Food = Love

My birthday just passed, and I didn't post anything.

Guess I was having too much fun. 

One of the ways we celebrated was by having the family over for lunch to blow the candles out. 

My dad asked me what he should cook.

I put it off and couldn't really decide. 

I mentioned, "I just don't know....maybe crabcakes or BBQ shrimp or desserts like apple pie or chocolate molten cake."

Well....

he cooked them all!

salad to start!

 BBQ Shrimp were soooo close to Pascale Manale's. Heaven.

Crabby Patties.

Experimental Pasta...Smoked Mushrooms.

He replicated a dish we had eaten at Emerils.

Great flavor!

 Love on a plate!

No ordinary white cake!

Homemade apple pie and Emeril's chocolate cake with chocolate sauce.

 (both a la mode)

More love on a plate!

My favorite of it all!

So I think he loves me!?!?!?!

This Is How We Do It Where I'm From

April is Festival Season down here. 

There is SO MUCH going on right now!!!

Here is just a taste...

we say "bon temps rouler, jockamo feeno ai nan, iko unday, & pocky way"

Y. Luck - WALKING THRU N.O. MAST

Aunt Denise's One-Bowl-Chicken-Salad-Wonder

I was sleeping at my Aunt and Uncle's house and was getting spoiled with a yummy yogurt parfait breakfast. Meanwhile, my Aunt starting throwing frozen chicken and whole eggs into a pot. I was like, "Whhaaaa?" She said, "Oh, I'm making lunch." I love simple cooking so here is the recipe.

 Aunt Denise's One-Bowl-Chicken-Salad-Wonder

• 1/2 lb. frozen skinless chicken strips or breasts
• 3 eggs
• cilantro as desired
• 1/3 c. Italian dressing
• 1 tbsp. of pickle relish
• 1 tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 t. salt
• 1/2 t. pepper
• Cajun Seasoning to taste

1. Throw frozen chicken and whole eggs in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes and until chicken is tender.
2. Remove from heat. Peel eggs.
3. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Refrigerate until serving.

 Optional additions if you want to get creative:

• 1/4 c. diced celery
• 2 tbsp. diced green pepper
• 2 tbsp. sliced green onions
• 1 tbsp. curry powder
• 1/2 c. watercress
• 1/3 c. pesto
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/2 tsp. garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. almonds, chopped
• 1/4 tsp. coriander
• 2 tbsp. of mustard
• 1/2 c. tomatoes, quartered

Image via realsimple.com

Monday Candy

I hope everyone is enjoying the start of Spring. 

I am.