A MINOR ANNOUNCEMENT that will change my life forever

First up... The minor announcement -

I am leaving god's country (Kansas) I am moving to the
United States Virgin Islands
in about three weeks. I just found this out for sure an hour ago,
so details to follow as we figure them out.
but the blog will continue. I still have to eat, even in paradise.

But, more important than my minor little life changing experience, THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS ARE PLAYING IN THE SUPERBOWL. You know that Superbowl parties are being planned as we speak. And with a city with such a glorious history of food, the buffet is going to be centered around the glorious Cajun food of the area. I have made no secret of my love of the cuisine. I have made several posts of the food I have cooked (not the least was yesterday's 24,24,24 FOODBUZZ party post)! So, today's post is going to be an overview of all the things I have cooked with links. I will also add a few comments on how easy the dish is to make, and how appropriate for a party they would be.

DRINKS

SWEET TEA

It is NOT the same as your sun tea or regular tea with sugar added. Called the house wine of the south, Sweet Tea has a unique taste. My Blogging friend MARY from Deep South Dish allowed me to guest post a terrific recipe, which you can find by clicking on the photograph to the left. Sweet tea would be a terrific choice to serve as a non-alcoholic beverage. It is a great authentic recipe, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

HURRICANES

Now this drink just screams NEW ORLEANS. 3 kinds of rum, pineapple and orange juice, they are very, very tasty. I like that they can be made in advance by the pitcher full. I also adjusted the recipe if you would like to make them one at a time. I change the classic recipe just a tad, by adding coconut rum instead of white rum. But the look is very authentic. If you rush out to Goodwill stores, you should be able to find Pat O'Brien hurricane style glasses to serve them in, but that is not necessary to the taste. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Again, Mary let me guest post this recipe on her site, Deep South Dish and you can find that recipe by clicking on the photo to the right

SAZERAC COCKTAIL

This is my favorite cocktail. When I am in New Orleans, I drink as many as I can in as many places as I can. they are rarely offered outside of the area. Very authentic, but honestly... Pick another drink. I don't really recommend them for a party. They are an acquired taste, VERY STRONG (@80% Rye Whiskey). NOT RECOMMENDED for a party. For the recipe, click on the photo to the left.

SOUPS/APPETIZERS/SIDE DISHES

CREOLE SHRIMP AND ARTICHOKE SOUP

This is an amazing soup, rich, thick and filled with flavor. If you are having a sit down super prior to the game, I would highly recommend this soup. Honestly, nothing better. BUT, for most parties, I do not recommend soup. Too labor intensive, and is best served fresh. It just is not as good if you let it sit for awhile. I love it, but NOT RECOMMENDED for a party. For the recipe, click on the photo to the left.

CAJUN SHRIMP

Now these little beauties can be served as is, or feel free to make some rice or risotto and serve them over that. I am cheating a little, as I am giving you a link to a recipe that calls for JERK spices. Just substitute one of the standard prepackaged Cajun spices sold in any store. Click the photo to the right to get to my post on shrimp! These are easy and fast to make. Have a distinctive and powerful taste. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for a party.

CAJUN CORN CASSEROLE

Any vegetarians coming to the party??? This is a great side dish recipe to have for them. And very easy. Just some corn muffin mix, corn and seasoning. Click the photo to the left to get to my original post. It may need a little dressing up to make it party worthy, maybe plate with a few of the Cajun shrimp, but it is important that you have a vegetarian option available for party goers, so HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Come back tomorrow and I will have a review of my Main courses and desserts...

I have a million things to do in the next few days, but I plan to keep posting each day...

and as a reminder...

I got my love of New Orleans from several vacations I have taken. This last year, I had such an incredible n ight of fun at Arnaud's restaurant. The good folks at Arnaud's are helping to make my party memorable with a give away... A copy of their cookbook. Double click the photo of the cover to the right to learn how to enter this wonderful freebie contest!