Articles by B. Coop

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Recipes, Vegetarian
Posted on

My mother is the TOUGHEST restaurant critic. The lady rarely likes her meal. It never fails. I ask, “Ma, how ya like your food?” The response hardly ever changes. “It’s okay. It’ll do.” Really, Lady? However, there is ONE menu item she always loves. Spin dip! She’s been asking me to recreate it for a while. So, here it is!

This dang dip is…you know what, I just want you to try it for yourself! I use frozen spinach, cause y’all know I’m lazy. If you wanna be better than me, blanch your own fresh spinach with ya bad self!!! I also like using marinaded artichokes instead of the ones in a can. It’s delicious with salsa too.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY!!! USE FRESH CHEESE! Please! If at all possible, grate and/or shred the cheese yourself. I know I sound repetitive, but it really makes a huge difference! Trust me. What’s your favorite restaurant menu item? Want me to recreate it? Let me know in the comments.

Love,
B. Coop

Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Serves 6
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Total Time
40 min
Total Time
40 min
Ingredients
  1. 10 ounces frozen spinach (thawed and drained well)
  2. 4 ounces artichoke hearts (roughly chopped)
  3. 1 T minced garlic
  4. 2 T butter
  5. 10 ounces heavy whipping cream
  6. 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  7. 1/4 cup chicken broth
  8. 1 cup mozzarella cheese
  9. 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  10. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  11. 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  12. salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Melt butter
  2. Add artichokes and saute for 2 mins
  3. Add heavy cream
  4. Bring to a simmer
  5. Stir in cream cheese and broth
  6. When cream cheese melts add 1/2 cup each of mozzarella. and parmigiano reggiano
  7. Stir in spinach
  8. Add in powder(s) and season to taste
  9. Transfer to oven safe dish
  10. Top with the remaining cheeses
  11. Bake for 10-15 mins or until cheese is melted and bubbly
  12. Allow to cool for at least 10 mins
  13. Enjoy with chips or toasted baguettes!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Creamy Red Beans and Rice

Louisiana Favorites, Recipes
Posted on

It’s Monday in Louisiana…you know what that means! Creamy red beans and rice are on the stove and filling Southern homes with insanely delicious aromas! It’s a tradition here, ya know? My good friend, Chasidy, saved me a google search and detailed the reason why the whole red beans on a Monday thing came about. But, it’s too long to type. I’ve been under the weather and I’m falling asleep while typing right now. You’ll have to do ya own research today, Bae! Y’all are just here for a recipe anyway. Love you. Okay, back to my beans, Chile. Now, every household has their own way of imparting flavor to their beans. Use the meat of your preference. Ham bone, smoked turkey necks, pickled meat…throw it all in if ya want! I’ve had red beans many ways. This is my favorite. CAUTION: No bell peppers are used in this recipe! Don’t throw a tantrum! Just hear me out and trust me on this. Okay?

Of course, you can soak these overnight to reduce cooking time. And, of course, I ain’t got time for that! I do a “quick soak”. See, what you do is…wait, I’ll just tell ya in the recipe below. I’ll film this if you guys would like that as well. And to the sweet darlings that sent me messages for this recipe MONTHS ago, I’m so sorry! I JUST learned how to check your requests on here. Bear with me. I’m technologically challenged.

Love,
B. Coop

Red Beans & Rice
Serves 8
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Prep Time
2 hr
Cook Time
2 hr
Total Time
4 hr
Prep Time
2 hr
Cook Time
2 hr
Total Time
4 hr
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb red beans
  2. 1 lb smoked sausage
  3. ham bone, ham hocks, smoked turkey necks, and/or pickled meat
  4. 1 diced onion
  5. 1 diced bell pepper
  6. 2 finely chopped celery stalks
  7. 1 chopped garlic clove
  8. 6 cups of water
  9. 3 beef bouillon cubes
  10. 1 T onion powder
  11. 1 T garlic powder
  12. 2 tsp Accent
  13. 2 T cajun seasoning
  14. 2 T unsalted butter
Soaking
  1. Rinse and drain beans to clean (oooh that rhymed! I'm corny. Continue...)
  2. Put beans into pot and fill with enough water to cover them
  3. Discard any floating beans using a spoon (Easy way to get rid of the bad ones)
  4. Heat on high and bring to a boil
  5. As soon as it starts to boil, turn off the heat, cover with lid, and allow beans to soak for 1-2 hours
  6. Drain and rinse again
Cooking
  1. Slice sausage and fry in the pot while the beans drain for 6 mins
  2. Add in onions and celery, and saute for 3 mins
  3. Add garlic; saute for 30 secs.
  4. Pour beans back into the pot
  5. Add in meat of your choice
  6. Pour in 6-7 cups of water and the bouillon cubes
  7. Bring to a boil
  8. Lower heat to a simmer
  9. Cook for 1 hr hour, uncovered, stirring occasionally
  10. After 1 1/2 hours, add seasoning and butter
  11. Cook, uncovered, for an additional 30 mins or until thick and creamy
  12. Serve over rice and don't forget the cornbread I was too lazy to make
  13. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Chicken and Dumplings

Chicken, Recipes, Soups
Posted on

Happy National Comfort Food Day!!!!!! Yeah, I know. These folks come up with all kinds of food holidays. But, I’m with it! I’ll play along! When, I think of comfort food I think of my favorite cook. My Mommy! More specifically, her super delicious Chicken and Dumplings! chicken-and-dumplingsThis was my absolute favorite childhood dish. Only hers though! I asked for her recipe. Why? I don’t know. My mother doesn’t use recipes! She just uses measuring cups to hold liquids. She’s a pro. But, she gave me the run down on the technique and told me to pray for the rest. Thanks, Theresa! I hope my take on this classic makes ya proud, Girl. Let’s cook!

Love,

B. Coop

Chicken and Dumplings
Serves 5
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Cook Time
1 hr
Cook Time
1 hr
Chicken
  1. 2-3 chicken breasts
  2. 6 cups of water
  3. 3 chicken bouillon cubes
  4. 1 tsp onion powder
  5. 1 tsp garlic powder
  6. 1 T seasoning salt
  7. 1 tsp Accent
  8. 1 tsp thyme
  9. 1/2 cup milk
  10. 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Dumplings
  1. 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  2. 2/3 cup chicken broth
  3. 1 tsp baking powder
  4. 3 T melted butter
  5. pinch of salt
Chicken
  1. Season chicken with spices.
  2. Cover with water
  3. Add in bouillon cubes
  4. Boil until chicken is done and tender
  5. Remove chicken and reserve broth.
  6. Once chicken cools, roughly chop or shred it.
  7. Set aside.
Dumplings
  1. Mix all dry ingredients.
  2. Create a "well" in the bowl and pour in the butter
  3. Gradually pour in the broth a little at a time, mixing the flour in between
  4. Using your CLEAN (don't play me) hands, knead the dough
  5. Flour your surface and rolling pin
  6. Roll out the dough and slice it into 2 inch pieces
  7. Leave it to dry out on the surface for 10 mins
  8. Return to the chicken broth
  9. Bring it to a boil
  10. Pour in the milk
  11. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed
  12. Add chicken back in
  13. Add the dumplings
  14. Cook for 25-30 mins on low
  15. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Smothered Okra with Sausage & Shrimp

Louisiana Favorites, Recipes, Seafood
Posted on

I said to myself, “Coop.” Myself said, “Huh?” I said, “Look, we ain’t cooking today, ok??” Needless to say, I lied to myself. Smothered okra with green onion sausage and juicy wild caught shrimp! Yes lawwwd!!! okraI’ve been craving this since my cousin made it for Thanksgiving and I almost ate the whole pot! Didn’t take long either! And the flavor….listen, just try it!

Love,

B. Coop

Smothered Okra with Sausage & Shrimp
Serves 4
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Cook Time
30 min
Cook Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. 3 cups of okra
  2. 1 lb sausage (sliced)
  3. 1 lb shrimp
  4. 1 diced onion
  5. 1 diced bell pepper
  6. 1 clove of garlic (chopped or minced)
  7. 2 tablespoons butter
  8. 1/2 cup chicken stock
  9. 1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
  10. 2 T tomato paste
  11. 1 tsp onion powder
  12. 1 tsp garlic powder
  13. 1 T cajun seasoning
  14. 1 tsp Accent
Instructions
  1. Slice sausage and bake in the oven with onion, pepper, and garlic for 7-8 mins
  2. Meanwhile, in a skillet, add okra and tomatoes and fry until slime is no longer visible
  3. Remove sausage and veggies from the oven and add it to the okra
  4. Stir in the tomato paste
  5. Pour in the stock
  6. Stir well, lower heat, and cover skillet with the lid leaving a small crack
  7. Cook for 20 or until liquid reduces
  8. Add in shrimp and cook for 5-7 mins. Be careful not to overcook.
  9. Serve over warm rice
  10. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Melt in YO Mouth Pralines

Desserts, Louisiana Favorites
Posted on 2 Comments on Melt in YO Mouth Pralines

Pecan candy. I just said Pralines to be cute. We all call it pecan candy down here! I have ALWAYS been terrified to cook this stuff. And believe me, I’ve failed a LOT! But, with prayer, practice, patience, and more prayer…look, Mama! I did it! You can too.pralines

My cousin is visiting from San Diego. His Cali friends have never had these before. And, of course, my sweet baby told them that his cousin makes the best! My family loves me, man. Anyway, I made these for him on Snapchat. Some of my Cookies asked me to make a tutorial as well. And since I give you guys what you want….here it is! 

These things LITERALLY melt in your mouth! But, that’s not even the best part. I made these in under 25 mins. I kid you not! But, wait, it gets better. I did it without using a candy thermometer OR the soft ball test!! Yoooo!!! Do you see how much I love you guys?! My goal is to make cooking as easy as I can for you. This candy will be your favorite to make. Try it….NOW! 

Love,

B. Cooppralines

Melt in YO Mouth Pralines
Yields 12
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Total Time
25 min
Total Time
25 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 cups granulated sugar
  2. 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  3. 1 1/2 cup pecans
  4. 4 tablespoons salted butter
  5. 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. I'm not even about to try to type out directions for you! It won't help. You gotta see me make these things, boo. Just scroll your cute self back up to the top and watch that video! Love you!!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Chicken Spaghetti

Chicken, Pasta
Posted on 2 Comments on Chicken Spaghetti

“I don’t know, but Paul love it!” EVERY single time I make this, I think about an episode of The Maury Show I watched years ago. Do not judge my guilty pleasure. I love ratchet tv sometimes. Don’t tell anyone though. But, there was a woman accusing her boyfriend, Paul, of cheating on her with her best friend. Why? Because, the best friend made his favorite dish. Guess what that dish was? Ha!! Man, that cracks me up every time I think of it. Now, look here, I’m giving you this recipe, but I do NOT condone using it to steal someone’s boo! If he likes it and leaves on his own, well hey, there’s nothing we can do about it. 

This recipe is fast and simple. Kid approved too. Clean up will be easy, because we’re using one pot to cook in and one baking dish. Feel free to use any chicken parts you like. Or just throw in the whole bird. 

Love,

B. Coop

Chicken Spaghetti
Serves 10
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Cook Time
30 min
Cook Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 lb thin spaghetti
  2. 3 cups of cooked chicken
  3. 1/2 bell pepper
  4. 1/2 onion
  5. 1 celery stalk
  6. 2 cans cream of chicken
  7. 1 can cream of mushroom
  8. 1/2 cup milk
  9. 1 can of rotel tomatoes
  10. 2 cups of American cheese
  11. 1 cup of shredded cheese
  12. 3 T butter
  13. 1 T each of onion and garlic powders
  14. Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
  2. Cook pasta and drain
  3. Saute diced veggies in melted butter for 5 mins
  4. Add Rotel and soups
  5. Stir in milk
  6. Add american cheese
  7. Stir until cheese melts
  8. Add chicken and pasta
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning
  10. Pour into a greased 9x13 baking sheet
  11. Sprinkle on the shredded cheese evenly
  12. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 mins
  13. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Seafood Gumbo

Louisiana Favorites, Seafood, Soups
Posted on 4 Comments on Seafood Gumbo

Gumbo!!! It’s officially gumbo season in Louisiana! Although I make it all year round. What else is air conditioning for? We love our gumbo! We all make ours a little different and that’s ok. Just don’t put corn in it and we’re fine. We’re very particular about how it’s made. Ask Disney. Hehehe…anyway, here’s my beginner friendly version. Oh, and for my Cookies with seafood allergies, just skip the shrimp and crabs. Chicken and sausage gumbo is amazing as well.  Enjoy! Oh and don’t forget the hot sauce!

Love,

B. Coopseafood-gumbo

Seafood Gumbo
Yields 12
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Prep Time
30 min
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
Prep Time
30 min
Total Time
1 hr 30 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 lbs cooked chicken breast or thighs
  2. 2 lbs shrimp
  3. 1 lb of gumbo crabs or your choice
  4. 1 1/2 lbs sausage
  5. 3 Quarts of chicken broth or stock
  6. 1 cup of fresh or frozen okra
  7. 1 T olive oil
  8. 1 onion
  9. 1 bell pepper
  10. 3 celery stalks
  11. 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
  12. 1 cup vegetable oil
  13. 1 1/4 cup of all purpose flour
  14. 1 tsp liquid crab boil
  15. 2 T creole or cajun seasoning
  16. 1 T onion powder
  17. 1 T garlic powder
  18. 1 T Accent
  19. gumbo file
  20. parsley or green onions
Instructions
  1. Finely chop all veggies
  2. Toss pan with olive oil and slime out of okra
  3. Slice sausage thinly and bake for 8-10 on 350 degrees F
  4. Season and make roux using flour, vegetable oil, and spices until it is a milk chocolate color
  5. Add in veggies and saute
  6. Add in okra, tomatoes, cooked chicken, and drained sausage
  7. Pour in broth or stock
  8. Stir well; Turn heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
  10. Add in shrimp and crabs
  11. Cook until seafood is done; about 5-7 mins
  12. Serve with rice
  13. Enjoy!
Notes
  1. Allow gumbo to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to preventing spoiling.
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Southern Potato Salad

Recipes
Posted on

What is the one side dish we can’t do without down here? Potato Salad!!! It is also the one side dish we do not trust everybody to make! “Girl, I only eat my mama’s potato salad!” Guess what, you gone eat Coop’s potato salad too once you try it! lol It goes with so many dishes. And did I mention it’s super easy?? Watch….

 

There ya go! Make sure you have my potato salad in your Thanksgiving spread!

Love,

B. Coop 

Southern Potato Salad
Serves 8
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. 8 potatoes, boiled and sliced
  2. 4 hard boiled eggs (sliced roughly)
  3. 4 tablespoons of mayo
  4. 2 teaspoons of Accent
  5. 2 tablespoons of sweet relish
  6. 2-3 tablespoons of mustard
  7. Salt and granulated sugar to taste
Instructions
  1. Mash potatoes and eggs together with a potato masher while they're still hot
  2. Mix is all remaining ingredients until smooth.
  3. Salt and sugar to taste
  4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour
  5. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Pasta, Recipes
Posted on

I needed to make mac and cheese for church this past Sunday. Of course, I woke up late. Typical, Coop. I had to figure out a way to cook while I dressed. Heeeeey, Crock pot! I rarely use the thing. That’s about to change! This mac and cheese is my new favorite! Easy, sinfully creamy, and it allowed me to cook while I did my make up! Look at God!!!

You can set it at high and cook for 1 hour. Or, set it at low and cook for 2. When it’s done, just turn the dial to the “Warm” setting and it will stay perfectly hot and creamy throughout dinner. Clean up will be easy breezy too, because you won’t have any leftovers. More slow cooker recipes are in our near future, Cookies…

Love,

B. Coop

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Serves 10
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Ingredients
  1. Cooking spray
  2. 3 cups of elbow macaroni
  3. 15 oz can of cheddar cheese soup
  4. 3 1/2 cups of half and half
  5. 2 cups of American cheese (cubed)
  6. 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese
  7. 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  8. 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
  9. 1 teaspoon of Accent
  10. salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Boil pasta for 4-5 mins.
  2. Drain
  3. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray
  4. Whisk soup and half and half together in the slow cooker
  5. Add in pasta and butter
  6. Then cheese and spices
  7. Stir and cover
  8. Cook on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour (check after 40 mins if cooking on high)
  9. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/

Dirty Rice

Beef, Louisiana Favorites
Posted on

If you’ve ever attended any event in the South, you’ve had this dish. Birthday parties, family reunions, bbqs, heck even at some weddings, you’re bound to see a pan of dirty rice included in the spread. It’s just apart of our menu. And for good reason! It goes with pretty much anything! Potato salad and fried fish are my favorites to pair with dirty rice. What’s yours? Tell me in the comment section…after you watch this.

dirty-rice 

I’m off pork, but feel free to add some of that if you’d like. Use chicken gizzards if liver isn’t your thing. It’ll lend a milder flavor. Happy Cooking!

Love, 

B.Coop

Dirty Rice
Serves 8
Write a review
Save Recipe
Print
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
  2. 8 oz chicken livers
  3. 4 cups of rice
  4. 4 cups of beef broth
  5. 1/4 cup chicken broth
  6. 1 small bell pepper
  7. 1/2 onion
  8. 3 celery stalks
  9. Onion and garlic powders
  10. Cajun spices
Instructions
  1. Cook rice in beef broth (I use a rice cooker)
  2. Chop veggies finely or use a food processor
  3. Season chicken livers with onion and garlic powder
  4. Bake livers for 20-25 mins on 375 degree F
  5. When done, use food processor to grind them finely.
  6. Season and brown beef
  7. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth and chopped veggies
  8. Cook for 5-7 mins.
  9. Add liver and cooked rice
  10. Stir well to combine
  11. Season to taste with cajun/creole seasoning
  12. Enjoy!
Coop Can Cook https://coopcancook.com/
Copyright © 2024 Coop Can Cook. All rights reserved.