Innholdsfortegnelse for September - October 2015 i Taste of the South

Strands Café 226 Laurel St. 225.344.5346 Poor Boy Lloyd’s 201 Florida St. 225.387.2271 Jolie Pearl 315 North Blvd. jolieoysterbar.com Restaurant IPO 421 N 3rd St. restaurantipo.com City Pork Brasserie & Bar 7327 Jefferson Hwy. cityporkdeli.com Dearman’s 7633 Jefferson Hwy. 225.924.1391 Tin Roof 1624 Wyoming St. tinroofbeer.com Bin 77 10111 Perkins Rd. #160 bin77.com Red Stick Spice 7970 Jefferson Hwy. redstickspice.com Main Street Market 5th St. and Main St. mainstreetmarketbr.org CC’s Coffee 3 locations in Baton Rouge ccscoffee.com Tsunami 100 Lafayette St. servingsushi.com…

When the first crisp morning of autumn finally arrives, Southerners welcome it gladly with preheated ovens. Freed from summer’s oppressive heat, we’re eager to start baking our favorite fall pies, breads, and cakes. But before you butter your pans, heed these hints to guarantee the best results. SWITCH OUT SPICES Even if you store ground spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves) in airtight containers in a cool, dark place like you’re supposed to, they can still lose their potency after 2 to 3 years (whole spices last longer, 3 to 4 years). To test for freshness, rub a small amount between your fingers; if the aroma is faint, it’s time to restock. RESPECT THE RISE Fresh baking powder, baking soda, and yeast are essential to baking success. Respect…

When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits the spot for me like my mom’s chicken spaghetti. This version gets a gentle and wholesome makeover, swapping the processed cheese for a homemade bacon-infused cheese sauce and the pasta for naturally gluten-free spaghetti squash. CHICKEN SPAGHETTI SQUASH CASSEROLE Yield: approximately 8 servings You’ll never miss the pasta in this hearty and cheesy main dish. 4 slices center-cut bacon 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups reduced-fat milk 2 teaspoons salt, divided 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles,drained 11/2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 large spaghetti squash, roasted and pulp scrapedand reserved 4 cups shredded cooked chicken 1 pint cherry tomatoes,…

CULINARY CROSSROADS As the Red River rolls southeast from Shreveport and Bossier City, it feeds fertile farmland that supplies dinner tables and restaurants throughout the region. Areas along the Red River Riches Culinary Trail exemplify the combination of Cajun and Creole flavors with Spanish traditions and soul food of the American South. Near Alexandria, Inglewood Farm grows a wide variety of organic produce, including the state’s only organic pecans. It serves central Louisiana with a farmers market at its Harvest Barn, as well as a second location in Alexandria’s Garden District. Farmers and artisans from the region come together to sell products including jams and jellies, goats’ milk products and pasture-raised beef. CHEF CHAT Stephen Naegle | Spirits Food & Friends, Alexandria Describe the food culture along the Red River…

In Louisville, Kentucky, a city where bourbon reigns, a new king is in town: brandy. Housed in a former seed factory in Louisville’s Butchertown neighborhood, Copper & Kings distills brandy that has its own place in what owner Joe Heron terms “the brown spirit revolution.” While whiskey has driven this resurgence, Joe and his wife, Lesley, were surprised that no one had jumped on the brandy bandwagon. With this in mind, they set out to create an American brandy worthy of the movement. As an immigrant to the United States from South Africa, Joe feels the American aspect is important. “To me, Americans have a feisty rambunctiousness,” he says, “but underneath it there is an inherent kindness—a smoothness. And that describes our brandy.” Copper & Kings didn’t set out to…

JUST A FEW HOURS' DRIVE IN ANY DIRECTION ALL AROUND THE SOUTH, you'll find enough to see and do for a lifetime of vacations. Grab a couple of girlfriends, arrange a family reunion, or sneak away yourself to any one of the destinations profiled in this special travel section. Throughout the South, cities are teeming with festivals, hot new restaurants, museums and nightlife. There are also relaxing indulgences like spa destinations, luxury mountain retreats, and natural attractions both breathtaking and awe-inspiring. The lure of the South extends through its delicious food, beautiful scenery and Southerners themselves. Welcome to the South, where hospitality reigns. Come taste Italy in Appalachia here in Marion County. WEST VIRGINIAS PEPPERONI ROLL WAS FIRST baked in Fairmont, WV, as a lunch for the coal miners. The…

NOVEMBER 14–15 THREE RIVERS ART FESTIVAL COVINGTON Born of St. Tammany Parish’s vibrant arts community, the Three Rivers Art Festival attracts over 55,000 people to Covington’s Columbia Street. Artists from 22 states converge on the village to exhibit their work, give demonstrations of their craft, and compete for top honors at the juried show. OCTOBER 1–3 MANDEVILLE’S MARIGNY OCTOBERFEAST MANDEVILLE The city of Mandeville fêtes the birth of its founder, Bernard de Marigny, with a three-day gastronomic journey celebrating the local bounty of food, wine, and art. In addition to the Grand Tasting (with 150 wines and beers), OctoberFeast features an open-air Art Stroll and concert. OCTOBER 10–11 WOODEN BOAT FESTIVAL MADISONVILLE This annual event, situated on the scenic Tchefuncte River, features over 100 wooden and classic boats. Now in…

Chef Eddie Hernandez, originally from Monterrey, Mexico, has become known for his use of fresh ingredients and his masterful ability to combine food cultures. At his restaurant, Taqueria de Sol (with locations in Georgia and Tennessee), Eddie uses the inspired flavors of his elevated Mexican cuisine to keep his ever-changing menus alive and his constantly growing customer base happy and full. Who is your biggest cooking influence? My grandmother introduced me to cooking. I started in the kitchen with her around age 13, and I still use a number of her recipes today. First food memory? My grandmother prepared roasted corn with cheese and fresh peppers, and I can still remember that taste profile. In fact, the next time I asked her to prepare it for me, she told me…

WILLA’S SHORTBREAD BITES Baked in Tennessee from a classic shortbread recipe, these rich, buttery bites make the perfect gift—if you can bear to part with them. Our favorite flavors include Tennessee Wildflower Honey, made with honey from local beekeepers, and Nashville Hot Cheddar, a spicy nod to the town’s signature dish, Hot Chicken. $5.95-$6.25 per 4-ounce package; willas-shortbread.com HOLMSTED FINES CHUTNEY Owner Rebecca Williamson fell in love with chutney while attending culinary school in London, then came home to Birmingham B , Alabama, to give the classic condiment some Southern love. Try her tangy Green Tomato Chutney on pork and barbecue, the Peach Chutney on lamb and sandwiches, and the Balsamic Red Onion Chutney on burgers or beef tenderloin. $9.95 per 12-ounce jar; holmstedfines.com WAY WARD CHOCOLAT Artisan-crafted in Austin,…

Overlooking the café au lait-colored waters of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge is a city skilled at playing the gracious host. This bustling state capital and cosmopolitan college town is a home-away-from-home for senators and students alike, but it really rolls out the red carpet for its guests. With its booming food scene and relaxed hometown soul, Baton Rouge deserves a spot on your must-visit list. My first stop in Baton Rouge was the same as it is in every city—a bakery. To me, there’s no better way to start your day than with a pastry still warm from the oven—the smell alone puts a smile on my face. I caught that familiar intoxicating scent while walking downtown, and it literally led me by the nose to the blue-brick façade…

FRUITS OF THE VINE Jeff and Libby Landry established a 20-acre vineyard, nestled in the beautiful West Monroe hill country, where they grow grapes that capture the flavor of north Louisiana. The couple and their family started off on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain but later moved to West Monroe, where they expanded their offerings to include 17 wines and a variety of jellies. Among acres of native Blanc du Bois and Norton grapes, Landry Vineyards hosts outdoor concerts and events throughout the year, including the popular Red Grape Stomp Fest in August. WHERE CATS ARE KING In the fertile waterways of north Louisiana, catfish reign supreme. Whether you’re angling for channel, blue or flathead catfish, there are plenty to go around. They are celebrated each spring at the Franklin…

CIDER-BRINED PORK CHOPS Yield: 4 servings Serve these pork chops with your favorite mashed sweet potatoes and a generous spoonful of the rich pan sauce. 4 cups apple cider, divided 2 cups water 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 2 teaspoons black peppercorns 2 bay leaves 1 clove garlic, sliced 4 bone-in pork rib chops 2 tablespoons canola oil 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 tablespoons finely chopped shallot 3 rosemary sprigs, crushed 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon cornstarch Garnish: apple slices, fresh rosemary 1. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups cider, 2 cups water, 1/4 cup salt, peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until salt dissolves. Remove from heat. Let cool completely. 2. In a large bowl, combine cooled…

Since the late 19th century, Louisiana’s Northshore has been a destination for those looking to slow down, unwind, and enjoy the dining, arts, entertainment, and natural bounty of the area. At just a 45-minute drive from New Orleans, the picturesque towns of St. Tammany Parish are perfect for a weekend getaway. EAT YOUR WAY DOWN THE TAMMANY TRACE Five Northshore towns and villages are connected by the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile bike and hike trail created from old Illinois Central Railroad tracks. As it meanders across the parish from Slidell to Covington, it passes through downtowns, scenic green spaces, and stretches of the Lake Pontchartrain waterfront. Along with the scenic vistas, hungry travelers on the trail will find themselves near a variety of local favorites, including Sal & Judy’s in…

With a love for baking in her heart and a lineage of bakers in her family, food blogger Jocelyn Delk Adams has written her first cookbook, filled with delicious cakes, beautiful photography, and sweet memories. Jocelyn shares vintage classics, modern twists, and old-fashioned favorites that remind us it’s hard to beat the joy and delight of a homemade cake. When did you start baking? I began baking when I was really young—about 5 years old. I was in charge of simple things like sifting flour and babysitting the stand mixer. My tasks grew as I got older, and my grandmother, who we call “Big Mama,” my mother, and my aunt taught me family recipes and really took me under their wings in the kitchen. Tell us about your cooking style.…

Since 1947, the Sessions family has been smoking their Conecuh pork sausage over a hickory fire in Evergreen, Alabama. Though the family’s original sausage recipe is still used to this day, they now have six varieties of sausage, including Cajun, Spicy & Hot, and All-Natural Hickory Smoked Sausage with no MSG or added nitrates. They also prepare smoked hams, turkeys, and bacon and blend their own seasonings. From backyard cookouts to tailgate parties, Conecuh Sausage is a Southern favorite and mainstay. Conecuh Sausage is located just off I-65 at Exit 96, so stop by for a sausage dog and browse their gift shop. CONECUH SAUSAGE DOGS 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 teaspoons sugar 1/2…