Folks in Louisiana love to entertain – and it usually revolves around food. Grilling, barbecuing and smoking are all popular here, especially this time of year. I’ve had an interest in trying smoking; past attempts didn’t really work. But I don’t need a large, expensive smoker that probably will not get much use. An internet search lead me to a site which had detail instructions on how to make your own mini-smoker. Just what I need, another DIY project!
Sweet and Sour Chicken is an easy homemade recipe. It also fits the categories of “Family Favorites” and “Best Chicken Recipes.” As a stir fry dish, it makes a quick and tasty supper meal with vegetables, fruit and low-fat chicken. It’s a healthy meal – what more to ask for. The sweet and sour sauce is an original one that I’ve adapted from many attempts over the years; this is one that I really like.
What is Swiss chard? It’s a delectable leafy green vegetable, not nearly as common as spinach or mustard greens, for example. It is very tender with a mild flavor. My mother planted it in her garden when we were growing up and it was the only “greens” vegetable that I liked. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it grows in Louisiana gardens. You should give Swiss chard a try, if you have never tasted it.
Spring is crawfish season in Louisiana and the mudbugs are becoming more plentiful as the weather gets warmer. While boiled crawfish is probably the most popular way to prepare crawfish, the peeled crawfish tails are very tasty when prepared in other ways. Crawfish Cardinale is an easy and elegant recipe. 
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