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CREOLE CAJUN CHEF
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Eggplant Dressing
Thanksgiving is almost here. While turkey takes the main stage, the sides are what complete the dinner. I am sharing two this week that...

Tommy Centola
Nov 18, 20191 min read
Different kinds of Gumbo
In my opinion, gumbos fall into three categories, Seafood Gumbo, Gumbo Z’herbs and Meat Gumbos. Gumbo Z’herbs is a gumbo that is mostly...

Tommy Centola
Nov 17, 20193 min read


Oyster Stew
Oysters are really looking good now. I always enjoy a nice bowl of oyster stew. Here's a recipe. 1/2 cup Butter 1/2 cup Green Onions,...

Tommy Centola
Nov 14, 20191 min read


Gumbo YaYa from Mr. B's
As the cold starts to envelop the south, everyone is turning to soups to warm them up. This week, I will share two delicious New Orleans...

Tommy Centola
Nov 11, 20191 min read
Making side dishes made with staples
One of the first things people tell me when they find out I am from New Orleans is “ so your a Cajun.” People often associate Louisiana...

Tommy Centola
Nov 10, 20193 min read


Bud's Broiler Hickory Smoked Sauce
The biggest difference between Cannon's and Bud's sauces is temperature. Cannon's was served cold, while Bud's is warm. They are both...

Tommy Centola
Nov 7, 20191 min read


Hickory Smoke Sauce
Recently on Facebook, my friend Jimmy Beninate was at Bud's Broiler ordering a #4 with Onions and Smoke Sauce. We commented that it is...

Tommy Centola
Nov 4, 20191 min read


Hamburger Steak with Cheese from Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse
As a child, I was not a very adventurous eater. Whenever we ate at Don’s, this I what I would order. One day, I will have to order it...

Tommy Centola
Oct 24, 20191 min read


Crawfish Étouffée from Don’s Seafood and Steakhouse
Among the cookbooks I have, this is a gem. Don’s Seafood started in Lafayette in 1934. It is one of the original Cajun restaurant chains....

Tommy Centola
Oct 21, 20191 min read


Lamb Rack Herbs de Provence Amandine from LeRuth’s
Lamb is a favorite of mine. The first time I tried lamb was at LeRuth’s. The Lamb on the menu did not have any almonds. 2 racks of young...

Tommy Centola
Oct 17, 20191 min read


Coconut Tart from LeRuth’s
From one great chef to another. Last week was Chef Frank Brigtsen. This week is Chef Warren Leruth. My connection to the restaurant...

Tommy Centola
Oct 14, 20191 min read
Strawberries can be sweet and savory
Local strawberries are starting to make their rounds. Strawberries are so popular that there are numerous cities that claim to be the...

Tommy Centola
Oct 13, 20193 min read


Shrimp Boil from Chef Frank Brigtsen
Chef Frank is a master of New Orleans cooking. He got his start next to the great Paul Prudhomme. A night at his restaurant will be the...

Tommy Centola
Oct 10, 20191 min read


Shrimp Cornbread from Chef Frank Brigtsen
This week, I am featuring 2 recipes from Chef Frank Brigtsen. He is one of the best chef’s in Louisiana. He is also very generous with...

Tommy Centola
Oct 7, 20191 min read
Try Alligator in Kitchen
Many people say that alligator, like frog legs, taste like chicken. It does have a mild flavor, firm texture and picks up the flavors of...

Tommy Centola
Oct 6, 20193 min read


Seafood Gumbo from Ralph & Kacoo’s Cookbook
While eating out the other night, I noticed that one of the other customers had a Ralph and Kacoo’s shirt on. So while thinking of Gumbo...

Tommy Centola
Oct 3, 20191 min read
Make Easter, every day sweeter
Easter is the largest candy holiday in the United States. A large percentage of this candy is chocolate. Chocolate is also an excellent...

Tommy Centola
Sep 29, 20193 min read


Andouille, Chicken and Duck Gumbo
Fall has arrived. Hopefully soon, the weather will turn cool. Time to start making gumbo. Here are two gumbo recipes this week. 1 1/2...

Tommy Centola
Sep 28, 20191 min read


Pumpkin Soup
It still is a little warm for soup. File this one way until the wether starts to cool down 2 tablespoons Pumpkin Seeds (optional) 2...

Tommy Centola
Sep 26, 20191 min read


Pumpkin Bread
Today is the first day of Fall. Everywhere you turn, you see pumpkins. This week I am sharing 2 pumpkin recipes 3 1/2 cups All-Purpose...

Tommy Centola
Sep 23, 20191 min read
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