Many people wrongly assume that Creole cooking is synonymous with Cajun cooking. The truth is that the origin of these styles of cooking took shape in close proximity of each other but have different roots altogether. It's important to take a look at the ancestry that has brought both these styles to life. The early Cajuns were originally evicted citizens of Acadia Canada (present day Nova Scotia). They settled in southern Louisiana along the Mississippi River and to areas west of New Orleans. They later moved further west into an area now known as Acadiana. The Cajuns were a hard working group but always took time to celebrate life despite the hardships they had faced. They were always[..]
Cajun Bourbon Chicken - Is it Really Cajun...
Cajun cooking was born of necessity. When the British caused the Acadians to abandon Nova Scotia in 1785, there were approximately 1600 that had to find somewhere else to live. They ended up in Louisiana and the major source of food was from fishing, farming and hunting. When the Cajuns settled in Louisiana, they were not met with hospitality. They were looked down upon by the French Aristocracy. The swampy areas were where they had to settle due to this treatment. Although they basically had been eating what the Aristocracy ate, this move caused them to have to adapt the recipes they knew and use things that were available. So they adapted the recipes to what they had or could grow and[..]
The differences of Cajun and Creole styles of cooking are often confused by those outside of the state of Louisiana. There are many similarities of the cuisines, most of which stem from the similar backgrounds of the two. But there is one food ingredient that is responsible for most of the difference in the two styles of cooking. In the early part of 17th-century France, people from Provence immigrated to Nova Scotia (then called Acadia), Canada, establishing a colony. By the mid-18th century the British position in Canada became stronger, forcing the people of Nova Scotia to migrate once again. This time they settled in Louisiana. Other people from different parts of France had[..]
Before you even start stressing over the upcoming holiday dinner plans, take a tip from us that will take the steam rolled feeling out of cooking for your family and friends. We all strive for that picture perfect meal that satisfies everyone and in the meantime saves us from countless hours spent preparing the feast. The answer is a Cajun turducken! What is a Turducken? Turducken, aka 3 bird roast, is a Cajun specialty that is a native creation of Louisiana. It is the perfect solution for cooks who want a faster way to cook a variety of dishes without a long, drawn out cooking process. This 3 bird roast is absolutely delicious tasting if you like poultry cooked to perfection along with[..]
Cajun food has its roots in the deep south of Louisiana and Mississippi. This stereotypically spicy food is known around the country and world for its intense flavor, varying use of rice, and distinct, recognizable use of spices. Origins This unique cuisine was developed as low income workers made use of their available resources. In the deep south, this happened to be rice and sea food. Because they were so close to the Gulf of Mexico, farmers easily collected catfish, shrimp, crawfish, and oysters. The Cajun Holy Trinity One of the most important ingredients of a Cajun recipe is known as the "Holy Trinity." As the name implies, these three ingredients are essential for a quality,[..]
Eating authentic cuisine from a certain place is definitely a sought-after experience, just like when eating Cajun chicken. However, one does not have to exert too much effort and travel all their way into the country just to be able to taste the delectable dish. Cajun chicken tastes like most Southern dishes do. They are all made up of grains, usually rice, with a mixture of meat or seafood and vegetables and then added with spices, the most distinct flavor in any Southern meal. If you want to your taste buds to be able to enjoy such a meal then you do not have to worry about travelling far down south, you can actually make Cajun chicken right at the comforts of your very own kitchen.[..]
Cajun Cuisine is More Than Just Another Meal
A common greeting when meeting a friend or acquaintance would be, "How are you?" Be forewarned, however, that if you are walking down the streets of Louisiana, you may be asked, "Have you eaten well today?" Following this, a conversation of what you both have eaten and what you plan to eat in the near future is sure to commence. To the people of the Deep South, Cajun food is not simply another meal, but a highlight of the day, a topic of conversation, and a rich part of their culture. It is no wonder that Louisiana cuisine remains one of the most flavorful and unique type of cooking in our country. Louisiana is home to both Cajun and Creole fare, with distinctions coming from their[..]
Louisiana Cajun cuisine originated with a group of French residents of Nova Scotia, who were expelled by the British in 1755. They eventually, after years of a nomadic existence, settled in the Southern Louisiana swamplands. There they adapted their native cooking methods to use ingredients that were available in their new land. This cuisine is the food of hardworking country people, used to difficult conditions. It is practical, strong country food, taking advantage of easily available local ingredients, often an entire meal prepared all in one pot. This style of cooking became the hallmark of these people, called Acadians, which was later shortened to Cajuns. Authentic Cajun recipes[..]
Seafood Gumbo And Veggie Cheesy Pasta Salad
Seafood Gumbo ¼ cup of cooking oil 1/3 cup of chopped green pepper or celery ½ cup of chopped onion ¼ teaspoon of black pepper 4 cloves of garlic, minced ¼ teaspoon of ground red pepper 8 ounces of andouille or smoked sausage, quartered lengthwise and cut into ½-inch slices 3 cups of chicken broth, heated 1½ cups of sliced okra or one 10-ounce package of frozen cut okra, thawed 2 cups of hot cooked rice 1 package of fresh or frozen crabmeat (6 ounces) 1 package of frozen shelled shrimp (12 ounces) 2 bay leaves To make the roux, in a Dutch oven or a large heavy saucepan combine flour and oil till smooth. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5[..]
Boneless chicken is a favorite ingredient when it comes to making tasty dinners but what about lunchtime? You might think that cooking chicken is too time-consuming at lunchtime but actually there are plenty of quick and easy boneless chicken recipes you can make which are tasty, filling and will keep you satisfied until dinner time. If you have some cooked chicken breast left over from last night's dinner you can make a chicken salad in about five minutes flat. Just combine the chicken with some lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, cubes of cheese and your favorite salad dressing and you will have a delicious lunch. What about making scrambled eggs and adding some chopped cooked chicken to[..]
Cajun Food History - Why Cajuns Live to Eat,...
There is nothing ordinary about Louisiana dishes and the robust flavors of Cajun Food History. The past mixtures of Cajun and Creole foods have blended into the jazzy delights of today. The heritage of Cajun food history began as far back as the 1700s. The Indian natives and the Arcadians, an exiled group from Canada, began the rich history of the bayous and rural Southern Louisiana. All of the settled immigrants including Germans, French, English, Creoles, Africans, and Mexicans all played a part in developing this full-bodied Cajun cuisine. Creole people had a more aristocratic heritage from England and all but shut out those that did not share their birthright. The settlers found a[..]
Why should you change over to convection cooking for oven chicken recipe? Baking chicken in a gas oven or traditional radiant oven is passe. Nowadays, using convection oven for the purpose of baking is the best method for cooking oven chicken recipes. There are many different reasons for this but the most important reason is that the time it takes to make the dish reduces by around 30% as compared to a traditional oven. The idea behind this is the use of fans in a turbo oven to regulate hot air. Ovens work by heating the air present within it and in turn heating the item placed within them. Turbo ovens by using moving air to cook chicken, do not require you to regularly open the oven and[..]
Cajun Seasoning Mix - Boost the Taste in Foods
A great way of boosting the taste in seafood and sauces is by using the Cajun seasoning mixes. At present people are now using a variety of seasoning mixes to increase the range of flavors in their food. The Cajun seasoning mixes rely greatly on black peppers, bay leaves, and bell peppers, on garlic, thyme, celery, sugarcane and onion. Cajun seasoning gets its name from an ethnic group called Cajun from Louisiana. They are known for their cooking. The Cajun descended from Acadian. These people use their own ingredients, methods and Cajun seasoning for their food. The Cajun Cuisines relies very much on some ways of cooking like frying, barbequing, deep frying and boiling alongside[..]
Trying to find a truly authentic Cajun seafood restaurant can be a difficult and frustrating search for anyone outside of New Orleans. But if you live in Northern Alabama you're in luck, because there's a Huntsville Cajun seafood restaurant that will make you think you've been transported back to the French Quarter. It's called the Po' Boy Factory, and it's located at 815 Andrew Jackson Way, in the Five Points area of Huntsville. It's one of Huntsville's best kept secrets, because even though it's only a short drive from any part of town, it's not located in one of the super crowded restaurant rows. For anyone who is tired of the big national chains, and is hankering for the real taste[..]