If there was a place in the United States that I was to visit strictly for food, it would be Louisiana. Many of my friends and family have raved over how fantastic Cajun cuisine is. What if we could bring Louisiana home with us? Surely, it won’t be anything like a Mardi Gras celebration, but there’s more to creole faire than that. It’s wholesome and warm feeling, full of exciting flavors and cultures!
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Over the past year Creole cookbooks have become more prevalent. I expect this hidden gem of cuisine to become more and more popular as time goes on! No need to go south for a mouthwatering feast, just cook it right at home with these cookbooks!
Modern Cajun Cooking: 85 Farm-Fresh Recipes with Classic Flavors
Coming out soon is the Modern Cajun Cooking: 85 Farm-Fresh Recipes with Classic Flavors cookbook! Cajun cooking is ever changing, especially with Louisiana being a melting pot of cultures. Now with famous holidays and tourism more and more people come to visit this unique American city.
Many of these recipes have stunning photos to go along with them. Everything looks so tasty and delicious. The range of difficulty makes this cookbook a must have for your household! Some pose a bit of a challenge, but most are fairly easy and serve a lot of people – prepare for a feast. There isn’t a recipe that doesn’t sound appetizing or intriguing.
Mosquito Supper Club: Cajun Recipes from a Disappearing Bayou
I have a particular fondness for the Mosquito Supper Club: Cajun Recipes from a Disappearing Bayou cookbook. First, most Cajun chefs and cookbook authors tend to be men. This is written by Melissa M. Martin, a born and breed Louisianan who has made a name for herself with her cafe “Mosquito Supper Club” which is booked out years in advance. Not only that, but she talks about the shift in the environment and how that is changing local fare.
As for the food itself? It is remarkable. Learning how to make a classic shrimp jambalaya, she-crab soup, crawfish étouffée, and more would be a dream! There are 100 feel good recipes with beautiful stories about the bayou for each one. Learn what it is like to grow up in Louisiana and always have the classic dishes at your finger tips.
The Easy Creole and Cajun Cookbook: Modern and Classic Dishes Made Simple
I saw grits on the cover of the The Easy Creole and Cajun Cookbook: Modern and Classic Dishes Made Simple cookbook and immediately my mouth began to water. If you’ve never explored Cajun cooking, then this is a fantastic introductory book.
There are 50 scrumptious quintessential dishes you can make. Not only that, but they require little effort and instructions are incredibly clear. There is even a section to learn about different blends, roux, soup bases, for all your Creole meal needs. Most ingredients are available anywhere, but author Ryan Boudreaux has provided substitutes for most things!
Fresh from Louisiana: The Soul of Cajun and Creole Home Cooking
I adore the Fresh from Louisiana: The Soul of Cajun and Creole Home Cooking cookbook! The notable thing about this cookbook is how many bright, beautiful, photos there are – 100 if we are counting. You are going to want to start cooking up some of these delightful dishes once you take a peek.
This cookbook is divided into seasons, which I think is unique. No matter where you live you will be able to enjoy delightful Creole or Cajun food with friends and family. Fresh from Louisiana: The Soul of Cajun and Creole Home Cooking sets you up to have an epic feast by providing appetizers, desserts, main courses, and more to the dinner table.
Creole & Cajun Comfort Food
Creole and Cajun cuisine beautiful is one of America’s first examples of fusion. In the Creole & Cajun Comfort Food cookbook, Tommy Centola shows how many cultures have had influences on Louisianan cuisine. This obviously includes French, but also Spanish, Caribbean, African, Italian and other areas.
Experience comfort on a plate with Tommy Centola’s cookbook Creole & Cajun Comfort Food. There is a combination of classics we know like grits and shrimp, but he has included some of his own creations to spice it up!
Cajun Pig (American Palate)
What do you usually think of when you think of Creole or Cajun food? To be honest, I actually think crawdads, but apparently the staple of Cajun food is the pig. In the Cajun Pig (American Palate) we learn how to use every part of the pig for this region of cooking. Learn how to celebrate pork and Louisiana with this cookbook!
There are 176 pages full of savory delights. This cookbook is a look into the history of Creole cooking. From the Smoked Meats Festival in Ville Platte to Thibodaux’s Bourgeois Meat Market, where miles of boudin have been produced since 1891.
The Best of New Orleans Cookbook: 50 Classic Cajun and Creole Recipes from the Big Easy
If you thought cooking Cajun or Creole food would be difficult at home, then check out The Best of New Orleans Cookbook: 50 Classic Cajun and Creole Recipes from the Big Easy. Here’s what I am most excited about: Learning what the Cajun Holy Trinity is, how to whip up a roux, and what it takes to fry like a pro. There are 50 iconic recipes that best represent creole cooking. Better yet, delicious drinks to go along with these!
I absolutely love that there are historical and local references below every recipe. There are also “lagniappes” on the sidebar to show various tips, tricks, and historical highlights related to the dish. Sometimes there is even lists of restaurants to go to if you ever visit Louisiana that serve the best of whatever dish you are viewing.
Spicy, Cajun, with Love For Southern Louisiana Food: Quick and Easy Recipes Written By A Spicy Cajun South of I-10
I appreciate the authenticity of the Spicy, Cajun, with Love For Southern Louisiana Food: Quick and Easy Recipes Written By A Spicy Cajun South of I-10 cookbook. Jillian Coburn, the author, knows that when meals take too long to prepare, they become tasks. Though, many stories and laughs happen from cooking and eating together. That’s the essence of Cajun meals – a warm comforting hug.
Each dish in this cookbook can be made within 20 minutes without losing any of its flavor! If you have a big family to feed, but not a lot of time, this is the perfect cookbook for you.
All of these cookbooks make Creole and Cajun cooking look fun. I know, it’s a hard decision to make, but let us know your top three picks!
~Kaiti
