CHERIE CLAIRE

We eat well in Louisiana and Thanksgiving is no different. Our tables are full of Cajun and Creole delicacies or the traditional American fare accented with a little spark or two. Here are a few Cajun/Creole dishes we enjoy during the holidays. Fried turkeys Frying a turkey can be difficult and dangerous if not done properly. And trust me, don’t tackle this feat unless you’re confident you know what you’re doing because basically, a turkey is lowered into a vat of hot cooking

When Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote his epic poem, Evangeline, it was the first time American readers knew about the Acadian (Cajun) exile from the Maritime Provinces of Canada beginning in 1755. The story follows Evangeline who is set to marry her true love Gabriel. On the eve of their marriage, the British force the Acadians from their home in what was to become le grand dérangement or the great exile. Evangeline travels throughout America, including Louisiana, searching

In each of The Cajun Embassy books, I include a gumbo recipe. The following recipe is by Martin Taylor, the hero of “A Ticket to Paradise,” and it utilizes seafood. I’m from New Orleans where we include a lot of seafood in our gumbos and the roux is usually lighter. In Cajun Country where I now live, chicken and andouille sausage with a darker roux is more prevalent. But here's a secret because time is never something I routinely lack. Cajun Power sells a gumbo starter for se

Many people have asked me where exactly in Louisiana does the Cajun Series take place. Since the family saga begins in 1765, many of the towns in Louisiana no longer exist. Most, however, do. And some are confusing. Take Natchez, for instance. In Emilie, the family travels to the Spanish fort at Natchez located miles upstream from New Orleans. When I first learned about this site in my historical research, I had assumed it was Natchez, Mississippi, on the other side of the ri

In 2014 Lafayette, Louisiana, was named the Happiest City in America by the Wall Street Journal's Marketwatch.com. I wasn't surprised. My town is filled with people who love to dance, enjoy our excellent cuisine and, as we say in French, laissez les bons temps roulez or pass a good time, chèr. We are happy and we know it. Needless to say, I love living here. You'll also find this joie de vivre in my Cajun novels. #lafayette #lafayettetravel #cajun #joiedevivre #acadian #acadi