Tuesday. I think I'm going to have to make some more this weekend. Here is the recipe in case you missed it, they turned out absolutely perfect, as light as little powdered sugar covered pillows.

Also, here is a link to the Pic of my Char-Grilled Pizzas at Cook's Journal!

Shrimp Taco Recipe at Cook's Journal

Here is a link to my Shrimp Taco recipe at Cook's Journal.
Sadie Mae said:

Do you have a recipe for Shrimp Taco's? If so please share...thanks S.A.

Here you are S.A.!

New Orleans Cuisine - Beignet Recipe

I just made my wife and I a whole bunch of Beignets for breakfast, I am so full. If you haven't been to New Orleans you've probably never eaten a Beignet, but you've probably had something similar. If you are unfamiliar, Beignet (ben-YAY) is French for Fritter, in New Orleans they're square and topped with a firestorm of powdered sugar and usually served with a steaming cup of Cafe au Lait. Cafe au Lait is equal parts piping hot milk and good, strong Coffee with Chicory (New Orleans Coffee will be another post).
The big place in New Orleans for Beignets and Cafe au Lait is Cafe Du Monde on Decatur on the riverside of Jackson Square, which is legendary, and I guess you have to go once, which I did. The Beignets and Cafe au Lait are great, but I'm not into tourist traps; even when I'm a tourist. I prefer Cafe Beignet on Royal Street (they have a few other locations in the French Quarter), which is a little more low key.
Cafe du Monde also sells a Beignet batter mix that is widely available, I made mine from scratch. The recipe:

New Orleans Cuisine - Beignet Recipe

1 Envelope Active Dry Yeast
3/4 Cup Water (110 degrees F)
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Beaten Egg
1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk
3 1/2 - 3 3/4 Cups A.P. Flour
1/8 Cup Shortening
Vegetable Oil for Frying
Powdered Sugar in a shaker or sifter

Combine the Yeast, Water, and Sugar in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (You could also make this in a food processor, or the old fashioned way, by hand). Let this sit until frothy, about 5 minutes, then add the Salt, Egg, and Evaporated Milk. Mix on low speed, then add half of the flour until it starts to come together, then add the shortening. When the shortening is incorporated start adding the remaining flour, a little at a time until most of it is incorporated. At this time I always turn the dough onto a floured bench to finish by hand, just like when I make bread; it's a touch thing. Knead the dough adding just enough flour as necessary to make a non-sticky, smooth dough. Place the dough into a large oiled bowl, loosely cover and let rise (I made mine last night and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator).
After the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle that is about 1/2" thick. With a very sharp knife working at a diagonal to the rectangle, cut into 2" wide strips. Now cut into diamond shapes by making diagonal cuts in the opposite direction. Place the Beignets on a floured baking sheet to let rise about 40 minutes in a warm place (I place them in a barely warm oven).
When the Beignets have risen, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350-360 degrees. Place 2-3 Beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to smash or deflate them. When they are golden brown, flip them over until golden brown on the other side (They go pretty quickly so start checking them right after they go into the oil). Remove to paper towel lined plates to drain. Serve hot topped with plenty of powdered sugar (because the dough doesn't contain much sugar, you will want a lot!). Best served with Cafe au Lait. Enjoy!

Makes about 2 dozen.

**NEW** For more on Beignets & Cafe au Lait check out the Coffee and Doughnuts Podcast at YatPundit New Orleans Food! Be sure and check out my Creole & Cajun Recipe Page as well as my Bibliography of Creole & Cajun Cookbooks!

New Orleans Cuisine - Grillades and Grits

This is a terrific, hearty meal that is generally eaten at breakfast or brunch in New Orleans, I like it for a Sunday evening meal. Grillades (pronounced GREE-yahds) are made with Round Steak, of Beef or Veal, although you could use pork. This dish like many other greats from New Orleans, comes from meager times, when a piece of meat needed to be stretched to feed a whole family. A Grillade is a square of meat cut from the Round Steak, or whichever piece of meat that you've chosen. I love to take an inexpensive, tough cut of meat, and turn it into something spectacular! Round Steak is a powerhouse of flavor, that with some time and tenderness will be tender and mouthwatering.
Grits have never really caught on with most Yankees, I don't understand this because a lot of folks go crazy over Polenta, which is basically a yellow version of Grits. I personally think it's all about the name; Polenta flows from the tongue, while the word Grits comes from your mouth like a shotgun blast! This dish will also go nicely with Boiled Rice, but please try it with the Grits, they take on the flavor of the sauce in a really nice, creamy way. I prefer the longer cooking Grits, sometimes called Old Fashioned, which are a little bit harder to find up north as opposed to the instant variety. If you're not crazy about just plain old Grits, get fancy and serve this alongside Caryn's Gorgonzola Grit Cakes from Delicious! Delicious!.

New Orleans Cuisine Recipe - Grillades & Grits

2 lbs Round Steak
2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
¼ teaspoon cayenne Pepper
½ Cup Flour seasoned
2 Tablespoons Creole Seasoning
3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
3 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
2 Medium Onions, Julienned
1 Red Bell Pepper, Julienned
2 Ribs Celery, Julienned
3 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
2 Cups Beef Stock
3 Tbsp Homemade Worcestershire Sauce
2 Cups Tomatoes, Chopped
2 Fresh Bay Leaves
1 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
Crystal Hot Sauce to taste
1 Tablespoon Corn Starch (whisked together with 1 Tablespoon Water)
1/4 cup Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped
1/2 cup Green Onions, thinly sliced on the bias
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 Recipe of Grits made according to the Package Instructions

Pound the Round Steak on both sides to about ½ inch thickness, then cut into 4 inch squares. Season the grillades with the salt & cayenne pepper. Combine the flour and Creole Seasoning, dip the Grillades one at a time into the seasoned flour and shake off any excess. In a cast iron dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until very hot, but not smoking. Brown the Grillades well on both sides without burning. Transfer the Grillades to a plate. Drain off the vegetable oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Onions, Bell Pepper, Celery, and Garlic and, stirring frequently, cook until the vegetables are soft but not brown. Stir in the Beef Stock, Wprcestershire, Tomatoes, and Bay Leaves; bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Return the Grillades and the accumulated juice from the plate back to the pot. Submerge the Grillades in the sauce and simmer for about 1 ½ hours or until they're very tender. When the Grillades are tender remove them to a plate and bring the sauce to a boil. Add the corn starch mixture and whisk until the sauce is slightly thickened. Stir in the parsley, 1/4 cup of the green onions, red wine vinegar, hot sauce, and salt & pepper. Mound the Grits on 4 heated plates and divide the steaks on top of the Grits. Pour the sauce over the Grillades & Grits, top with the remaining Green Onions and serve immediately.

Serves 4

Tortilla Soup Recipe at Cook's Journal

I posted the recipe for my Tortilla Soup, which I made yesterday, at my other Food Blog Cook's Journal. As I've said in the past, Cook's Journal is my outlet for all Non-New Orleans Cuisine recipes, I like to stay on topic here.

New Orleans Cuisine - Fried Shrimp Po' Boy Recipe

Here is my recipe for a Fried Shrimp Po' Boy. Like I said in my previous post, I'm a purist when it comes to Po' Boys, which is why I am on a quest for a good New Orleans French Bread recipe or substitute. As I've said in the past, the bread is really the star of the show. I found a decent substitute on Sunday from a sub/sandwich shop near my house that sold me a loaf that they make in house. It wasn't exact, but somewhat similar. Here is my Po' Boy recipe:

New Orleans Cuisine - Fried Shrimp Po' Boy Recipe

1 10-12" long piece of New Orleans Style French Bread
4 Tbsp Mayonnaise
3 Tbsp Creole Mustard (Zatarain's makes a good widely available Creole Mustard. I'm actually working on a recipe for Homemade Creole Mustard.)
Pickle Slices
3/4 Cup Shredded Lettuce
Tomato Slices (Optional)
Fried Shrimp for Filling (Recipe below)

Slice the bread horizontally about 3/4 of the way through, leaving it hinged. Some people prefer to slice the bread all the way through. I hinge the bread for two reasons:

1. Every Po' Boy sandwich I've eaten in New Orleans was hinged.
2. I'm smarter than the sandwich. :) It's easier to eat! Granted, a Po' Boy should be messy, but I like to try to keep the filling in the loaf while I'm making a mess.
   

Spread the Mayonnaise on the inside of the bottom portion of the bread, spread the Creole Mustard on the inside of the Top portion. Layer you pickles and Tomatoes (if using) on the bottom portion of the French Loaf. Fill with the lettuce, then top with the Fried Shrimp. Serve with an ice-cold Beer (like Dixie, Abita Amber, or your personal favorite) and kettle style Potato chips (like Zapp's). Put some hot sauce on the table and enjoy.

Makes 1 Sandwich

Fried Shrimp for a Po' Boy

2 1/2 Cups Vegetable Oil for Frying
1/2 Cup A.P. Flour
1/4 Cup Corn Flour (Masa Harina)
1/4 Cup Corn Meal
2 Tbsp Creole Seasoning, in all
1 Egg
2 Tbsp Water
1 Cup Peeled & Deveined Medium Shrimp (I use Louisiana Shrimp)

Heat the oil to 360 degrees in a 2 qt. saucepan.
Season the flour with 1 Tbsp Creole Seasoning in a bowl.
In another bowl, Mix the egg well with 2 Tbsp of water.
In another bowl, Mix the Corn flour and Corn Meal and the remaining 1 Tbsp Creole Seasoning.

Dredge the shrimp in the seasoned flour, then the egg wash, then the corn product mixture. Fry in batches in the 360 degree oil until just golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan, and let the oil come back to temperature before frying another batch. Be sure and check out my Creole & Cajun Recipe Page as well as my Bibliography of Creole & Cajun Cookbooks!

New Orleans Cuisine - The Po' Boy

My whole house smells of fried seafood and I don't care. I just made a Fried Shrimp Po' Boy that totally scratched an itch! I'm not going to go crazy and say it was as good as one from New Orleans because I have that damned bread issue, but it was pretty damned close! The shrimp were expertly cooked if I do say so, but that damned bread! But hey, I improvise, that's what cooks are good at, I even improvised on the chips, being that we don't have Zapp's here. Folks in New Orleans have probably never made a Po' Boy in their lives, I wouldn't either if I lived their, they're everywhere!
Usually when I get to New Orleans, I mean, as soon as my plane lands, I'm clammering to get into the city for something to eat, usually a Muffuletta or Po' Boy to start, or maybe a dozen oysters from Felix's; something I can get into my face, quick. Hey Cabbie, I'm starving. Can you use the shoulder? My trips to New Orleans are eating trips, I mean like nine meals a day, with stops at Felix's or Desire for some Oysters in between. I like Felix's because you can just stand at the bar shoot the shit with the shucker's, eat your oysters and head back out. Last time I was down, the first meal was a Po' Boy from Johnny's, Fried Shrimp; it was busy so I got my order and sat in the street like a common Hobo with a big grin on my face, chomping away and sipping a go-cup of Abita Amber! It felt like home.
Now when it comes to Po' Boys, I'm a purist. There are a few restaurant that could make a half-way decent Po' Boy here, but they F@$k with it too much. One place uses Cole Slaw, another puts cocktail sauce on it!!?? Come on man, don't get fancy on me! No Remoulade sauce, no Chipotle mayonnaise, just a dressed Po' Boy, you're killing me! I bet if someone opened a straight up Po' Boy shop here in Michigan, if the location was right, they would clean up! The restaurants that serve them here try to make it Gourmet, I just want to grab 'em and shake 'em! It's called a Po' Boy, knock it off already! Mayonnaise, Creole Mustard, Shredded Lettuce, Pickles, sometimes Tomato, Filling, hot sauce on the table.

The recipe later.

Shrimp and Chicken Jambalaya Recipe

Hey, If I can't be at Jazzfest, I may as well eat like I'm at Jazzfest! I'm working the food tent, you can go see my friend M.A. Sample at The Wreckroom for some great New Orleans music, he's missing Jazzfest as well.
I make my Jambalaya partly on the stove, then finish it in the oven. Since I'm using Chicken and Shrimp I want my stock to have those flavors, real simple. I heat up the right amount of Chicken Stock and add some raw Shrimp shells to it and simmer for about 15-20 minutes! It gives it a quick little infusion. I do the same thing when making a Cassoulet, except with Lamb bones, if I'm using Lamb. The Jambalaya Recipe:

New Orleans Cuisine Recipe - Shrimp and Chicken Jambalaya

Seasoning Mix (1/4 tsp Cayenne, 3/4 tsp White Pepper, 1 tsp Kosher Salt, 1/4 tsp Thyme, 1/2 tsp Rubbed Sage, 1/4 tsp Dried Basil, 1/2 tsp Black Pepper)

1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
1/2 Cup Diced Andouille
1/2 Cup Diced Onion
1/2 Cup Diced Bell Pepper
1/2 Cup Diced Celery
1/2 Cup Diced Fresh Tomatoes
1/2 Cup Tomato Sauce
3/4 Cup Enriched Long Grain Rice
1 1/4 Cup Chicken Stock with a Shrimp shell infusion (see above)
1 Tbsp Homemade Worcestershire Sauce
2 Tbsp Minced Fresh Garlic
1/2 Cup Diced Chicken (Cooked or raw)
1 1/2 Cup Medium Shrimp (I use Louisiana)
1 Tbsp Finely Chopped Italian Parsley
3 Tbsp Finely Sliced Green Onions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Mix together the Holy Trinity (Onion, Celery, Bell Pepper).
In a Cast Iron Dutch Oven, melt the butter over medium heat, add the Andouille and cook until it just starts to brown. Add 1/2 of the Holy Trinity, cook until the vegetables are tender (nothing smells better than rendering Andouille with the Holy Trinity). Add the diced Tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Add the Tomato Sauce and cook for another minute. Add the Rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the Stock, the remaining Holy Trinity, Seasoning Mix, Worcestershire, and the Garlic. Taste the broth for seasoning, particularly salt. Add the Chicken, stir well and put the pot in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. After the twenty-five minutes stir in the raw Shrimp, Parsley, and Green Onions, place back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the Shrimp are cooked through. Serve with French Bread and your favorite Beer.

My other Jambalaya and related posts: Chicken and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya Recipe Crawfish and Tasso Jambalaya Homemade Andouille Sausage Recipes Be sure and check out my Creole & Cajun Recipe Page as well as my Bibliography of Creole & Cajun Cookbooks!

New Orleans Cuisine - Brabant Potatoes Recipe

This is a simple side dish popular in New Orleans Cuisine. It's very quick and easy to make, and it will accompany just about any entree. The Recipe:

Brabant Potatoes Recipe

2 1/2 Cups Vegetable Oil
2 Large Idaho Potatoes
1/2 Stick Unsalted Butter, cut in pieces
1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
2 tsp Italian Parsley, Finely Minced

Scrub the Potatoes and cut into 1/2" dice (you can peel these if you prefer). Soak these in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and wash under cold water, the object is to remove some of the starch. Drain and pat dry with paper towels, you want them very dry.
Heat the Oil to 360-375 degrees in a 2 qt saucepan. Deep fry the potatoes until golden brown, in batches, you don't want to overcrowd the pan (see note). Drain on dry paper towels.
In a saute pan heat the Olive Oil over medium low heat and saute the garlic until fragrant, add the parsley and the butter, incorporating it in by constantly shaking the pan back and forth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper and pour over the potatoes, serve immediately.

Serves 2-3

**Note**
Overcrowding the pan when deep-frying does two things:
1. Keeps the oil from surrounding the potatoes
2. Lowers the temperature of the oil too quickly, which will result in soggy and greasy food, as opposed to crisp. When your temperature is too low, the food absorbs the oil in like a sponge.

New Orleans Cuisine - Shrimp Victoria

Yesterday I made the Brennan's classic Shrimp Victoria. The two key ingredients in this recipe, besides good quality Shrimp, are Fresh Basil, and Sour Cream which adds a nice tang to the dish. This is great to serve over Rice or Pasta. Here is my version:

New Orleans Cuisine Recipe - Shrimp Victoria

1 lb Peeled and Deveined Shrimp (I use Wild-Caught Louisiana)
1/4 stick Unsalted Butter
1/8 Cup Thinly sliced Green Onions
1/8 Cup Finely Chopped Fresh Basil
1/4 Cup White Mushrooms Thinly Sliced
2 oz Dry White Wine
2 oz Heavy Cream
1/2 tsp Kosher Salt or to taste
Pinch of White Pepper
Pinch of Cayenne
1 tsp Homemade Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp White Roux (Equal parts Unsalted Butter and Flour, cooked together for 1-2 minutes)
2 oz Sour Cream

Melt the butter in a saute pan, add the Green Onions, Mushrooms, Basil, and Shrimp. Saute until the shrimp just start to turn pink. Add the white wine and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the Heavy Cream, Worcestershire and seasonings. Add the Roux, cook for 1-2 minutes more. Remove from the heat and stir in the sour cream, adjust the seasonings if necessary, serve immediately. Brennan's serves this over parsley rice, it goes well over pasta also.

Serves 2

Mr. Lake's Nonpompous New Orleans Food Forum

If you love love New Orleans Cuisine, check out Mr. Lake's Nonpompous New Orleans Food Forum! It's a great, very frequently updated forum about New Orleans Cuisine that is a lot of fun. As the site says:

Forums for all those who enjoy sharing information about New Orleans, food, drink, and history.

Enough said, I'm there. Check it out!