When I was pregnant with my daughter, Caytie, 13 years ago my hubby and I took a baby moon to New Orleans. We went in the early spring when all of the flowers were blooming! Mardi Gras had been over for a few weeks so we had the whole city all by ourselves. It was so much fun. Jack and I walked all over the city. I fell in love with the people, culture and oh my the cuisine! I remember having my most favorite meal at a spot called Dookie Chase’s. The concierge at our hotel was concerned that we were not staying close but venturing out into some of the more local areas. What we found was an older woman who is an icon in NOLA. That night we ate pretty much everything. She came to our table and we chatted about foods, cooking and being a mom. Once she realized we were for lovers she just treated us like a guest in her home. Bringing out a little dish of this or that. An impromptu tasting event. I remembered her sharing with me how to make a simple Cajun Alfredo. It took one pot and she told me I could feed those “growing babies” for pennies with this dish. So, it is a staple on Fat Tuesday at my house! I loved that night. I treasure her cookbook and that special evening.
Cajun Fettuccini
2 boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
1 package andouille sausage or smoked sausage, sliced
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 green pepper, cubed
1 onion, diced
1 1/2 tablespoon cajun seasoning, low salt
1 quart chicken broth
2 cups whipping cream
1 package ziti pasta
1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
In a large stock pot saute the chicken breasts and sausage till they begin to brown. Add in the garlic, green pepper, and onion. Continue to cook till the veggies are tender. Pour in the chicken broth and whipping cream. Stir in the cajun seasoning and ziti pasta. Put the lid on the pot and all it to simmer. DO NOT BOIL. Cook for 20 minutes covered. Remove the lid and stir in the parmesan cheese till it is melted. Sprinkle with green onions and serve with a big salad.
One of my other favorite things in NOLA is beignets. I don’t know why these little square puffs of powder sugared goodness makes me giddy. But they do. Maybe it is the paper sack they are served in our the hot chicory coffee. In any case…they are heavenly. I have tried many recipes but honestly my favorite is Southern Living’s recipe. It is simple to make! However, you MUST allow the dough to chill for at least 4 hours before rolling them out, cutting and frying. These are perfect to serve as a twist for special desserts or at a slumber party! I have yet to meet anyone who does not love them!
NOLA Beignets
1 package active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm tap water
1 teaspoon + 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup evaporated milk
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1/4 cup Crisco
6 1/2-7 cups all purpose flour
canola or peanut oil
powdered sugar
In a bowl of a stand mixer combine the yeast, 1/2 cup WARM water and 1 teaspoon sugar. Allow this to sit for at least 5-7 minutes or until it becomes foamy. (testing to see if yeast is “good”). Once the yeast mixture is foamy place the bowl in the stand mixer and mix in the evaporated milk, 1/2 cup sugar, eggs, and salt. Microwave the 1 cup of water till it boils (about 2.5 minutes). Add the Crisco to the hot water and stir till it is melted. Slowly add the water/Crisco mixture to the mixer. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add in 4 cups of flour and beat together till smooth. Add the additional flour one cup at a time until the dough is slightly sticky but a firmer dough. Wipe the inside of a large mixing bowl with vegetable oil and add the slightly sticky dough to the bowl. Rotate the dough to cover with oil. Cover and allow it to sit in the refrigerator for 4-12 hours.
Heat the oil in a large dutch oven or fryer to 360 degrees. Roll out the dough till it is 1/4 inch thick and cut into 24 squares. Carefully drop with squares into the hot oil and cook till golden brown. Remove the beignets from the hot oil and drain on a cooling rack. Place the hot beignets into paper bags and sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve in the sacks!