Saturday, December 3, 2011

Girard Park

We lived less than four blocks from Girard Park in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Daddy and mama would bring everything in the old Chevy station wagon; the coals, chicken, potato salad, a large ice chest full of soft drinks, quilts; just about anything you needed for a picnic.

And if anything was forgotten, we, as a gaggle of children, would walk home to get whatever was forgotten.

In the 50's and 60's almost everyone would have a picnic in Girard park at least once a month.

We children would have the baseball and bat ready to walk to the park just for the fun of it! Not stepping, of course, on any of the cracks in the sidewalk!

So the other day I was digging through some old recipes and found this one that my daddy had handwritten for a barbecue sauce.  Now, I have never tried it, but I thought it was worthy of having as a memory.

Jimmy's Barbecue Sauce

Simmer together for 5 minutes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons of sugar
2 teaspoons of salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon of instant coffee


Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Thanksgiving Menu and Grocery List

2011
Turkey Breast
Hormel Spiral Ham
Small Pork Loin Roast
White Rice and Gravy
Rice Dressing
Green bean Casserole
Yam bake
Dinner Rolls
pumpkin Pie

Grocery List for Thanksgiving Meal 

bell peppers, green onions, onions, cherries, cranberrys, dark brown sugar, dinner rolls,  eggs, evap. milk,  green beans,   onion rings,  mushroom soup, ground chuck, ground pork, ham, pork loin, turkey breast, marshmallows, canned pumpkin, yams, 2 boxes of pie crusts, pineapple rings 

Look in Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes Cookbook for the scrumptious recipes!  Bon Appetit!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Cream Cheese Cookies

So, I just finished baking these soft scrumptious delicious cookies!
Such a simple recipe and they can taste so good!

Ingredients
1 box of Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix
8 oz of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1/4 or 1 stick of Land O Lakes Butter
1 Large egg
1 teaspoon of Almond Extract
2 cups of semisweet or milk chocolate chips

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
2. Cream together cream cheese and butter with mixer, then add almond extract and butter; 
blend well.
3. Stir in cake mix a little at a time until blended, add chocoate chips.
4. Drop by teaspoonfuls on cookie sheet and bake for 10 minutes
until the edges are brown.
Bon Appetit!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Two ways to purchase Roux!

We want to personally thank all of you for the continued support!  We now have a little office open for mailing, packaging, test tasting and coffee drinking!  Bon Appetit!

Two ways to purchase Roux...send cashier's check, money order, or personal check to our little office...Roux, c/o 12901 Jefferson Highway, Suite 216, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816 or PayPal at http://rouxcajunrecipes.blogspot.com/.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Food Bank

My charity is our local food bank. For every book that I sell during the month of November, I am donating part of the proceeds to the local food bank. Bon Appetit!

Quickie Suppers...

You come in from work and have children to assist with homework, down time, bed time and you want a healthy quick meal for the family, BUT, time doesn't allow it during the week. So, here may be a help for you in planning quick, delicious meals.

Make a menu list for the week.  It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just good old fashion "oven cooking" as my mother said.  Example, 1 cut up chicken, 4 lbs of ground meat, smoke sausage, any canned or jarred spaghetti sauce.  You should already have rice, potatoes, shredded cheese and veggies in your cupboard as kitchen staples.

If you have meat, you can make any meal. (My mother used to say that too!)
When you get home from the store, freeze your meats, but divide the ground meat into 2lb packages before you freeze.

Prepare your food the night before you intend to serve the meal to your family. 

For example, season, unfrozen, 2 lbs of ground meat, shape into a meatloaf, place in a pan, cover with foil and place it in your refrigerator for the next evenings meal.

Wash and refrigerate your potatoes.

Open any canned veggies and place them in a pryex covered dish in the refrigerator.

Take out a half stick of butter and place that in a saucer on the counter for either the potatoes or the veggies.

You are now prepared for the next nights meal.  Is this making sense?  I hope so.

Okay, when you get home from work and school with the children, put your oven on 350 degrees, and place your meatloaf, uncovered in the oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Microwave your washed potatoes to either mash with the butter, salt and pepper or serve them as a whole baked potato.

Microwave your veggies for three to four minutes.  Voila, a meal.  Serve with rolls or french bread.

This way your meal is prepared while you take care of your family.  The "oven" is your slave.  Quick tasty meals. Bon Appetit!

Friday, October 14, 2011

OLD FASHIONED COCONUT CAKE



When we married we had a very small reception. As we were entering the hall for the reception we walked in at the same time with one of my husband's very elderly Aunts.  She was carrying a coconut cake to put on the side of my wedding cake.  What a wonderful memory. Thank you Aunt Belle. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Ingredients

3 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. good vanilla
1 3/4 cup self rising flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 350ยบ. Grease and flour 2 round cake pans or 13x9 baking pan. Set aside.

Separate eggs; place yolks in a large mixing bowl. Place egg whites in a metal or heat resistant glass mixing bowl and set aside.

In large mixing bowl combine 3 egg yolks and remaining ingredients in the order given. Beat with spoon or electric mixer until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and bake until cake springs back or a pick inserted into the center comes back clean. Place pan(s) on wire rack to cool.

For round pans, cool for 15 minutes in pans, then turn out onto wire racks and cool.

While cake is cooling, prepare Frosting:


3 egg whites beaten stiff
1 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. good vanilla
dash of salt

Freshly shredded coconut, about 2 cups, more or less, to your taste.

In a large heat proof mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff. Place sugar, syrup and salt in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Boil for 3 minutes; remove from heat. With mixer on high, pour boiling syrup in a steady stream over egg whites, being very careful not to get hot syrup in beaters. When all of syrup has been added, add vanilla and continue beating until glossy and thick enough to frost cake.

Pour and spread over cake, then immediately sprinkle with coconut, pressing onto top and sides if you use round pans to make a layer cake.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Whoopie Pies

As a child I ate pre-packaged cakes called "Devil Dainties"...I think they were from "Jack's Bakery".  They were very affordable for a nickel and very filling for a little 7 year old girl in the 50's.

I never realized that I was eating what is called "whoopie pies".

I found this recipe for Whoopie Pies and thought you might enjoy making them.  Bon Appetit!

Whoopie Pies

Makes8 individual desserts
  • Active time:30 min
  • Start to finish:1 hr
The generally accepted legend of whoopie pies is that they evolved from little individual cakes mothers would make their children from leftover chocolate cake batter and frosting—the "whoopie" is said to be the kids' happy shout.
For cakes
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg

For filling

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
  • 1 cup marshmallow cream such as Marshmallow Fluff
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Make cakes:

  • Preheat oven to 350ยบF.
  • Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until combined. Stir together buttermilk and vanilla in a small bowl.
  • Beat together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer or 5 minutes with a handheld, then add egg, beating until combined well. Reduce speed to low and alternately mix in flour mixture and buttermilk in batches, beginning and ending with flour, scraping down side of bowl occasionally, and mixing until smooth.
  • Spoon 1/4-cup mounds of batter about 2 inches apart onto 2 buttered large baking sheets. Bake in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until tops are puffed and cakes spring back when touched, 11 to 13 minutes. Transfer with a metal spatula to a rack to cool completely.

Make filling:

  • Beat together butter, confectioners sugar, marshmallow, and vanilla in a bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.

Assemble pies:

  • Spread a rounded tablespoon filling on flat sides of half of cakes and top with remaining cakes.
Cook's Notes:
  • Cakes can be made 3 days ahead and kept, layered between sheets of wax paper, in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Filling can be made 4 hours ahead and kept, covered, at room temperature.

Monday, September 26, 2011

New Orleans Chargrilled Oysters!

Ingredients:

Oysters, freshly shucked and loosened (on the half shell) - 24
Salted butter - 1 lb. or 4 sticks
Green onions, chopped fine - 2 bunches
Garlic Pureed - 20 toes
Crushed red pepper - 1 tsp.
Fresh thyme and oregano each chopped fine - 3 tbsp.
Fresh lemon juice - 3 tbsp.
Worchestershire sauce - 1 tbsp.
Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning - 2 tbsp.
Romano cheese, grated - 8 oz.
French bread - 1 loaf, sliced thin


Directions:  Prepare all ingredients.

In a large saute pan add 2 sticks (or 1/2 lb.) of butter over a medium heat.

Add prepared green onions, garlic, red pepper, thyme, oregano, lemon juice, worchestershire sauce and creole seasoning.

Stir ingredients continuously for 2 minutes until green onions are softened; remove from heat and allow to cool for 3 minutes.

In a large mixing bowl (before the mixture is completely cool) add remaining butter (which is 2 sticks or 1/2 lb) and blend until the rest of the butter is folded into the sauce.

Final product should be a creamy consistency. Set aside.

Grilling Oysters:  Pre-heat grill to 350 degrees.

Place freshly shucked oysters on the half shell on the center of the grill. When the water in the oysters begins to bubble and the oyster begins to rise and curl, ladle 1/2 ounce of the butter garlic sauce on top of each oyster.

Top with a 1/4 ounce of grated romano cheese. Allow cheese to melt.

Oysters should brown slightly around the curled edges.
Remove oysters and place on a heat-resistent plate or platter.

While still hot add more butter sauce to the top of each oyster.

Serve immediately with warm french bread for dipping.
Chargrilled Oysters
Serves four / makes 24 oysters.  Bon Appetit!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Chicken Soup!

How many times, did I feel, that I just didn't have the strength to get up during the winter months, when a cold or flu had taken it's grip on me!  Well, here is one of the best things to get you through the blahs when you are shuffling around in your jammies and feeling poorly.

1 3 to 4 lb. chicken rinsed
1 bunch of parsley, chopped
2 1/2 qts. water
2 cubes chicken bouillion
2 tsp. salt
1 onion, chopped
2 celery ribs with leaves, chopped
2 carrots, sliced
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste

Cut chicken into quarter pieces; place in a large stock pot. Add the water, bouillon cubes, salt and bay leaf. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Uncover and skim off the top froth. Allow to simmer, heat on low, for 2 hours. Remove and debone the chicken. Discard the bones. Replace meat into broth. Add the onions, celery, carrots and parsley. Allow to simmer another 45 minutes. Ladle the soup over cooked noodles or rice.

Bon Appetit!
This is from Page 5 of Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes

Sunday, September 18, 2011

The Story of New Orleans Pralines


This candy was first known as Creole candy.

There are many variations on the story of how the praline came to be, but most of them revolve around the manor house of the 17th-century French diplomat Cesar du Plessis Praslin.

A chef in the kitchen here developed a technique for coating almonds in cooked sugar. 

In France and elsewhere, the word praline is still used as a generic term for any sort of candy made with nuts.

These early confections traveled with Frenchmen to their new colony on the banks of the Mississippi, a land where both sugar cane and nuts were cultivated in abundance.

In local kitchens, Louisiana pecans were substituted for the more exotic almonds, cream was added, giving the candy more body, and a Southern tradition was born.

Even before the Civil War and Emancipation, pralines were an early entrepreneurial vehicle for free women of color in New Orleans.

In 1901, the Daily Picayune (a predecessor to today's Times-Picayune newspaper) described in nostalgic terms the "pralinieres," or older black women, who sold pralines "about the streets of the Old French Quarter." They were often selling pralines on Canal Street near Bourbon and Royal streets and around Jackson Square in the shade of the alleys flanking St. Louis Cathedral.

And in the 1930s, the Louisiana folklorist Lyle Saxon, writing in the book "Gumbo Ya-Ya," documented praline sellers "garbed in gingham and starched white aprons and tignons," or head wraps, fanning their candies with palmetto leaves against the heat and bellowing the sales pitch "belles pralines!" to passersby.

Excerpt taken from I. McNulty who is a freelance food writer and columnist, a frequent commentator on the New Orleans entertainment talk show “Steppin’ Out” and editor of the guidebook “Hungry? Thirsty? New Orleans.”

Recipe for New Orleans Pralines

1 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2  cup light cream
1 ½ cups pecans, halved
2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. Combine sugars and cream in a heavy 2-quart saucepan and bring to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until mixture forms a thick syrup.     
2. Add pecans and butter and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently. 
3. Remove sauce pan to a heatproof surface (such as a wire rack) and let cool for 10 minutes.
4. Use a tablespoon to drop rounded balls of the mixture onto sheet wax paper or foil, leaving about 3 inches between each ball for pralines to spread. Allow to cool. Makes about 12 candies.
  
Recipe for Cajun Pralines

1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pecan halves


Directions:
  1. Combine the sugar and milk and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add the butter, vanilla and pecans. Cook until the syrup reaches the soft ball stage (238° F).
  3. Let cool five minutes, then beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture begins to thicken.
  4. Drop by tablespoons onto a well-greased flat surface (aluminum foil works well). The candy will flatten out into large rounds, about three to four inches in diameter. Store in an air tight container.
New Orleans Praliniere circa 1900

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Seasoning Mix (Dehydrated)

All ingredients are dehydrated.
1/4 cup Parsley
1/4 cup Green Onion Tops
1/4 cup White Onions
1/4 cup Bell Peppers
3 TB Celery Flakes
==
Mix all of the dehydrated ingredients in a bowl. Place mixture in a sealed, glass, decorative canister.
To use: Scoop 1/4 cup of seasoning mix into 1/2 cup of warm water. Let soak ten minutes; add to gravy or soup and simmer.
This makes a perfect gift for cooks!
You can use this seasoning blend in many gravies and soups. This blend has been used in some of the ROUX recipes.
Bon Appetit!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Pesto Pasta Salad

 

My card social is Friday night and we all bring a little dish to share.  I am going to bring this delicious Pesto Pasta Salad.  Bon Appetit! 

Ingredients

  • 4 cups uncooked spiral pasta
  • 1 cup basil pesto 
  • 2 Tbsp chopped green olives, olive tapenade or Italian Salad Mix
  • 1 cup of frozen peas, defrosted
  • 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Several fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)

Instructions:

Cook pasta according to instructions on the package. Make sure the water is salted (at least a half teaspoon per quart). Remove pasta from heat and strain when pasta is cooked, but still firm (al dente).

Put pasta in a big bowl. Mix in basil pesto, green olives/olive tapenade/Italian Salad Mix. Add pine nuts (optional).

Gently mix in cherry tomatoes, peas, fresh basil leaves and olive oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Chill or serve at room temperature.
Serves 6-8.

Eating breakfast at home...

So I have decided that  I would start eating breakfast at home.  This was simple to do and a delicious way to start the day.
1 slice of bread with a hole cut out in the middle
1 pat of butter
1 egg
Place the slice of bread in the skillet on med/high.
Place the pat of butter in the center of the bread hole, as it melts move the bread to coat the pan.
Place the egg in the hole; when it is quite firm, flip it over.
The center piece of bread is to be browned on the side of the "toad".
Dust with black pepper and salt.  Bon Appetit!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Grilled Okra for Labor Day

Labor Day has snuck up on me this year!

So I'm thinking...maybe something a little different on the grill this time to go along with the chicken, sausage, and potato salad that we do every year for Labor Day.
Grilled Okra? YES! Here is the simple recipe. (Not in Roux, but taped in the back of my copy of Roux.)

Washed whole pods of okra (with stem) (8 per serving)
Salt
Pepper
Olive Oil

Place washed okra in a large bowl (you can slit them halfway to the stem which is optional)
Season them with salt and pepper
Toss gently with olive oil

Place the okra pods on a grilling pan/sheet;  moving them on the hot grill until they are almost crispy!
(You can also skewer them, turning them often.)
Bon Appetit

Monday, August 29, 2011

Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes Cookbook: This Fig Pie was from the recipe in Roux, Simple C...

Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes Cookbook: This Fig Pie was from the recipe in Roux, Simple C...: This Fig Pie was from the recipe in Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes! I used Black Mission Figs from the Farmer's Market. It was absolutely deli...
This Fig Pie was from the recipe in Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes!  I used Black Mission Figs from the Farmer's Market.  It was absolutely delicious!  Bon Appetit!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Remember!

Remember to follow this blog for photos since Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes has only the recipes to make it more compact for traveling with you!

I also have added more recipes to the blog that are not in the cookbook as I continue to try out new recipes.

Bon Appetit!

Louisiana Style BBQ Shrimp


1 pound of 26/30 count shrimp with head on
2 sticks of butter, halved
Worcestershire Sauce
4 heaping teaspoons salt
4 heaping teaspoons black pepper
4 heaping teaspoons creole seasoning
4 tsp garlic, minced
4 lemons

For each serving (makes 4 servings),

Melt 1/2 stick of butter in a saute pan over medium-high heat.

Add  2 tablespoons of  Worcestershire sauce
Juice of one lemon freshly squeezed
1 heaping teaspoon of salt
1 heaping teaspoon of black pepper
1 heaping teaspoon of creole seasoning
1 teaspoon of minced garlic.

Combine by stirring or shaking pan. Add in about a quarter of the shrimp. About 9 at a time to each batch.

Cook a couple minutes on each side. Spoon shrimp and butter sauce onto thin sliced French bread.

( I combine the seasonings into four ramkins.  It makes it easier to add to the butter, Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice while you are preparing each serving.)

Bon Appetit!

Chicken and Sausage Fricassee

Although this is not in the cookbook Roux, you can copy and paste it in the back of your cookbook!

This is absolutely delicious.  It is a cross between my grandmother's Mulligan Stew and a Gumbo.

1 chicken, disjointed with skin, seasoned. Set aside in a large bowl.
1 lb of smoke sausage, cut into slices and mixed into the bowl of seasoned chicken; set aside.
1/2 cup of all purpose flour
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1 bag of cleaned baby carrots
4 red or white potatoes peeled and cut
4 cloves of garlic cut up
1 bell pepper cut up
1 white onion cut up
1 can of chicken broth
water
Green onion tops

Make a Basic dark roux with the flour and oil in a black pot.  (page 57 in Roux)

Add garlic, bell pepper and onions. Mix well and simmer about 2 minutes; add sausage and chicken; mix well.  Simmer another two minutes.

Stir in carrots and potatoes.  Add chicken broth. Add water a little at a time until it is the consistency of a stew.  

Simmer 45 minutes, add green onion tops and serve on steamed white rice.

Bon Appetit!!!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Pound Cake with Dried Cranberries and Cream Cheese

So I wanted a little more than just a plain pound cake.  Just finished baking this and my goodness, so yummy!!!

1 box of Duncan Hines Pound cake mix
1/2 stick of butter (softened)
2/3 cup of milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup of cream cheese (softened)
1 cup of Ocean Spray dried cranberries (any juice infused flavor you prefer)

On the low setting of an electric mixer, combine  pound cake, butter, eggs, cream cheese and milk until well mixed; then beat on high setting for 2 1/2 minutes.

Pour and spread into a loaf pan (9x5) that has been coated with butter and sugar so the pound cake will not stick to the pan.  

Bake 50 minutes in a 350 degree oven, be sure to check if the center is baked by placing a toothpick in the middle seeing if it comes out clean. (May have to bake a little longer until toothpick comes out clean, cover the pound cake loosely with a sheet of aluminum foil so the top will not continue to brown). Bon Appetit!!!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Italian Caponato! Buon appetito!

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Caponata

5-6 large eggplants
2 yellow or purple onions
4 ribs celery
2 cups mixed olives with pits
1/4 c balsamic vinegar
5 cups spaghetti sauce

Remove tops and bottoms of eggplant and cut into 3/4 inch cubes, lightly fry in deep fryer, drain on a paper towel and set aside.

Slice onions and celery and saute in 1/4 c cooking oil until translucent.

While the onions are cooking place the olives in a Ziploc bag and crush with a mallet. Remove pits from olives and add to onions and celery. Mix well.

Add the spaghetti sauce and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 10 minutes;  add the eggplant and cook another 5 minutes. Serve on crusted bread.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Microwave Crawfish Etouffee Recipe


2 lbs. fresh crawfish tails peeled with fat and seasoned
1 large white or yellow onion, finely chopped 
1/4 bell pepper, finely chopped
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 8oz. can Cream of Mushroom Soup 

1 8oz. can good quality tomato sauce (I use Contadina)
1 cup fresh green onions chopped
3/4 stick butter
2 cloves of garlic minced  
Cajun seasoning to your taste (salt, red pepper, black pepper)
Cooked white rice


In a safe, 2 quart pyrex bowl, microwave on high setting 3/4 stick of butter, onion and green onion 8 to 9 minutes. Stir.

Add tomato sauce, cream of mushroom soup, bell pepper, parsley, garlic, seasoning and crawfish. Microwave on high 5 minutes. Stir. Microwave another 5 minutes.

Serve over cooked white rice with a side of cheesy french bread and fresh green onions as a garnish (recipe in Roux). Bon Appetit!!! 

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Simple and Quick Hors Deurves

So we are having guests this evening and I made quicky hors deurves for tonight.  If you keep a few things in your pantry at all times, it will make your life easier!  I keep jars of olives, pickled okra, pesto and sweet gherkins on hand.

I put together a veggie plate of olives, sweet gherkins and pickled okra.  Then I deviled some eggs and dusted them with paprika.


For another amuse bouche (a small bite before the meal) I mixed 1/2 block of  softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of Pesto to be plated on an assortment of crackers with any or no topping.  It's lookin' good, folks.  Bon Appetit!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Cool Cucumber Soup

Cucumber Soup is so refreshing that it is a must on these hot summer days!  There are many ways to serve this soup and I have two images for you to enjoy!  Bon Appetit!!!

Chilled Cucumber Soup
2 (16 oz) containers Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 ½ cups half and half  (buttermilk can be used as a substitution)
3 cucumbers, unpeeled, seeded, chopped
¾ cup chopped red onion
8 chopped green onions, white and green parts
2 T kosher salt
1 T freshly ground black pepper
¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (6 lemons)
¼ cup chopped fresh dill

In a large mixing bowl, stir together yogurt or sour cream, half and half (or buttermilk), cucumbers, red onion, salt and pepper.

Transfer the mixture in batches to the blender. Process until the cucumbers are pureed and then pour in another bowl. Continue processing until all is pureed. Cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until very cold. Just before serving, stir in lemon juice. Garnish with shrimp, lemon, fresh dill, mint, or radishes.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Meatballs in a Cream Sauce

So I am not really in to cream sauces of any kind, but I was in a pinch what to do with a humongous portion of left over cooked  macaroni shells, so I came up with this...it is very mild to taste, so you might want to add more seasonings than I did.

Bon Appetit!!!

Ingredients:

1 egg, beaten with 1/4 cup of milk
2 slices of bread, torn up
1 1/2 pounds of ground chuck
1 tsp salt
3 T. grated onion
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
2 cups of milk
3 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots and green beans)

Beat one egg with 1/4 cup of milk. Add two slices of bread broken up. Set Aside.

To 1 1/2 lbs. of ground chuck add 3 T. of minced onion, 1/4 tsp. of black pepper, 1/4 tsp. of nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. of dry mustard, 1/2 tsp. celery salt.

Then stir in egg and bread mixture.  Mix well.

Form into meatballs, roll each meatball lightly in All Purpose flour. Fry meatballs and then set aside.

Add to the pan one can of mushroom soup and one can of chicken soup, and 2 cups of milk.   Stir until smooth, mix in 3 cups of frozen vegetable mix and add meatballs.

Cover and simmer 10 minutes.  Mix in cooked macaroni shells until it is the consistency that you would like.

Serve with a green salad.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes Cookbook: A Chicken in Every Pot...(Governor Huey P. Long)

Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes Cookbook: A Chicken in Every Pot...(Governor Huey P. Long): "So I am thinking, what could be an easy supper. MMMmmm, baked Chicken...blah baked chicken...what could I do to make it scrumptious???...co..."

Veggie Dip Cups


We have lots of small get togethers and I am always in a rush when I get home from work! I try to prepare everything the night before so everything will be ready to serve.

This idea was in a magazine and is so easy to prepare!

Cut in strips bell peppers (all colors), celery, carrot sticks, and cucumber...any other raw vegetables, that you would like to include, such as asparagus and brocolli can be added to this colorful group of vegetables.

In small, clear plastic cups or clear glasses, place 2 Tablespoons of any dip that you desire and then arrange the vegetables standing in the glass!

It makes a beautiful, simple presentation. It is also nice that your guests don't have to go back to the "veggie plate". They have their own individual serving.

Bon Appetit!!!

A Chicken in Every Pot...(Governor Huey P. Long)

So I am thinking, what could be an easy supper.  MMMmmm, baked Chicken...blah baked chicken...what could I do to make it scrumptious???...come here you little old chicken.

First of all, I washed and disjointed a large fryer and seasoned it with Montreal Steak Seasoning...yes, Steak Seasoning by Montreal...it is a very coarse grind of spices and absolutely good for any meat or chicken dish.

Then I placed the chicken parts in a large pan.  I used one stick of  butter in pats on each piece. Then sliced two large onions into large rings and placed that on each piece of chicken.

Inside the onion ring, I placed fresh button mushrooms. Then I baked the chicken, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, then I drizzled honey over the chicken and baked it another 25 minutes.

It was delicious and had a slight sweet taste to it...yum yum!!! Bon Appetit!!!

Ingredients for this delish dish:  One washed and disjointed chicken, Montreal Steak Seasoning, two large onions, one stick of butter and honey.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Susan's Bar B Cue Sauce



Just finished creating this barbecue sauce recipe and it can be very spicy! You can add or subtract pepper. Bon Appetit!

1/2 box of light brown sugar
3/4 cup of water
1/2 cup of ketchup
1/4 teaspoon of coarse black pepper
2 Tablespoons of vinegar
2 teaspoons of salt
1 bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce
(the Seafood Sauce by Heinz can be used but it is eye watering hot!)
1/4 cup of dehydrated onions

Mix water and light brown sugar in pot; mix well. Stir in rest of ingredients as listed above. Simmer on low for 1/2 hour to thicken; watching carefully because it can boil over.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Blue Berry Pound Cake



Blue Berry Pound Cake

1 Box Duncan Hines Butter cake mix
1 8 oz package of cream cheese (softened)
3 eggs or 1/2 cup vegetable or corn oil
1 stick of melted butter
3 TB sugar
2 cups of fresh blueberries

Heat oven to 350 degrees

Grease a bundt or loaf pan with butter.

Beat cream cheese until fluffy; add eggs and beat well.

Add melted butter and sugar; mix well.

Add dry cake and mix well to blend.

Fold in the blueberries and spread into pan.

This batter will be very stiff...don't worry it will spread easily.

Bake for 45 to 55 minutes.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Gateau De Sirop


When we would come home from school many times this was waiting on the counter, in mama's favorite little pan, to be served with a big glass of cold milk.

It is a very dark sticky cake and absolutely scrumptious! I still have the little pan and it brings back the memories of those days and the smell of this cake in that little kitchen. Bon Appetit!

"Syrup Cake"

1 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
1 cup of vegetable or corn oil
2 teaspoon of baking soda
2 eggs
1 cup of Dark Karo Syrup or Steen's Cane Syrup
1 cup of boiling water
2 1/2 cups of All Purpose flour (sifted)
Pinch of salt (1/8 teaspoon)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Dissolve soda in boiling water.
Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
Combine sugar, oil, flour, salt and soda water; add beaten eggs.
Mix well.
Bake in an 8x8 buttered pan for 40 minutes.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Kihei Caffe in Maui, Hawaii


Delicious LoCo MoCo!


Today the owner of Kihei Caffe, Barry Allison, in Maui, Hawaii said that he will put one of Roux, Simple Cajun Recipes on his Speciality Menu...So, if you are on the Big Island go on down to Kihei Caffe and order one of his specialities, like the delicious one pictured above.

Check out his website! KiheiCaffe.com

Bon Appetit!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Wednesday...



So, this afternoon I had no idea what to prepare for supper. I wanted it to be quick and easy. I also wanted it to be "gone" in a day because of the feast we are preparing in less than four days.

Quick and easy as can be:

Meat Loaf
Carrots or any steamed vegetables
Mashed Potatoes
Dinner Roll
Ice Tea

You cannot make a more simple hot meal than this one!

Bon Appetit!

What you can prepare before Easter Sunday!



Now that you have your shopping list for your Easter Menu out of the way, you can prepare several of the dishes ahead of time!

I always prepare the Green Bean Casserole and Yummy Yams the day before; covered with aluminum foil and placed in the refrigerator.

The Potato Salad can be prepared and also refrigerated.

You can season your pork roast and also prepare your ham in their respective baking pans in the refrigerator.

Then on Sunday morning you can pop your already seasoned roast in the oven with your baked ham.

After you have prepared your meats, bake your green bean casserole and yummy yams.

The only dish you cannot prepare ahead of time is the Dirty Rice.

It makes for a more peaceful day when everything is ready to go early Sunday morning in the kitchen!

Bon Appetit!

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Easter Time!



Time for planning your menu and writing your grocery list! This will help you stay on course for that delicous Easter Sunday Dinner!

This is our menu for Sunday, please feel free to choose any combination or all for your "spread". The recipes are in Roux!

MENU

Baked Ham (follow directions on packaging)
Tenderloin Pork Roast, p. 26
Green Bean Casserole, p. 14
Yummy Yams, p. 17
Potato Salad, p. 8
Dirty Rice, p. 13
Steamed Rice, p. 15

I break my list down by recipe and check off what I already have in the cupboard.

SHOPPING LIST

Spiral Cut Ham
Molasses, brown sugar

Tenderloin Pork Roast
fresh garlic, one onion, Tony Chachere Cajun Creole Seasoning, bell pepper, Kitchen Bouquet,

2 Cans of Green Beans
1 large can of Fried Onion Rings
1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
Soy sauce, salt and pepper, milk

White long grain rice
1 pound of ground pork
1 pound of lean ground beef
1 onion, 1 bell pepper, celery, parsley, green onions, ground thyme, bay leaf, vegetable oil

2 large cans of yams
brown sugar, salt, cinammon, nutmeg, butter, evaporated milk, mini marshmallows

5 or 6 red potatoes
3 or 4 eggs, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, salt and black pepper, sugar, white vinegar

Have a blessed day!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Bread Custard

Delicious creamy bread custard is a must for Easter Week!




1 quart of whole milk
5 to 7 slices of torn stale bread
4 eggs
3/4 cup of granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons of vanilla
3/4 cup of raisins (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the torn bread into a bowl.

Scald the milk in a sauce pan or 4 minutes on high in a microwave. Then pour the milk over the bread. Set aside and let stand 10 minutes.

In another large bowl, beat the eggs slightly. Add sugar, salt, vanilla extract and raisins to the beaten eggs. Mix well.

Pour over milk and bread mixture. Mix well.

Pour into a deep, buttered, baking dish that has been placed in the center of a pan of hot water. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until a butter knife comes out clean when piercing the middle of the custard.

Be very careful when sliding the pan of water with the bread custard dish from the oven. It is very hot.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

So, early this morning I am sitting on our new porch...our retirement porch, having coffee. I am listening to the birds and looking at an old piece of driftwood intermingled with my three little potted plants.



On a beach, in a far away land and in a far away time, I was walking with my papa. He bent down, picked up a piece of driftwood and said, "Here SouSou. Keep this."

What? What for? Just an old piece of ugly driftwood to haul back to the beach camp...what for? This ugly gnarled piece of wood...so what that the ocean gleaned it smooth and carved its name on it! That means nothing to me. I hauled it back to beach camp and threw it in the back of the station wagon. hmmph.

So, I sit here at 61 years of age and look back at that 7 year old little girl. How our perspective of just a gnarled piece of wood can change in a life time...

Thursday, February 24, 2011

After the flight! Red beans and Rice Simmering on the stove!




2 lbs of red beans, rinsed in a colander
1 large onion, chopped
1 large bell pepper, chopped
1 lb of bacon, cut into one inch pieces
2 lbs of smoked sausage, cut into slices
Season to your taste

Fill a stock pot half full of water. Add red beans, onion, bell pepper, sausage and bacon; add salt and pepper. Add Creole and Cajun Seasoning (optional). Stir. Cook on high heat until it comes to a boil. Lower heat to medium low. Simmer approximately 1 hour until the beans are soft and the gravy is thick. Stir often. Season to taste while simmering.

Serve over steamed rice.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Being naive sometimes keeps you safe...

A friend of mine used to crop dust for money while he was in college.



He was all of 21 and I was all of 16.

I would go up with him while he dropped the dust on the fields.

It was absolutely exhilarating,of course, I never told my mama. I always said we were going riding (and we did, in a plane!)

The dropping slowly of the plane made me excited about life. And of course he showed off his skill by climbing so quickly...sometimes I think more quickly than he should have...I think back on these times lately and now I realize I probably lived a lifetime before I was 25.

Friday, February 18, 2011



So you touch base with friends from the past. 

You wonder where they have been in their life while you were living your life.  Seems that every one was doing the same thing,  just in different places.  We sleep, we eat and we love.  What more could we ask for in this life.

So you go back to 1964 and remember the poster that hung over your bed until you married and wonder,  "Did I ever have an Endless Summer" and the answer is yes, with you my dear friends from the past!

Water and waves. Bikinis and "boy shorts". Hot summers and cool streams, oceans and Gulf.  Endless in a time when time wasn't measured.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Super Bowl Foodies

Today is so Special!  Super Bowl Sunday is a fun day for chips and dips, popcorn and company!  Here is the recipe for a good warm football day meal for all of your guests to enjoy!  Bon Appetit!


Chili Con Carne

2 lbs. of ground sirloin or chuck
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper chopped
4 cans of kidney beans (two dark, two light) drained
1 can or jar of fire roasted tomatoes, drained
1 can of diced tomatoes
3 T. chili powder
2 tsp. of cumin
4 garlic cloves, sliced

Brown ground chuck with chopped bell pepper, garlic and onions. Add kidney beans, tomatoes, chili powder and cumin. Simmer about 15 minutes. Serve over rice or ladle into a soup bowl. If served in a soup bowl, top with cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Serves 6.

                              And don't forget a simple party platter of vegetables for munching!
And your favourite Chips and Dips!


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

I wrote this to a friend and wanted to share it with you

I try to always remember that my friends are special.

Margaret Meade, the American cultural anthropologist, said, "One of the most basic needs of a human being is to have someone waiting for them when they come home."

I think that holds true for correspondence...it lets one know that they are being thought about at that time, on that day, and at that moment.