Pirate's Pantry: Treasured Recipes of Southwest Louisiana - Tapa dura

Some say the spirit of Jean Lafitte still inhabits Southwest Louisiana near the Calcasieu River, guarding his buried pirate gold. Before Lafitte became a ghostly figure, he was a frequent dinner guest of Creole planters in Lake Charles, and it is believed that he returned to the area to share in the wealth that could only be found at their tables. Influenced by the French and Spanish, Louisiana Creole cuisine has developed a reputation for bold flavors, local ingredients, and bayou mystery. Dishes eaten by Lafitte are part of the culinary history of Southwest Louisiana, rich with culture, family, and tradition. Handed down from generation to generation from the original families who lavishly entertained this historic figure, the recipes in this book are a treasure trove unto themselves.
Containing an entire section on gumbo, from roux and fil� to the bowl, the collection also includes French Onion Soup, Bienvenu's Court Bouillon, "Bounty" Boudin, Creole Jambalaya, mouthwatering Hog's Head Cheese, and decadent Crab Mornay. The recipes in this book range in variety and ease of preparation from the simple but delicious Lobster Rolls, succulent Venison Chateaubriand, and elegant Duck Wellington to delectable Quail in Cream Sauce, showing the versatility of wild game that captured the pirate's attention. The many recipes are enhanced by regional asides, giving a history of the area in vignettes along with the sketches and personal comments from contributors, which all portray the distinct flavor of Southwest Louisiana.