MexiCajun Chili

Winter has made what is sure to be its last appearance before the heat and humidity settle in for good here in unpredictable Louisiana.   This schizophrenic weather is typical, especially for this time of year.  And while I know I should be thankful for the mild temps, I am so sick of being chilled to the bone. (Yes, 40 degrees is cold for me!  ha!)

So since it has been rainy, dreary and cold, nothing seemed more appropriate for today than a big ol’ pot of chili.

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Reader-Submitted Recipe: MexiCajun Enchiladas

Wow!  Readers have started submitting their own recipes using our MexiCajun seasoning, and they are FABulous!  (the readers and the recipes)

My dear friend Lori R. submitted a picture of her enchiladas and had all of Facebook begging for the recipe!  She was kind enough to work out each ingredient and step by step instructions and share them with us.  So today I’m sharing the recipe here for everyone to enjoy.

Thank you, Ms Lori!

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MexiCajun Shrimp Fajitas

It all started here.

Two and a half years ago I was planning to make shrimp fajitas for dinner.  Elbow deep in peeling shrimp and a hot skillet ready to go, I stepped into my pantry to grab the cheap taco mix I typically kept on hand.

I was surprised to find there was no cheap taco mix in the pantry, and there was no way I was driving to the grocery store at that point.  So I did what I always do: took matters into my own hands and set off on a new DIY project.

I pulled C’s big containers of various seasonings he uses for his bbq competition hobby and began mixing.

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Grilled Stuffed Peppers

I had such a wonderful three day weekend.  :D

I unplugged and enjoyed every minute of it.  There was lots of yard work, some house work and laundry, some cooking, and even a little R&R (relaxation and reading).  ;)

What did you get up to?  Was there a beach in your view?  Or a family gathering?  Or did you attend a remembrance service somewhere?  Whatever you did, I hope you enjoyed it and took some time to remember and to say “thank you.”

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Lemon & Basil Orzo Salad

Last week I hosted a salad party for my mardi gras krewe.  It was our first meeting of the new mardi gras year, and we wanted to have an informal meet and greet poolside.

Everyone brought her favorite salad and a lawn chair, and we all had a wonderful time welcoming new members and catching up with each other.  The weather was beautifully mild, the food was delicious, and we even managed to get some krewe business accomplished.

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Louisiana Crawfish Étouffée

Last weekend we finally decided to have our first batch of crawfish of the season.  We had been putting off even though both Spicehubby and I have been craving them.

A couple of times we’ve even gone to one of our favorite local restaurants fully intending to get crawfish but then changed our minds at the last minute.  If you’ve ever eaten boiled crawfish–or rather, if you’ve ever peeled boiled crawfish–you will understand.  It’s an undertaking.  It’s messy, and it’s exhausting.  Not to mention the burning sensation covering your hands and the constant mental reminders to yourself to NOT TOUCH YOUR EYES!   They are delicious, but sometimes it’s just too much trouble.

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Chicken Balls!

Okay.  I know how odd and comic that sounds.  An open invitation for inappropriate jokes.

BUT this is such a quick, easy and fun weeknight dinner solution since there’s very little prep involved.  And because they look fun to eat, it’s a great way to get kids to eat some healthy protein.

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MexiCajun Pulled Pork

A few days ago I was watching the Today Show (as I always do), and Ree Drummond (aka the Pioneer Woman) was demonstrating her easy pulled pork recipe using Dr Pepper.

“Brilliant!  I love Dr Pepper, so this is a no-brainer,” I says to myself.   I pulled out of the freezer the last pork roast from a hog Spicehubby killed on his last hunting trip and set it to thaw.

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Easiest & Tastiest Pork Chops You’ll Ever Cook

Seriously.  Ever.

I debated over whether or not to even do a blog post on this because it’s so easy.  But for quick and easy, it’s hard to beat a big, juicy, flavorful grilled pork chop that’s ready in only 20 minutes!

 

thick-cut pork chop (with or without bone)

MexiCajun Seasoning

Preheat grill with med-hi fire.

Evenly coat pork in seasoning on all sides.

Grill for about 10 minutes, flip and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 170°.  Plate and serve.

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Broccoli, Rice & Chicken Casserole

This is one of those dishes that makes me think of growing up in a small, rural Baptist church.  Dinner on the grounds, small community where everyone knows everyone and their business (lol), familiar hymns, Sunday afternoon naps, and skinned knees from biking mishaps on our gravel road.  

Someone was always sure to bring this casserole to any church event that called for food:  5th Sunday singing, baby showers, wedding showers, funerals, any occasion.  And, of course, it was always warm, familiar deliciousness made by some of the best cooks I will ever know.  Every time I try my hand at this recipe I remember faces, embraces and a feeling of home.  You know that feeling?  Back when you were a child:  security, invincibility, blissful ignorance of the heartaches life can deal out as you get older.  Certain smells trigger these feelings in me.  Or sometimes a song.  And most definitely some foods.

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