Although the calendar has not yet recognized the season, it’s summer around here. Temps are climbing close to 100, rain is scarce and the mosquitoes are hungry. And while the oppressive heat tends to diminish appetites, I think we’d all agree that it has quite the opposite effect on thirst. This warm weather eating and drinking issue had me at a crossroads for today’s Finger Food Friday. I couldn’t decide if I should share a crisp and cool picking food or something a bit more substantial to help absorb all the extra brewkies that may be [ ... ]

Spring is a great time of year to visit New Orleans.  In addition to the near-perfect weather and usual attractions, there are festivals gallore!  These “weekend socials” bring families, friends and communities together to pay homage to the City’s unique melange of culture, cuisine and commerce.  Today, for instance, marks the beginning of the 38th Annual Greek Fest at the Hellenic Cultural Center near City Park.  This 3-day extravganza celebrates all there is to love about the Greek culture, which firmly planted its foot in New Orleans soil back in the 1850s–did you know the very first Greek community established [ ... ]

The inspiration for today’s finger food and cocktail comes straight from the Wild West courtesy of Cowboy Cocktails. I was drawn to this fun read some 10 years ago after learning how committed Grady Spears (chef, co-author and former cowhand) was to his Texas roots and cowboy culture.  His collection of “tasty vittles” and “Boot Scootin” beverages, while innovative and intriguing, honor the centuries-old traditions of chuck wagon cooking.   He understands the importance of protecting and preserving the West Texas cowboy cuisine and he “cooks his culture” just like I cook mine here at Raised on a Roux. For this [ ... ]

It’s JazzFest Friday and Finger Food Friday y’all!  The stars are aligned.  Finally!! If you’re heading down to the Fest today, there’s no doubt you’ll be eating some of the best finger food (and “fork food”) New Orleans has to offer.  But for those of you who can’t attend, I’ve got the perfect recipe to keep you from feeling left out, Mini Cajun Meat Pies.  These tiny, hand-held, savory bites are full of smoky andouille sausage and lots of Cajun spices and when made with frozen puff pastry sheets they can be prepared in less than an hour.  They’re much smaller [ ... ]