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See How I Make & Get the Recipe Here!
Linked Recipe PDF Simple, quick and incredibly delicious! Yield: 3 servings
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-HIGH JINKS & HURRAHS - The Search for a Desk... BEHIND THE SCENES UNPUBLISHED PHOTOS AND HER PROPOSED COOKBOOK TITLE.... NOT JULIA REED'S MORMON COOKBOOK (WITH APOLOGIES TO THE MORMONS) Written September 2020 My Stories as Presented by Lee Anne Garner  She celebrated life like no one else I’ve ever known. ❤️ The loss I feel for Julia Reed’s passing is enormous, and my heart will be heavy for some time. Photo by Paul Costello That’s my New Orleans courtyard on the front cover, part of a Gumbo Lunch Chapter shoot...except the 2nd cover was a re-shoot! See it farther below. I’m also filled with an enormous sense of gratitude....Our time together was filled with lively conversations and exciting experiences - all boozy and delicious. Julia Reed validated me and put me on the map. She wrote about me and recommended me to others. She liked my stories, and style. She liked my antiques and how I lived with them, my interest in early Louisiana furnishings, and my passion for art, cooking and entertaining, gardening and history.  It was heady stuff being her friend starting way back in the early 90's-ish. It must have been by 1994. She introduced me to her incredible network of talented friends and I was featured in Vogue, Women’s Wear Daily, etc...and she helped me to reach a pinnacle. There is no higher honor than being featured in the World of Interiors.  At Julia's behest, her then boyfriend Peter Woloszykski, took and sent photos of my Bourbon Street home to the legendary editor, Minn Hogg. Minn Hogg then asked Julia to write the article. The eight page spread also captured the magic of our relationship - photos at left from story. (April 1996 - see at end of this note.) What great times we shared. And it all happened in what seemed like an instant. We became dear friends. She walked into my antique store on Royal Street in the French Quarter. She fell in love with and bought some esoteric prints of bugs. After all, who buys pictures of bugs? I did and she did!  Party Julia gave at her parents Greenville, MS home for British Vogue Editor Vicki & Frank Woods-Walker. At left: Kelly Tandy, Angèle Parlange, Mish Tworkowski, Julia, Vicki Woods, Julia's distant cousin Clarke, her father Clarke Reed, Frank Woods-Walker, and me. I then realized that Julia lived nearby in one of my favorite Creole townhouses. She invited me there for a drink. I closed the shop right then and went right over, and the laughs and good times had been ceaseless. Beyond her literary skills, Julia was a world-class tastemaker and had an extraordinary talent for bringing interesting people together. New Orleans Pop-Up Shop Party (with Royalty!): India Hicks, Julia and me.  She invited me to a book-signing party at her home for Sister Helen Prejean’s, Dead Man Walking. You know you’re in good company when the lump crabmeat flows served in the biggest silver punch bowl you could imagine. I’d never seen before or after such an extravagant presentation of Crabmeat Maison! Side note: A delightful essay THE CRABMEAT CAUCUS a celebratory cause indeed Julia's Crabmeat obsession (Jon's word) was an outward "manifestation of the best, most important things of life—the things that elevate us and fill us not only with food but with affection and even purpose.... Jon Meacham  My New Orleans dining room and courtyard featured in Julia Reed's South, Photos by Paul CostelloAmong the most memorable of our high jinks and crazy forays is the story of Julia’s desire for a desk…this is also known as the time when Julia made a wrong turn and we ended up in a flooded ditch! FINDING A DESK FOR JULIA There was that time when.... Julia had just moved to another great apartment in a historic building just a few blocks from me on Bourbon Street. She mentioned the need for a table that could serve as her desk. I had such a thing in my family’s barn in Patoutville. So, we measured the space.  We were already close friends, as I don’t ordinarily lend a good piece of furniture. It was a long Louisiana cypress refractory table of sentimental value from the Old St. Joseph Convent in Charenton where my grandmother went to school. Julia's then apartment bldg. at left. She lived in the rear. So on THAT day, we headed upriver to Metairie to pick up a rental van to make the Patoutville trek for the table. By the time we left the French Quarter and arrived at the rental place in a strip mall, the skies had opened up and a deluge of biblical proportions was underway (Julia often related incidents in a biblical manner - the hurricanes, mosquitoes, floods etc…….). We were in Julia’s car at a stoplight and like a normal person, she took a right turn into what we thought was the entrance. It wasn’t. The floodwater had filled the ditch and it was level with the road. Julia’s car plummeted at a 45 degree angle into the ditch.  For a split second, I thought we could drown. The water outside was at eye level and it was already seeping into the car. It was all surreal as I reached for the door handle. While it seemed like forever, it was probably just a few seconds that had passed. We sprung ourselves from the car and soaking wet, we climbed the ditch embankment. We were unscathed and looked around and immediately started laughing, and laughing! Then to my dismay, I saw one of my favorite flip flops floating away down the ditch. A good pair of flip flops is a hard find. “Let it go!” Julia yelled. “Let it go!”  So dripping wet, we walked in to the car rental office and could see the young female attendant’s eyes peering over the tall counter which nearly obfuscated our view. It was like a defense wall separating us. She was in no hurry to help - on the phone and probably talking to her boyfriend. And what Julia said next, I’ll never forget. In fact, it was well worth the loss of the flip flops….the price for admission. “Get off that fucking phone,” Julia roared. Julia didn’t suffer fools. This was a typical response you’d expect from her. In Julia’s hands profanity could be poetry. She had a talent for cussing.  We asked for a towing company, were handed the yellow pages and offered no further help. We called Rudy’s Wrecking Service, located near the French Quarter, which was convenient for us to get back home. After we cleaned ourselves off from the ditchwater, we had a nice dinner: an upbeat moment, a victory over the flood of biblical proportions, surviving the day’s dilemma. This just happened to also coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Mary Jo Kopechne’s death with the Chappaquiddick incident… adding another profound layer to our misadventure to which we have toasted many times.... The photos - What we didn’t know was that some Icelandic tourists were handling their car rental. Fascinated by our dilemma, they took the accompanied photos and sent this nice note. “At last here are the photos I promised you" … It’s unbelievable that these people would follow through and send these photos. Julia and I were touched by their generosity!  THE FINAL IRONY ABOUT JULIA'S DESK.... was fitting...Laura Plantation gains a table for awhile And the final irony of this story was that once we eventually got the refractory table from Patoutville into Julia’s apartment, the damn thing didn’t fit. It just didn’t fit! We are experts, and we measured, and we were wrong (notice I’m not saying I was wrong). Over a strong cocktail, we processed the situation. First, I had a little nervous breakdown. I didn’t want it to go back to the barn in Patoutville; I had hoped to give it a new life. Shortly after, I called my friends at Laura Plantation and offered it for them to use.  ----- Laura Plantation was the first along River Road to incorporate enslaved people of color into their tour and went to great lengths to research and document the complete history. I highly recommend their tour experience. ---- They were ecstatic! It became part of a pantry display. Sadly a few years later, part of Laura Plantation burned along with the table. Thankfully the Marmillions were able to restore this fascinating Creole housed move forward with the tours of Laura Plantation. SO MANY ADVENTURES ALONG THE WAY...  SILENCING JEFFREY STEINGARTEN There was that time when.... Beyond cussing, Julia also had this incredible ability to stay any aggressor with her calm, gentille southern tone. She didn’t have to raise her voice.  He's a disciple of unaltered French cuisine...This is my attempt to say something nice about him...because I didn't like him and not even Julia's mom (the nicest person ever) liked him. So When Vogue Food Critic Jeffrey Steingarten flunked an FY Julia's way, she looked up and said, “EXCUSE ME!” and she shut that asinine man down. This happened over the course of a two-day Acadiana Boudin tour that was two days too long that I'd helped her to arrange. He enjoyed the boudin and cracklins and took a liking to the seafood & chicken pies from Victor's Cafeteria in New Iberia. It's my understanding that he still occasionally has them shipped up to NYC. Overall, the trip mostly failed to impress him. Steingarten's disdain included my favorite French Bread from LeJeune’s Bakery in my hometown, Jeanerette, since  1884! It’s made in the Creole/Cajun style with a crisp exterior, light and airy center, and is sold warm from the 100 year-old oven. Pro-tip: always buy 2 loaves as one might be eaten in the car.  William Guion's Evangeline Oak photo. I call your attention to his blog The 100 Oaks Project. Steingarten also failed to appreciate the region’s ancient moss-covered live oaks questioning their real name until I trotted out the genus and species, Quercus virginiana, of these phenomenal trees which impress everyone. Indeed it was a beautiful moment when Julia silenced Jeffrey Steingarten.  ENTERPRISE SUGAR MILL Julia loved visiting my family home in Patoutville and touring the Sugar Mill next door. She also roped in a few writers along the way to experience the Bayou Teche country. At Left: Julia, Chief Sugar Mill Engineer Wilson LeBlanc, and me. LITERARY SALONS AND OTHER SHENANIGANS 
From her New Orleans Pop-Up & Literary Salon Party: Legendary ad man Peter Rogers (think what becomes a legend most - the iconic ad series and much more), Julia and me. On right: Paul Costello photographer extraordinaire, Julia and me. My dining room below.  from the Reed Smythe online store: “DREGS” BY PAUL COSTELLO Photographer Paul Costello’s brilliant editorial and commercial work has taken him and his camera all over the world, but we are grateful that he and his family decided to settle in a fabulous house in New Orleans, where they have lived for almost a decade. Since then, Paul has shot three of Julia’s books... He also has found time to turn his lens toward some gorgeous landscapes and still lives, which we are thrilled to offer here. (See more of Paul's works) Julia was always up for an adventure near or far (I once met up with her in Bath, England)! I loved having her near me in the French Quarter and was a trusted lieutenant for her many causes. My answer to her anytime she called was “anything you want.” I knew it would be a damn good time.  Each year, I enjoyed bringing new blood to the Delta Hot Tamale Festival in Greenville once she became involved. She attracted a slew of literary and culinary talent annually. The concluding event - sandbar parties on the Mississippi River were indeed phenomenal experiences. Believe photo above was 2018 Delta Hot Tamale Festival - from the Reed Smythe Pop-Up Shop. ANOTHER COOKBOOK COMES TO LIFE There was that time when... THE FINAL HURRAH An email from Julia On Wednesday, September 19, 2018, 9:06:06 AM CDT, Julia Reed wrote: Dearest Peter, I see that you have your hands full in Natchez right about now. But can I ask an enormous favor?? The designers of the New Orleans cookbook I'm doing mocked up a great cover from our gumbo dinner shoot in your courtyard of me coming out of the back house holding two bottles of wine. The idiot who runs Rizzoli loves the image but says I can't be holding wine. I reminded him that the freaking book is called "Julia Reed's New Orleans" not "Julia Reed's Mormon Cookbook"... he is ... holding firm. So we have to stage the same table but now I have to be carrying a pot or something. Love you love you. xxx  The final cover Julia Reed's New Orleans: Food, Fun, and Field Trips for Letting the Good Times Roll All photos courtesy: Paul Costello Photography Photos from a Gumbo lunch chapter. Julia's classic Seafood Gumbo is below along with a Rum Pecan Pie. That's my kitchen stove and though it's something of a relic, countless memorable meals have been created in that galley-sized kitchen.  Most days begin with a strong cup of chicory coffee made in the French drip pot sitting there on the stove. Of course, they're sweetened with natural cane sugar from my family's mill in Patoutville and it makes me think of my heritage. PATOUTVILLE SHINES I particularly appreciate Julia's love for my family's South Louisiana home. And as she started thinking about her forays over the years with me in Cajun country (we've shared many great adventures!), she decided to include a chapter at my country house in Patoutville set amongst the sugar cane background.  She penned this sweet note to Patoutville: There's no bad time to visit Patoutville, but it is especially beautiful in summer and early fall, when the sugarcane is wait-high in the fields. In late fall and winter, the trucks full of cut cane form miles-long lines at the mill and there's twenty-four hours-a-day drama as great clouds of smoke fill the sky.  ANCIENT OAKS AT BAYSIDE PLANTATION My cousin's nearby Bayside Plantation was another destination in this chapter. As a realtor specializing in historic properties, I represented the sale of Bayside. Click the link above for more images and details.  SHE WAS A CHARMER! There was that time when... after giving her a tour of Bayside Plantation by it's owner Bobby Roane, the last in situ sugar planter in south Louisiana, he told Julia "If you play your cards right, all of this could be yours"... Without missing a beat, Julia replied, "The price is too high." We all laughed. There's been more than a few giggles over Julia's deft response to the 70+ year-old making a pass. Bayside Photos by Paul Costello AIOLI DINNER: The culmination of the South Louisiana photo shoot was this fabulous meal celebrated with dear friends.  I love that Julia was inspired by Bayou Tech country artist George Rodrigue's Aioli Supper Club (at left) and chose to recreate that celebration in her book. It's based on old Creole Gourmet Society traditions ... another homage to the rich culture of South Louisiana. Among the most cherished compliments I've known, shared here from Julia:  She's first referring to George Rodrigue and her vision to recreate the Aioli Dinner from his famed painting: "I think the artist would have approved of our gathering under the live oaks. He so respected the traditions of his ancestors, and Peter, with his antiques-filled houses and love of the land, honors the past and his own Louisiana history with more joie de vivre and élan than anyone I know."  Standing at left: Sara Ruffins Costello, Miles Guidry, Gregory DeKeyzer, Julia, Claiborne Davis, Angèle Parlange, Phillip Sterling, Janice DeKeyzer. Seated: Alex Darsey, me, and Stephen Stirling. The aftermath! Following the photoshoot, the real Aioli Dinner at my Patoutville home. It was a splendid celebration!  Photo provided by Angèle Parlange Most recently, Julia had taken to living near her parents in her beloved Greenville, where she built her dream delta home. It was far closer than New Orleans to Vanderbilt where she was getting her cancer treatments. And while I knew (she had informed me that she was ill), she didn’t talk about it or look it for quite sometime. She was brave. A 2019 Christmas note included many of the photos shared in this note. I'm so thankful for our memories especially for the baptism by ditchwater images!  While I was able to sip with Julia at the 2019 Hot Tamale Festival, it was in a larger setting which didn't allow for just us to visit. THE FINAL NEWS I was in Patoutville, when I noticed my phone lighting up with texts and calls from her inner circle of friends. I knew instantly what that meant and suppered sadly. Without asking, a dear friend made me a cocktail, one Julia would certainly have approved, with the Satsumacello from Patoutville satsumas that she loved. The act of being graciously served softened the tremendous blow. Talking to friends helps too. Through the sadness of her loss, I especially appreciate Julia's profound final two Garden & Gun columns. Photo by Paul Costello  With precision, she examines the larger issues gripping our country, and I appreciate where Julia lands...distilling life to its essence. From August, "We are in the midst of a national wake grieving for lives lost and dreams deferred." Julia reminds us of how cooking can help us heal in these difficult times. And In her final effort, "You share a few tales of woe with your fellow men, and your own seem to fade. Cold gin, camaraderie—hope!—win the day." Cheers to you Julia, My dear friend, you are missed! With much love, Peter P.S. I would be remiss not to include Jon Meacham's eloquent Garden & Gun and other special tributes, a bit more on Julia's final dream realized...and that World of Interiors feature she wrote summing up our beautiful friendship.   In Memoriam: Julia Evans Reed, 1960–2020A tribute to the long-time Garden & Gun columnist and contributing editor By: Jon Meacham Julia also realized her dream recently for an independent bookstore in her hometown Greenville, MS, fittingly called Brown Water Books. It's in the second oldest downtown building which she renovated.  Brown Water Books is a labor of love and builds upon the inspired home goods business Julia developed with her equally precious friend Keith Smythe Meacham. REED SMYTHE & COMPANY Collaborates with artists and artisans across the south and beyond to create beautiful, unexpected pieces for house and garden... Read about Brown Water Books You might also appreciate these beautiful tributes |
HISTORIC PROPERTY & CULTURAL NEWS
H O O R A Y !
O N E S O L D! | TWO! UNDER CONTRACT!
SO MUCH GOOD NEWS!
PORCH DREAMS REALIZED
MUSEUM QUALITY ROOMS
FABULOUS PARADE PARTY SIPS & NIBBLES
KING CAKE CHRONICLE RETURNS
FEATURING BEST KING CAKES EVAH!
LOUISIANA SAKE & MORE!
Image from Brennan's
SAVE THE DATE!
LSU Rural Life Museum Symposium:
300 Years of Louisiana's German Coast, March 5
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, March 23-27
Iris Day, Longue Vue, March 29
Society for Louisiana Irises Annual Convention, Lafayette, April 6-8
Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, New Iberia, April 6-9
ICAA Grand Coteau Tour, April 9
Southern Garden History Society, Mt. Vernon, April 22-24
Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival, July 8-10!
LSU Rural Life Museum Symposium:
300 Years of Louisiana's German Coast, March 5
Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, March 23-27
Iris Day, Longue Vue, March 29
Society for Louisiana Irises Annual Convention, Lafayette, April 6-8
Books Along the Teche Literary Festival, New Iberia, April 6-9
ICAA Grand Coteau Tour, April 9
Southern Garden History Society, Mt. Vernon, April 22-24
Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival, July 8-10!
Read More
click to see newsletter
click to see newsletter
I love the excitement of Mardi Gras and the many opportunities it brings to gather with friends...and it's the season to enjoy King Cake! And it's the perfect way to gather with small groups - your pod, during the pandemic.
I began this story in Feb of 2020 and have added a few more favorites! I still love everything from last year and there's more now on my list!
Louisiana has so many wonderful bakeries. I enjoy trying everything from the classic homespun cinnamon-flavored King Cakes we grew up and other offerings including 3 that I'm highlighting below.
What's your favorite? Leave a note to spread the word.
I began this story in Feb of 2020 and have added a few more favorites! I still love everything from last year and there's more now on my list!
Louisiana has so many wonderful bakeries. I enjoy trying everything from the classic homespun cinnamon-flavored King Cakes we grew up and other offerings including 3 that I'm highlighting below.
What's your favorite? Leave a note to spread the word.
A Few King Cake Favorites
-Non-Traditional Offerings-
-Non-Traditional Offerings-
Their version of the traditional galette de rois. This is phenomenal! Flaky pastry is filled with pecan citrus frangipane! Local artist Jackie Brown makes the feves....Availability is limited. Call ahead or email to order. I emailed my order and they were very responsive. Get the large!
This new bakery is a great addition to the city.
LIMITED HOURS DUE TO COVID - CAN ORDER ONLINE
Levee Baking Co. • 3138 Magazine St., Ste D, New Orleans, LA 70115 • [email protected]
This new bakery is a great addition to the city.
LIMITED HOURS DUE TO COVID - CAN ORDER ONLINE
Levee Baking Co. • 3138 Magazine St., Ste D, New Orleans, LA 70115 • [email protected]
A crowd-pleaser! This is a classic offering from Haydel's: Flaky pastry with praline filling that's topped with caramel icing and decorated with pecans!
I picked mine up from the new 3117 Magazine Street outpost. For everything Haydel, visit their website or go to the mother store.
4037 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA, 70121
I picked mine up from the new 3117 Magazine Street outpost. For everything Haydel, visit their website or go to the mother store.
4037 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA, 70121
Crawfish King Cake
from
Bywater Bakery
from
Bywater Bakery
Garlic and butter brioche filled with warm Crawfish au Gratin and topped with colorful Parmesan Cheese.
Serve it warm with a green salad and you'll thank me later! I love this casual neighborhood gem in the Bywater. I haven't tried their sweet King Cake offerings and I'm tempted to do that soon with such heavenly sounding flavors as their Chantilly King Cake which is filled with Marscarpone Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries, and their Bouille King Cake that's filled with a Cajun custard....amongst their many offerings.
They are also offering a pop up location in the CBD for King Cake Season at 234 Loyola Street - in the Pythian Market, closed Wednesdays, 8am-6pm.
Bywater Bakery
3624 Dauphine St. Bywater, New Orleans
(504) 336-3336
Serve it warm with a green salad and you'll thank me later! I love this casual neighborhood gem in the Bywater. I haven't tried their sweet King Cake offerings and I'm tempted to do that soon with such heavenly sounding flavors as their Chantilly King Cake which is filled with Marscarpone Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries, and their Bouille King Cake that's filled with a Cajun custard....amongst their many offerings.
They are also offering a pop up location in the CBD for King Cake Season at 234 Loyola Street - in the Pythian Market, closed Wednesdays, 8am-6pm.
Bywater Bakery
3624 Dauphine St. Bywater, New Orleans
(504) 336-3336
Sip the flavors of Mardi Gras with this wonderful seasonal take on their ever popular Bourbon Milk Punch - this version made with rum. It's available to-go for taking in the street side revelry (HINT!). This is a delightful combination of homemade vanilla ice cream, orgeat syrup, cinnamon, orange, and local Old New Orleans Rum.
144 BOURBON STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130 504.522.0111
144 BOURBON STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA 70130 504.522.0111
2021 New Offerings with Pairing Recommendations!
The insanity continues - More delicious offerings now than ever!
King Cake is a most excellent reason for celebratory
moments in safer small gatherings.
The insanity continues - More delicious offerings now than ever!
King Cake is a most excellent reason for celebratory
moments in safer small gatherings.
And another Shout out goes to Bywater Bakery!
Heaven in a bite! The Chantilly King Cake
filled with Mascarpone Cheese & Fresh Berries
Heaven in a bite! The Chantilly King Cake
filled with Mascarpone Cheese & Fresh Berries
Pairing Suggestion:
Chicory Coffee Served Black in Hand-painted 1820's Paris Porcelain Demi Tasse
I make sure to use them every carnival season
to help celebrate life.
Chicory Coffee Served Black in Hand-painted 1820's Paris Porcelain Demi Tasse
I make sure to use them every carnival season
to help celebrate life.
HERE'S AN INSIDER'S TIP:
The Commissary is an extension of Dickie Brennan's restaurants and offers the most delectable items to create celebratory experiences.
A few menu highlights:
Bloody Mary's, party dishes like: Crab & Brie Dip, Beef Debris Po-Boys, Gumbo Ya-Ya, Red Bean Hummus, Pimento Cheese, Smoke Catfish Dip, and everyone's favorite: Crabmeat Cheesecake -whole or squares with a side of sautéed roasted mushrooms and Creole meunière sauce!
Angels are singing!
GOURMET GIRLS
Here's another stunner from
this gem in Baton Rouge
Pink Champagne King Cake
with pink champagne mousse filling, iced, painted, sprinkled and glittered with everything pink!
Pairing Suggestion:
Champagne is always a great idea!
HAPPY MARDI GRAS Y'ALL!
MORE MEMORIES OF DEAR JULIA - Kumquat Season is Here
As I move past her untimely late August passing and with the holidays upon us, memories of Julia Reed have and will continue to flood my mind. These are joyful memories tinged with the bitterness of her loss.. Sharing always helps. So, here goes.
I've already told a few of our stories...
In a previous blog post timed after the release of her last cookbook writing effort: Julia Reed's New Orleans: Food, Fun, and Field Trips for Letting the Good Times Roll....with the front cover shot in my courtyard and a marvelous Creole Gumbo Lunch chapter. There's also a foray to my Patoutville family home and Bayside Plantation for an entertaining chapter which included the company of dear friends over an Aioli Dinner.
Then, after her passing, I shared an extensive recollection featured in this blog with photos she had saved over the years. She sent them to me after becoming ill.
IT'S A HOLIDAY TRADITION!
But back to why I'm posting now, the holidays are here and Julia treasured handmade delectable gifts so much that she wrote about it years ago in a New York Times essay.
Julia recounts her early recipe gift failures and offers two favorites. There's a praline recipe and my Aunt Evelyn Patout's Kumquat Preserves. About this time, every year I make Aunt Evelyn's Kumquat preserves. I get so many recipe requests. It is indeed a holiday tradition!
But back to why I'm posting now, the holidays are here and Julia treasured handmade delectable gifts so much that she wrote about it years ago in a New York Times essay.
Julia recounts her early recipe gift failures and offers two favorites. There's a praline recipe and my Aunt Evelyn Patout's Kumquat Preserves. About this time, every year I make Aunt Evelyn's Kumquat preserves. I get so many recipe requests. It is indeed a holiday tradition!
"Among the Holiday Baubles, nothing shines like real home cooking."
| | "Another gift I always adore comes from my antique-dealer friend Peter Patout..." ~Julia Reed My video at left offers a few tips |
When I posted the video above 55 weeks ago on Instagram, there she was in the comments.
Thank you dear Julia.
You are missed!
Thank you dear Julia.
You are missed!
Click the recipe title link below to enjoy the full story.
FOOD; EXTREMELY GIFTED
By Julia Reed
an excerpt from...
Evelyn Patout's Preserved Kumquats
"His Aunt Evelyn's candied kumquats are fabulous on cake or ice cream, with pork or duck or sweet potatoes, and I once slivered them and used them to decorate the top of a glamorous holiday charlotte russe. Peter managed to finagle Evelyn's recipe, which calls for three days of stirring and boiling -- but only for a few minutes each morning. And Peter says he actually enjoys the ritual of fooling with them while he makes his café au lait."
1 quart kumquats
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup.
1. Scrub kumquats thoroughly. Prick each several times with a large needle or poultry pin. Put them in a large saucepan, add water to cover, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Drain.
2. Combine the sugar and 3 cups of water in a large saucepan. Boil for 5 minutes. Add kumquats and boil again. Remove from heat and set aside, covered, overnight. The next morning, add 1/2 cup corn syrup. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover and let stand overnight again. Repeat the process twice more.
3. On the fourth morning, after the kumquats have been brought to boil, spoon them into hot, sterilized, Mason-type jars. Pour in hot syrup to within 1/4 inch of the top of each jar and seal. Refrigerate until ready to give or seal in a hot-water bath according to jar manufacturer's directions and store.
Yield: 2 1/2 quarts.
NOTE: For directions on how to sterilize jars, see page 60 of the new edition of ''Joy of Cooking.''
By Julia Reed
an excerpt from...
Evelyn Patout's Preserved Kumquats
"His Aunt Evelyn's candied kumquats are fabulous on cake or ice cream, with pork or duck or sweet potatoes, and I once slivered them and used them to decorate the top of a glamorous holiday charlotte russe. Peter managed to finagle Evelyn's recipe, which calls for three days of stirring and boiling -- but only for a few minutes each morning. And Peter says he actually enjoys the ritual of fooling with them while he makes his café au lait."
1 quart kumquats
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups light corn syrup.
1. Scrub kumquats thoroughly. Prick each several times with a large needle or poultry pin. Put them in a large saucepan, add water to cover, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Drain.
2. Combine the sugar and 3 cups of water in a large saucepan. Boil for 5 minutes. Add kumquats and boil again. Remove from heat and set aside, covered, overnight. The next morning, add 1/2 cup corn syrup. Bring to a boil, remove from heat, cover and let stand overnight again. Repeat the process twice more.
3. On the fourth morning, after the kumquats have been brought to boil, spoon them into hot, sterilized, Mason-type jars. Pour in hot syrup to within 1/4 inch of the top of each jar and seal. Refrigerate until ready to give or seal in a hot-water bath according to jar manufacturer's directions and store.
Yield: 2 1/2 quarts.
NOTE: For directions on how to sterilize jars, see page 60 of the new edition of ''Joy of Cooking.''
The city is awash in blooms! Here's how to experience Natchez now!
Photo Credit: G. Douglas Adams
Photo Credit: G. Douglas Adams
Last year year, I founded the Natchez International Crepe Myrtle Festival because the extraordinary Crepe Myrtle Blooms of Natchez are worth celebrating! While there’s not a festival with speakers this year, our Committee members have created a perfect experience to Celebrate the Blooms!
There's three self-guided free tours have been developed by Crepe Myrtle Historian and Committee member, Elaine Gemmell:
There's three self-guided free tours have been developed by Crepe Myrtle Historian and Committee member, Elaine Gemmell:
- Bloom Drive - A Driving Tour that takes in top blooming area trees
- Historic Natchez City Cemetery - Established in 1822 and it's breathtaking! Drive or walk and see over 490 trees.
- Downtown Walking Tour - Sip & See the largest concentration of trees in the city. Route includes the city's Go-Cup district.
10,000 Blooming
Trees & Counting!
self-guided bloom tours
So here's a summer sightseeing trip idea: take in some of the loveliness and deliciousness that Natchez offers and experience the city in a low contact manner!
Rita Tebbetts tells us the trees are still moving towards peak season and that the blooms should be pretty possibly even into August!
"Of course, mother nature didn't get the Co-Vid memo. Come to Natchez to take in the show. the beauties won't mind a bit if you want to snap a few photos to share with friends. You'll need evidence anyway to prove to doubters what you will witness.
The best photos are probably done from a distance, but these trees won't mind if you want to move in close. I don't think they will be taking social distancing too seriously," Tebbetts said.
Take in the magnificent architecture of Natchez!
FREE MAPS!
In addition to digital downloads at
VisitNatchez.org/events
Self-guided bloom tour maps are available:
Fat Mama's Tamales
Rolling N' The Dough
Regina’s Kitchen
Natchez Brewing Company
Biscuits & Blues
The Guest House
Natchez Coffee Company
Natchez Grand Hotel
100 Main
Pearl Street Pasta
Silver Street Gifts
Natchez Convention Center
Photo Credit: Ben Hillyer
In addition to digital downloads at
VisitNatchez.org/events
Self-guided bloom tour maps are available:
Fat Mama's Tamales
Rolling N' The Dough
Regina’s Kitchen
Natchez Brewing Company
Biscuits & Blues
The Guest House
Natchez Coffee Company
Natchez Grand Hotel
100 Main
Pearl Street Pasta
Silver Street Gifts
Natchez Convention Center
Photo Credit: Ben Hillyer
FOR UPDATES:
Natchez Celebrates the Blooms FB event page
and VisitNatchez.Org/Events
#NatchezCelebratestheBlooms
Natchez Celebrates the Blooms FB event page
and VisitNatchez.Org/Events
#NatchezCelebratestheBlooms
SUCCESSFUL DEBUT
See 2019 News Stories & Details
On Press Page:
https://www.peterpatout.com/press.html
Scroll down the page to read about last year's event.
See 2019 News Stories & Details
On Press Page:
https://www.peterpatout.com/press.html
Scroll down the page to read about last year's event.
I became aware of our rich culinary culture early on having grown up in Bayou Teche Country, Patoutville, just next door to New Iberia. Our family was filled with great cooks. Simple backyard gatherings, crab boils this time of the year, often become incredible feasts.
The pleasures of the table, and how it evokes friendly conversation and develops lifelong friendships is a tradition I carry forth in my life. Sometimes I post pics on social media capturing these traditions. Are you enjoying blueberries and peaches these days? Has peach cobbler always been this good?
Fittingly, New Iberia and Natchez get their due in this short list of tasteful small southern towns in Forbes Magazine (click for story).I'm glad for the Tabasco shout-out, which is like adding sunshine to a meal, and over in Natchez, Regina Charboneau gets her due. I encourage you to visit all the restaurants featured, and to bring a friend. Bon Appetit!
The pleasures of the table, and how it evokes friendly conversation and develops lifelong friendships is a tradition I carry forth in my life. Sometimes I post pics on social media capturing these traditions. Are you enjoying blueberries and peaches these days? Has peach cobbler always been this good?
Fittingly, New Iberia and Natchez get their due in this short list of tasteful small southern towns in Forbes Magazine (click for story).I'm glad for the Tabasco shout-out, which is like adding sunshine to a meal, and over in Natchez, Regina Charboneau gets her due. I encourage you to visit all the restaurants featured, and to bring a friend. Bon Appetit!
For those taking in the Simien Open House and others venturing to New Iberia, Louisiana ...You are deep in the heart of Bayou Teche Country where I grew up! I offer a few stops to enjoy the day. But first things first - a wonderful Cajun lunch experience.
I always make a point of seeking out beautiful trees. Here's William Guion's Evangeline Oak photo. I call your attention to his blog The 100 Oaks Project.
It's Valentine's Day Weekend and could there be a more enduring symbol of love than the Evangeline Oak immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem about Evangeline and her long lost love Gabriel. It's a beautiful tree. Go see. Just 10 miles from Simien House.
The Jungle Gardens at Tabasco on Avery Island: Breathtaking blooms throughout the year along with phenomenal bird-watching opportunities.
Shadows on the Teche: Built in 1834 and set amongst moss draped ancient oaks. Take in the well-preserved home and gardens - operated by National Trust for Historic Preservation.
It's Valentine's Day Weekend and could there be a more enduring symbol of love than the Evangeline Oak immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's epic poem about Evangeline and her long lost love Gabriel. It's a beautiful tree. Go see. Just 10 miles from Simien House.
The Jungle Gardens at Tabasco on Avery Island: Breathtaking blooms throughout the year along with phenomenal bird-watching opportunities.
Shadows on the Teche: Built in 1834 and set amongst moss draped ancient oaks. Take in the well-preserved home and gardens - operated by National Trust for Historic Preservation.
A few favorites ... presuming you already own Intimate Enemies.
Fabulous entertaining!
I'm so glad to be her friend, and yes,
that's my courtyard! Get the backstory here!
Holiday Shopping Ideas:
https://www.reedsmythe.com
I'm so glad to be her friend, and yes,
that's my courtyard! Get the backstory here!
Holiday Shopping Ideas:
https://www.reedsmythe.com
Most precious new children's book - a classic already!
Available nationally.
See more here: jeanetteweiland.com
Available nationally.
See more here: jeanetteweiland.com
THE EXHIBITION CATALOGUE!
CHASING THE BUTTERFLY MAN:
The Search for a Lost New Orleans Cabinetmaker,
1810-1825 by Cybèle GontarBE SURE TO SEE THIS AMAZING EXHIBIT
NOW AT THE CABILDO!
CHASING THE BUTTERFLY MAN:
The Search for a Lost New Orleans Cabinetmaker,
1810-1825 by Cybèle GontarBE SURE TO SEE THIS AMAZING EXHIBIT
NOW AT THE CABILDO!
DRAG QUEEN BRUNCH
I LOVE POPPY!
Tag along with Poppy’s bevy of rollicking drag queens for an
unforgettable time. Stunning photos of glamorous divas vie with world-famous brunch dishes bringing a surprise with every turn of the page.
I LOVE POPPY!
Tag along with Poppy’s bevy of rollicking drag queens for an
unforgettable time. Stunning photos of glamorous divas vie with world-famous brunch dishes bringing a surprise with every turn of the page.
Author Alexandra Kennon weaves classic offerings of
Creole grande dames with contemporary neighborhood staples
for a guide through the Crescent City's culinary soul.
Creole grande dames with contemporary neighborhood staples
for a guide through the Crescent City's culinary soul.
THE BOOK! I CALL THIS THIS THE BIBLE!
FURNISHING LOUISIANA
Creole and Acadian Furniture, 1735-1835
by Jack D. Holden, H. Parrott Bacot, and Cybèle T. Gontar
FURNISHING LOUISIANA
Creole and Acadian Furniture, 1735-1835
by Jack D. Holden, H. Parrott Bacot, and Cybèle T. Gontar
...and so does Julia Reed! Recipe featured:
Julia Reed's NEW ORLEANS
Food, Fun, and Field Trips for Letting the Good Times Roll
Julia Reed's NEW ORLEANS
Food, Fun, and Field Trips for Letting the Good Times Roll
Photo by Paul Costello
PETER PATOUT'S FAMOUS SATSUMACELLO
PETER PATOUT'S FAMOUS SATSUMACELLO
A few years ago, I gave my dear friend Julia Reed a bottle of my homemade satsumacello and she loved it enough to include it in her wonderful book - as part of her fun field-trips from New Orleans…to my country home in Patoutville.
P.V. is deep in the heart of sugar cane country, and I’m across the street from our family’s sugar mill. In grinding season, it’s quite the spectacle with smoke swirling, trucks unloading and all the energy the seasonal activity generates around the clock until suddenly it ends, usually by January.
Citrus season coincides with grinding season and many mature satsuma trees are near my home. While Julia Reed generously credits me for this recipe. Poppy Tooker is the one who steered me to creating this wonderful treat. Sip slowly!
P.V. is deep in the heart of sugar cane country, and I’m across the street from our family’s sugar mill. In grinding season, it’s quite the spectacle with smoke swirling, trucks unloading and all the energy the seasonal activity generates around the clock until suddenly it ends, usually by January.
Citrus season coincides with grinding season and many mature satsuma trees are near my home. While Julia Reed generously credits me for this recipe. Poppy Tooker is the one who steered me to creating this wonderful treat. Sip slowly!
Vertical Divider
Makes 6 cups
Ingredients:
10 - 12 Satsumas
1 750 ml bottle of Everclear
3 cups of sugar
2 cups of water
That's my courtyard!
Get the backstory here!
Holiday Shopping Ideas:
https://www.reedsmythe.com
METHOD:
Wash the satsumas in hot water with a vegetable brush to remove any residue of pesticide or wax. Pat them dry.
Continually zest the satsumas with a zester or vegetable peeler, being careful not to include any white pith from the peel. (The pith, the white part under the rind, is too bitter and will spoil your satsumacello.
Place the zest in a large jar and fill with the Everclear. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 days and up to forty days in a cool, dark place. Turn the jar upside down 2 or 3 times to help bring out the flavor of the zest. The zest will eventually turn white.
When ready to proceed, combine the sugar and the water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes, until sugar is well dissolved.
Strain the Everclear/zest mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a paper towel into the simple syrup mixture. Stir and allow to cool. When the satsumacello has cooled completely, you may pour it into individual bottles.
Continually zest the satsumas with a zester or vegetable peeler, being careful not to include any white pith from the peel. (The pith, the white part under the rind, is too bitter and will spoil your satsumacello.
Place the zest in a large jar and fill with the Everclear. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 days and up to forty days in a cool, dark place. Turn the jar upside down 2 or 3 times to help bring out the flavor of the zest. The zest will eventually turn white.
When ready to proceed, combine the sugar and the water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes, until sugar is well dissolved.
Strain the Everclear/zest mixture through a fine mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth or a paper towel into the simple syrup mixture. Stir and allow to cool. When the satsumacello has cooled completely, you may pour it into individual bottles.
See Press for more News!
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CLICK EACH ISSUE TO DISCOVER MORE
A Few Issues
8.2.24
Open House | A Plantation + A Hotel = Client Success
2.20.21
IT'S CARNIVAL TIME!
In this Issue:
O N E S O L D! | TWO! UNDER CONTRACT!
SO MUCH GOOD NEWS!
PORCH DREAMS REALIZED
MUSEUM QUALITY ROOMS
FABULOUS PARADE PARTY SIPS & NIBBLES
KING CAKE CHRONICLE RETURNS
FEATURING BEST KING CAKES EVAH!
LOUISIANA SAKE & MORE!
12.14.21
SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER!
In this Issue:
NEW LISTING DETAILS! ● A PREVIEW! ● PHENOMENAL ESTATES ● SEASONAL RECIPE ● WED TALK: HISTORY AROUND THE TABLE ● HOLIDAY EVENTS ● BEST GIFTS ● PAY ATTENTION! ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS FOR YOUR HOME!
9.3.21
PRICE IMPROVEMENTS STELLAR ESTATES
ONE UNDER CONTRACT
CULTURAL DISTRACTIONS
PRICE REDUCTIONS! TOP PROPERTIES!
8.14.21
THREE PRICE REDUCTIONS!
ARCHITECTURAL
FORAY
COCKTAIL RECIPE & MORE!
7.21.21
SAT OPEN HOUSE ARCHITECTURAL ADVENTURE, EXPLORE THE BLOOMS+
