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…
Creamy Red Beans and Rice
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.…
Chicken and Dumplings
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! This was my absolute favorite childhood dish. Only…
Smothered Okra with Sausage & Shrimp
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!!! I’ve been craving this since my cousin made it for Thanksgiving and I almost ate the whole pot! Didn’t…
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. My cousin is visiting from San Diego.…
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…
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…
Southern Potato Salad
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…
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
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,…
Dirty Rice
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…