United States Chef
JUJUGIRL Profile
Cajun Momma Cooks
CookEatShare Points
About me
Simple old recipes that I was raised on are my faves. I will try making just about anything that fascinates me-at least once! My family has been on many food adventures, some were keepers, some were "appearing one night only!" lol My sons loved that I made dishes that related to special days of celebration, usually relating to their countries of origin. Example: St Paddy's day, Irish food, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican, Chinese New year, Chinese dishes, etc. It was fun and we all looked forward to trying new dishes. These days the kids are grown, I only cook for my number one fan-my hubby of 40 years.
Cooking Influences
My grandparents and parents were all great cooks. The men had their dishes, the women usually never ventured into the "man land" creations. As kids, we always knew who had done the cooking by what dish we were served. My daddy, who loved to cook and was a champ in the kitchen, usually got carried away with the red pepper or Tabasco, and I have many memories of sitting at the table,tears streaming my cheeks (but would not stop eating because it was so good). There were 6 of us kids, on daddy's cooking night, a familiar whine was "daddy it's too hot!" He would apologize, moma would fuss at him, but not one of us left the table. Well, maybe my little sister did, but she was a cry baby. To this day she wont eat potato salad or anything with pickles or onions! But she does eat spicy Cajun food,so she cant be all bad! When I think of all the old folks, now gone, I remember fondly the gifts of their food . Nanny's gumbo, Papaw's Apple cake, Aunt Ann's stew meat and her delicious stewed chicken! What I wouldn't give for one more bowl of everything-and a chance to watch them create their magic. My biggest regret is that I didn't have the sense to actually PAY ATTENTION to what they were cooking, and all the little tips or hints I may have gleaned years ago. But, life goes on, and each generation takes their memories from the past and creates a new chapter in the cookbook of our culture.That's what life is all about.
Recommendations
Favorite Cookbooks
- Pirate's Pantry (Junior League of Lake Charles )
- My go to for ideas,techniques,ingredients. Recipes for everything Louisiana.
Comments
- March 1, 2018I have hundreds of cookbooks! (but only a handful that I actually use!) Its not unusual to find a stack of cookbooks next to my bed-when I'm not immersed in a good book,or when I want to keep it light, no drama or "blood&guts",I will grab some books and fall asleep reading recipes...Am I the only one who does that? lol I usually have plans to make this or that,but,somewhere between the sandman and the sunshine,many of my intentions are only dreams! They often look very different and sometimes intimidating in the light of day! I am on a quest at the moment to perfect biscuits. They should be simple to do,but (in my experience) the exact flavor, texture is not that easy to attain. I admire those who can whip out a batch,perfect every time! My favorite tool at the moment is a cast iron Lodge brand biscuit pan or mold. Not all of my biscuits have been made the best tasting list, but they have ALL looked beautiful with this pan!