A Taste of Home: Mardi Gras Food Edition

 A taste of Mardi Gras food is bringing home facts, food, and fun.

King-Cake-2022 (1)

One never knows when the need for a conversation starter or trivia answer round the water cooler, dinner table or game board will present itself.

sweet-home-Louisiana

Louisianians love their Mardi Gras food, and one of our absolute most delicious regional dishes came in as the state favorite.

Curious to see what sweet treat sensation is deliciously associated with what state?  Click on the image below and the magic of link love will take you right on over to “The United Sweets of America”, a fun read by Slate associate editor L.V. Anderson.

By the way, the dessert ranked number one in Louisiana is, drum roll please… Bananas Foster.

mardi gras foodSlate

Speaking of which regional sweet treat your state is known for, when the calendar points to Mardi Gras season Mardi Gras food is the topic of Carnival culinary conversation.

Legions of Louisiana Loyal are finding themselves with a hankering for a taste of sweet home Louisiana.

Phone calls, text messages and email requests for Mardi Gras food recipes come fast and furious during Mardi Gras season.

Texas Yeehaw son.

Our Missouri snow shoveling nephew.

Floridian flamingos and Don’t Mess with Texas cousins.

see-Ruby-Falls

East Tennessean hills friends.

Chicago suburbs aunts and uncles.

What they say is true- you can take the boy or the girl out of Louisiana but you can’t take Louisiana out of the boy or the girl.

Seems the proof is in the bread pudding!

vanilla bread pudding with vanilla sauce

white chocolate bread pudding recipe

Wondering what Mardi Gras food recipes inspire the masses to phone home?

Here’s a look at the Mardi Gras food and recipe requests thus far:

Bananas Foster

This legendary Louisiana dessert is the stuff flamboyant flambé tableside preparation and presentation culinary dreams are made of.

Bananas, melted butter and brown sugar dance the dance of caramelization awaiting generous pours of banana liqueur and dark rum.

Not to be overlooked is the grand finale of flame and circumstance which showcases of the art of tableside exhibition- the lagniappe of New Orleans tradition.

Taking the top slot on our Mardi Gras food desserts menus is the recipe for my version of Bananas Foster.

Mardi-Gras-bananas-foster

King Cake

King Cake is a sweet traditional cinnamon filled coffee cake style pastry glazed with topping and sprinkled with sugar in the Royal colors of purple, green, and gold.

King Cake parties rule the Carnival season.

cinnamon-king-cake

Tradition dictates Mardi Gras revelers love the tradition of eating this Carnival confection during Mardi Gras season.

Time honored customs reign at Carnival season, and the custom of the plastic baby baked into the cake is steeped in culinary Carnival tradition, and if you are the lucky reveler who gets the piece of King Cake with the baby you are named “King for a Day”.

Mardi-Gras-food

With great King Cake power comes great King Cake responsibility.

Tradition dictates the “King for a Day” is obligated to host the next King Cake party.

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo 

gumbo-bowlClick on the link to view the recipe for Chicken and Sausage Gumbo 

This is the  email I received from the Canadian snowbird that kicked off this post:

Re: Mardi Gras Mambo Gumbo

Mom,

Thanks for the King Cake recipe!

Could you send me your chicken and sausage gumbo and Creole~Cajun Seasoning recipes by chance?

Creole-seasoning

Creole-Cajun Seasoning

Ingredients

1/3  cup paprika

3 tablespoons dried oregano

3 tablespoons ground black pepper

2 tablespoons dried basil

1 tablespoon dried thyme

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoons cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon granulated onion

4 teaspoons dried thyme

4 teaspoons granulated garlic

Directions

In a medium bowl combine paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground black pepper, dried basil, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, granulated onion, dried thyme and granulated garlic.  Stir to combine.

Can be stored in an airtight container for up to three months.

cest-si-bon-graphic

Louisiana Parade Of Homes

Part II of our Louisiana Parade of Homes features local residential properties reminiscent of Louisiana history and culture.

bayou-shot

Bayous and stately homes line the brick streets of the historic Garden District.

French-architecture

Louisiana history is a melange of varied cultures and influences.

The accent mark is well placed over the French and Spanish influence that frames our architectural elements, Créole and Cajun cuisine and the law of the Louisiana land.

Louisiana law is different from the other 49 states.

cp-concrete

Our state Civil Code is adopted from the Napoleonic Code.

Originally based on ancient Roman law, the Napoleonic Code deals in civil law with French and Spanish codes.

What is known as counties in the other 49 are known as parishes here in Louisiana.

You say antiquated, I say unique.

History and tradition holds a court of a different kind here in Louisiana.

DFH

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”  

  –Charles Caleb Colton

CP-creole

Neighborhoods are replete with Acadian, Southern Colonial, Spanish, Créole and French Louisiana architectural styles.

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Southern opulence, historical influence and phenomenal curb appeal brings it all home.

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Parade of Homes

This parade of homes is a love letter, a visual note of appreciation to the architects of modern marvels.

mid-century-modern-war

“Every great architect is – necessarily – a great poet.  He must be a great original interpreter of his time, his day, his age.” 

Frank Lloyd Wright

park

Mid-century modern architecture is the prominent feature of the local post-war suburbs historic district.  The houses of post-World War II subdivisions typically sit in the middle of large lots.   A notable design feature widely considered an essential architectural element, the expansive front lawn fashions suburbia whilst living city proper.

architecture-post-war

Fast forward 30+ years when contemporary came to town.

parade of homes

CP-b

CP-modern

Dave the Builder and I have taken to the city streets with cameras and devices in hand, photographing local residential properties that exemplify distinctive architecture.  I will share our finds and favorites next week.

Love your style!

Travels to Small Southern Towns

August was a busy month of celebrations, milestones, and travels to small Southern towns around Places In The Home.

Our son’s graduation from Louisiana State University, commencement ceremony and subsequent celebration(s) made for a busy first part of the month.

When Dave the Builder suggested a regroup and recovery getaway for two, I could not make reservations fast enough.

I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate the not too far but far enough away from home travels to small Southern towns.

These travel gems brimming with history, old houses, antiques and townsfolk who invite you to take in and be a part of the local flavor make a great weekend getaway destination perfect for recharging one’s battery.

St.-John's-Episcopal-ChurchSt. John’s Episcopal Church – Washington, Louisiana

Our long and winding road travels placed us center stage among the small Southern towns of Washington, Scott and Lafayette, Louisiana.

I learned a long time ago not to categorize our close to home jaunts as a non-vacation.

Trust me, these  just roll with the flow discovery excursions can pass a good time and pass for a real vacation.

Travels to Small Southern Towns

Washington, Louisiana is as sleepy as it is Southern- a small town full of history from steamboat days gone by.

Narrow streets shaded by mature oaks, magnolia trees, historical architecture, quintessential Southern homes ranging from the wow to the weathered, and an old high school full to the gills with antiques and vintage goodies seasons the local flavor.

old-houseBeauty does not always strike a pristine pose. This abandoned abode on a shaded street in a small Southern town piqued my interest, struck an architectural chord and became the subject of a subjective experience.  

You know you love antiquing when the indoor temperature almost matches the oppressive outdoor temperature ( 95+ degrees).

Note to self: antiquing in old buildings, warehouses, outdoors and in old high schools is an activity best enjoyed in the fall.

On this particular Louisiana summer Saturday, the Old Antique School Mall was full of hot air and hot finds priced fairly and in shop or home ready condition.

I didn’t have a clue what I was looking for, but something told me I would know it when, and if, I saw it.

Antique-School-Mall

Our visit to the school was timed just right for a super sale.

I have been working on a kitchen gallery wall, and no respectable kitchen gallery wall is complete without the all important touch of copper.

copper-kitchen-wares-finds

I couldn’t resist the lidded copper pan and mold.

Grand total: $10 for both.

gallery-1

That ladies and gentlemen is a copper bargain of the very best kind.

PM-corbel

The method to my retail madness is simple- pop into shops, boutiques, markets and retail outlets not available in the retail deficient corner of the world I call home.

The Haul:

Lafayette-goodies

A familiar sign became a beacon of biscuits and cornbread in the South Louisiana night.

Cracker-Barrel-signIt was a biscuit and cornbread kind of evening. 

I planned our next trip to Southern life fantastic on the drive home.

November can’t get here soon enough.

Love your style!

For The Love Of New Orleans Architectural Styles

With a flair for finery reminiscent of the 18th-century French and Spanish influence from which it came, New Orleans architectural styles are without a doubt some of the most notable, emulated, and coveted features in architectural and interior design today.

Louisiane gulf coast map

A mighty wind may blow, howl, scream and threaten destruction, but never underestimate the resolve of a city whose beauty and soul is rooted in its centuries-old history – a city seemingly built to entice and enchant the eye as well as the heart of those who admire and appreciate this architectural landmark called New Orleans.

Bevolo-lights-new-orleans1Bevolo

Beginning with an iconic favorite, the iconic gas lantern is synonymous with New Orleans architectural style.

Authentically crafted in antiqued copper, the Bevolo French Quarter lamp is one the most recognizable architectural elements lighting the streets, sidewalks, storefronts and entryways throughout the French Quarter and Garden District.

Cementing its role as a prominent New Orleans architectural element, Bevolo Gas and Electric Lights began in the French Quarter in 1945.

Design vision combined with the expert craftsmanship of Andrew Bevolo Sr. and the tales of renowned architect A. Hays Town resulted in a brilliant design execution.

Lantern_in_courtyard._May_1936._-_The_Cabildo,_711_Chartres_Street,_New_Orleans,_Orleans_Parish,_LA_HABS_LA,36-NEWOR,4-13.tifNew Orleans historic landmarks The Cabildo ~ May 1936

Quintessential New Orleans is instantly recognized in the French Quarter gas lantern – an architectural element that commands attention to detail.

new-orleans-cottage

Columns, ornate wrought-iron laced designs, and historic balconies rule the New Orleans architectural elements royal court.

horse-head-hitching-post (1)

Mary Hammel

808px-LePretre_Mansion_Orleans_St_Pharmacy_1958Gardette-LaPrete House (The Sultan’s Palace)

ornamental-wrought-iron-New-Orleans

Parrish Freeman

Sublime features wrap the city in intricate details historically ingrained with the French and Spanish style architectural history that is New Orleans.

columnEmerald Coast Gallery

768px-JosephineStRevivalhouse30Nov07GateDoor1Early 19th Century Greek Revival

Thoughts of what once was and what could be again dance the dance of possibility in the minds of restorers, the hands of architects, the boards of designers and the hearts of the New Orleans devoted.

Corinthian-columns-1

Corinthian Columns

Purveyors of architectural grandeur understand and infinitely appreciate the fine point of architectural perfection in an imperfect state.

verdigrisHouse Beautiful

Age is a visitor from time that comes to the New Orleans architectural styles party often as an uninvited guest, but welcomed and embraced for its weathered and worn wonder with awed appreciation nonetheless.

Victorian-turretVictorian Turret

Exposed brick walls epitomize traditional 19th century New Orleans architecture. If these walls could talk, what stories they could tell!

exposed-brick-wall-New-OrleansNew Orleans Local

Words on the streets of New Orleans is revered as an art form.

Dating back over 100 years, encaustic tiles were used throughout the city of New Orleans to identify street names.

768px-UptownMagazineTileGutterWoodBricksCommons Wikimedia

Numerous buildings and streets of the French Quarter display the painted and embossed encaustic tiles as a historic form of identification of the old Spanish colonial street names.

NewOrleans200212_2126Commons Wikimedia

Water meter covers rate high on the curated art and unique curiosities meter in New Orleans.

meter-cover-New-Orleans-street

Designed from an image of an actual water  meter cover from New Orleans, this New Orleans Water Meter Cover doormat makes the gotta have it list.

New-Orleans-water-meter-cover-doormat

New Orleans Water Meter Cover Doormat

Opulent crystal chandeliers are synonymous with the finery that is New Orleans antiquities.

crystal-chandelier-New-Orleans-garden-district-home

Southern Home Magazine – Photography by Sara Essex Bradley

Ornate moldings, ceiling medallions, elliptical archways and decorative trimmings denote the architectural element hallmarks of the city’s Greek Revival homes.

new-orleans-house-proud-interiorsPhotos by Sara Essex Bradley 
From House Proud: Unique Home Design/Louisiana by Valorie Hart

Oh, the undeniable beauty of the New Orleans lantern.

copper-lantern-outdoor-New-orleans-courtyard

Victoria Magazine

Orleans Aged Copper 2 -Bulb Outdoor Hanging Lantern

London Street Yoke lantern

VerandaBevolo

ornamental-fence-Jackson-square-New-Orleans

Dating back to the 1850s, the ornamental wrought and cast iron balconies, fences, galleries and gates of the Vieux Carré stand tall as the prominent architectural element most associated with the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans.

french-quarter-square

Pairing these two design elements together is a bespoke design element demonstrated throughout the Crescent City.

ornamental-iron-New-OrleansNew Orleans Real Estate, Today and Yesterday

Cornstalk Fence Hotel

Cornstalk Fence Hotel – Flickr

Elaborate in design and characteristic of the French Quarter, ornamental ironwork frames a large portion of the landmarks and homes of New Orleans.

feather-bracketsfeather brackets

New Orleans Shotgun houses possess an exterior charm as unique as the feather, scroll, and gingerbread architectural elements for which they’re known.

porch-brackets-columns-New-Orleans-architecture

Architectural features of the shotgun house include elongated in length and narrow in width with rooms flowing one into another.  

lanterns-shotgun-houses-New-Orleans

Modeled in Eastlake, Neoclassical Revival and Italianate styles, the shotgun houses throughout the City of New Orleans were built with lot size constraints in mind.

shotgun-house-New-OrleansNew Orleans Real Estate, Today and Yesterday

Distinctive color combinations and Victorian gingerbread or lacy brackets characterize the front façade of the New Orleans shotgun house.

7570409378_7217f3cce3_kFlickr

Shuttered doors and windows continue to be a prominent fixture among the classic New Orleans architectural element scene.

Adopting and adapting exteriors to mirror the customary French architectural design element of louvered shutters on all windows caught on and remains one of the most instantly recognizable traits of New Orleans design.

Shuttered doors and windows were strictly a utilitarian feature with a three fold purpose early on- privacy, protection from wind and sun and to control ventilation.

Spring into late summer months in New Orleans is not one conducive to complete comfort. Shuttered doors and windows remain a characteristic feature of French Quarter buildings, restaurants and hotels today.

Believe me, I’ve opened many a window and French door and pulled many a pair of shutters my way over the years to block the noise from the streets of the French Quarter.

1344483687_3141cc90bc_oBosque House Courtyard

Best described as an architectural enigma of sorts in a city so well know for public displays, the New Orleans courtyard is viewed as an architectural feat of patio splendor.

The New Orleans courtyard is an intimate walled garden usually tucked away from street view- a hidden and shaded Shangri-La.

Flowing fountains, lush plants, and fragrant tropical scents line the walls of the courtyard providing a tranquil place for residents, tourists and locals alike to ensconced themselves in privacy.

1345410562_62deda1dac_bAngel In Fountain – Le Petit Theatre

Gorgeous copper, antique New Orleans bricks, ornamental iron, ceiling medallions, ornate chandeliers and shutters drive my interior design and decorating choices. The influence of the New Orleans architectural elements in today’s interiors and exteriors is undeniable.

iron-fence-concrete-statue-New-Orleans

Mary Hammel

Do you know what it means to love the architectural styles of New Orleans?

Darleen-signature-love

My Version of Bananas Foster Recipe

My version of Bananas Foster recipe is a love letter to the original.

Make no mistake, the original Brennan’s New Orleans recipe is exactly that- the original.

Brennan'sBrennan’s New Orleans

Bananas Foster is named for Richard Foster, a friend of Owen Brennan.

Owen Brennan was the owner of Brennan’s and leading member of what can only be described as restaurant royalty, the Brennan family.  The dish was created by Paul Blangé at Brennan’s in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Brennan's-eggs-benedictBrennan’s Eggs Benedict 

When bananas, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum and banana liqueur blend together in perfected flavor harmony it is a taste experience best served over vanilla ice cream.

Tableside preparation and presentation of this legendary dessert is the stuff flambe traditions are made of.

Bananas-Foster-Brennans

Brennan’s Bananas Foster

Bananas are halved, butter is melted, and brown sugar dances the dance of caramelization as great and tasty things get to cooking.

Banana liqueur and dark rum is added and ignited. The grand finale of flame and circumstance showcases the art of exhibition, a New Orleans tradition.

All that is left to do with this buttery, sugary, banana based and alcohol infused culinary masterpiece of aroma and flavor is to savor every delicious spoonful.

World Famous Bananas Foster

Brennan’s World Famous Bananas Foster 

Inspiration is everywhere, and the idea for this recipe was born out of a need to do something with a fruit bowl full of bananas.

When the liquor cabinet is void of rum and banana liqueur and the cook is not too keen on the idea of do it yourself flambe, a heavy-handed pour of rum extract and a little extra cooking time saves the day and the dessert.

My version of Bananas Foster may not be as good or flambe flamboyant as Brennan’s, but the Places In The Home supper club can not say enough about how delicious this recipe is.

My Version of Bananas Foster

Ingredients

6 Tablespoons (¾ stick)  butter, melted

4 bananas, peeled and sliced

½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

3 teaspoons rum extract

vanilla ice cream

Directions

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

sliced-bananas

Add the brown sugar to melted butter using a wooden spoon to gently stir ingredients together.

brown-sugar-melted-butter

Spoon in bananas and saute until bananas begin to soften.  Sprinkle the nutmeg over tops of  bananas.

caramelized-bananas

Reduce heat to medium-low allowing mixture to reach a soft caramelized consistency.  Add the rum extract, gently stirring to incorporate.  Spoon over individual scoops of vanilla ice cream.  Serve immediately.

my version of bananas foster recipe

cest-si-bon-graphic

 

Colors Along The Bayou

We Louisianians are a patient people waiting for colors along the bayou to strut their colorful stuff.

bayou-colors-fix

We’re aware our neighbors to the North actually get to experience seasonal foliage and fall colors before mid to late November.

Fall takes it time getting down to Louisiana, but when it does it stunningly shows its true colors along the bayou in perfect fall form.

I’ve yet to find a better way to take it all in than to hit the road with camera in hand, Dave the Builder at the wheel, and the words from the song “Drive South” defining the moment.

Come on baby drive South
With the one you love
Come on baby drive South

You can be guaranteed if it’s late November the locals will be wondering if the Ginkgo trees are showing off colors along the bayou.

ginkgo-leaves-gold

This famous landmark Ginkgo tree has served as the picture perfect photo backdrop for generations of  local residents.

This picture does not do justice to just how beautiful the colors along the bayou really are.

bayou-colors-ginkgo-1

Decades old iron bridge railing has aged gracefully through the years.

Brick-lined streets, decorative ironwork and historical homes make a drive though the garden district a trip through time.

bayou-colors-3

Further South down the road we go to another small town favorite, Lea’s Lunch Room.

leas-lunchroom

Lea’s Lunch Room is known throughout the United States as the place for pie.

It’s a standing game day tradition to stop at Lea’s for one of their famous ham sandwiches and a piece of pie on the way to Tiger Stadium.

Recently Lea’s Lunchroom was listed in the USA TODAY Travel article “10 best: Delicious Pies around the South.”

All that driving and photographing works up an appetite, and it is the best excuse I know of to order up a ham sandwich and a slice of coconut pie with sky high meringue to-go, of course.

 On the road again…

Lea's-Lunchroom-LeCompte-1

The Mary McCoy Big House stands steeped in history on the Solomon Northup Trail. The story of Solomon Northup was the subject of the film, 12 Years a Slave.

Big House of Mary McCoy

Photography by Sanjay N. Patel

Bayou Boeuf community and the parishes of Central Louisiana historically factor into the life of Solomon Northup.

When I was in college at LSU I used the Mary McCoy Big House as my thirty minutes to home mile marker.

Lots of history and beauty associated with this local landmark.

bunkie-house-big (1)

Like the leaves, the colors of the season are changing from browns and oranges to brighter reds and traditional greens.

This much needed road trip was all the detour needed to help me collect my thoughts and take a breather before the next season begins.

Darleen-signature-love

Styling the Table Between Two Sofas: How To Style a Coffee Table

Attention grabbing titles stump me at times.  The backspace on this keyboard should start up its own CrossFit class because this baby gets in an impressive and exhaustive daily workout erasing first drafts, not so PG-13 wording and the like.

Title considerations for this post ranged from Not Another Boring How To Style a Coffee Table Post, Putting Stuff on the Coffee Table and Why It Matters and the winner, Styling The Table Between Two Sofas.

Anyway you title it, how to style a coffee table is a hot topic of decorating interest.

coffee-table-books

I like to incorporate individual style and objects that capture the soul of the life lived within your home.

The only hard-and-fast rule I follow in regards to how to style a coffee table is no sight obstruction.

I don’t know about you, but I hate to sit down to gab, read or watch television only to get right back up to move a decorative accent out of my sight line.

High, medium and low is a working concept with considerations to factor in.

When I’m styling a coffee table I sit down on sofa, chair, etc…  and choose the primary sight line.

X marks the center spot- the prime location for a medium or low height object placement.

The “outer” areas balance the method with graduated heights to continue the flow, theme and visual engagement.

how to style a coffee table

The rule of you effectively applies to decorating and should be beautifully evident throughout your home.

Styling a coffee table with a sense of individual style is easy.

A treasured keepsake, great read, conversation piece, a decorative box to house remotes (a necessary evil), framed picture of something, somewhere or someone that when you look at it a smile instantly touches your heart- the essentials!

Here’s the background on the pieces presently calling the top of my coffee table home.

shell

The shells were found on the beach in Corpus Christi, Texas by my mother when she was eight years old.

shell-Texas

My great-grandparents owned tourist courts in the beach area, and on one of the many trips to Corpus my mother picked up these shells.

Treasures of time and travel for sure.

rose-bowl

The rose bowl was an anniversary gift from Dave the Builder.

A  fellow antiques dealer brought it into the shop, and my heart skipped a beat.

Dave surprised me with it, I bawled like a baby, and up this keepsake went.

Fast forward to moving day when Miss Grace Kelly (me) dropped it, shattering it into several pieces.

The water works began, but I sucked it up and let it go.

No use crying over chipped and cracked porcelain- the thought behind the gift was still in one piece.

I picked up the pieces as best I could, placed them in a box, and set it out in the garage.

tall

Dave saw the box when he came in and asked me what had happened.

I filled him in, letting him know I had made peace with the pieces.

Dave wouldn’t hear of it.

He grabbed the glue and went to work.

When he finished gluing the pieces back in place he offered up a rather profound explanation.

He told me to look at it in a new light.

Things that are perfect one minute may not be so perfect the next.  That doesn’t mean you throw it away- you dig in with determination and fix it.

The cracked and glued back together rose bowl is even more beautiful to me now.

Valorie-Hart

Louisiana is known for unique characters, creatures, homes, food and culture.

House Proud: Unique Home Design, Louisiana by Valorie Hart and Edwin Edwards Governor of Louisiana by Leo Honeycutt are both interesting reads and wonderful conversation pieces.

Two birds, one stone.

The dried bouquet in the image below is a memento from my nephew’s wedding.

bouquet

What do you consider essential decorative elements in the pursuit of how to style a coffee table?

Love your style!