Vietnamese Shrimp & Pork Summer Rolls

Summer rolls are one of the most popular Vietnamese dishes you can find in the United States (other than pho), and for good reason. In the hotter seasons especially, there’s something irresistible about their cool freshness.

Read More

Red Clam Soup With Saltine Crumb Garnish

A Dutch oven is the most versatile pot that one can have in their kitchen. It is my go to pot for braising, making soups, gumbo…you name it. Author and French food authority, Hillary Davis, reached out to me and asked if I’d take a look at her new cookbook called Le French Oven. Based…

Read More

Jumbo Lump Crab Toast

This is a simple recipe, and one of my favorites to make, especially on a lazy, rainy, Sunday at home sipping on a chilled glass of Miraval. Fennel, scallions, parsley, and chives give this blue crab all the herbaceous goodness, while the fresh lemon adds a hint of acidity! Reach for the good mayo (I…

Read More

Shrimp Remoulade

New Orleans has been on my mind quite a bit lately, especially with Mardi Gras on the calendar this month. There is always something exciting happening in The Big Easy! When recently invited to create a recipe for Stonewall Kitchen using one of their mustards, I chose the horseradish as I knew it would make…

Read More

Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Dip

  When I reminisce about  holiday food, cheesy hot jumbo lump crab dip comes to mind. Forget that “experts” say cheese does not go with seafood… they are wrong! Growing up in New Orleans, fresh Louisiana blue crab dip was a traditional appetizer served in most homes on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, including…

Read More

Gulf Seafood Stew

I prefer to use fresh Gulf seafood and organic produce and eggs, as well as read labels to avoid gluten due to my 2018 allergy diagnosis. However, you can follow this recipe as is with what is available to you, and it will be just as delicious. Gulf Seafood Stew Serves 4 Ingredients 12 ounces…

Read More

Shrimp Cobb Salad with Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Dressing

Maro Desjardins This hearty salad is healthy, delicious and satisfying.  It is easy to put together and makes for a beautiful presentation. The creamy dressing is full of cucumber, fresh herbs and adds just the right amount of bright flavor to pull it all together.  Starting out with great gulf shrimp is essential, and a…

Read More

Beach Eats: Cioppino

  Yesterday, I sat and plundered through cookbooks trying to find a good seafood stew recipe. I tend to read recipes and then come up with my own version. After spending quite a few years in Louisiana, and often cooking one pot dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and courtbouillon, I knew with our cooler temps…

Read More

Drunken Shrimp Tacos

Recently I devoured the Drunken Shrimp Tacos at Cowgirl Kitchen in Rosemary Beach and it reminded me of how much I love those spicy and fresh Gulf flavors all infused together and wrapped in a taco! So, I created the recipe to share with you below. I used to cook all of the time when…

Read More

Shrimp & Grits A-Ya-Ya

  Shrimp & Grits A Ya Ya Served at Great Southern Cafe in Seaside, Florida and Pensacola Fish House in Downtown Pensacola, this is chef Jim Shirley’s signature dish. Ingredients Grits 4 cups chicken stock 2 cups grits, such as Dixie Lily 1 cup heavy cream 4 ounces unsalted butter One 14- to 16-ounce can creamed corn 1 cup…

Read More

Seafood Gumbo

We consume quite a bit of gumbo in my family, so its only natural that I would judge the Sandestin Gumbo Festival now in its 29th year. It has become one of my favorite winter events in South Walton. There is nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of seafood, or chicken & sausage gumbo….

Read More