Is It Celiac Disease Or Gluten Sensitivity?

This month we're going to address going gluten free. First we'll delve into some health issues associated with gluten (a protein found in wheat and some other grains), and then we'll share some helpful tips for avoiding gluten, and preparing gluten-free meals. Throughout the month we will also be sharing lots of tasty gluten-free recipes you can make at home yourself from scratch. If you suffer from gluten sensitivity or gluten-related health problems, you will want to stay tuned throughout the month of April - help (and health) is on the way!

There is a lot of talk about eating a gluten-free diet these days. It may be a bit confusing to the casual observer, especially when the term 'celiac disease' is thrown into the mix.

Does everyone on a gluten-free diet have celiac disease? Do you need to be diagnosed with celiac disease to start a gluten-free diet? Is it important to know if you have celiac disease or not?

Endoscopic image of duodenum in individual with celiac disease, showing scalloping of the folds and cracked-mud appearance of the mucosa. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What defines celiac disease is damage to the small intestine. When a person with celiac disease eats the protein gluten, it damages the 'villi' of the small intestine. This damage  makes it almost impossible for nutrients to be absorbed into the body and bloodstream, which leads to a nutrient imbalance and malnourishment. 

If left untreated, celiac disease can lead to osteoporosis, thyroid disease, infertility, cancer, and other diseases and conditions. Celiac disease is a hereditary autoimmune disease. For these reasons, being tested for celiac disease may be in your, and your family's, best interest.

It's true that 'celiac disease' and 'gluten sensitivity' both present similar symptoms, making the diagnosis process lengthy sometimes. However, the only way to diagnose celiac disease is with a blood test and, if warranted, a biopsy. Diagnosis based on symptoms alone will not be enough when celiac disease is suspected.

Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are treated the same; a gluten-free diet. There are currently no medications to treat either condition. However, complications from untreated celiac disease (as mentioned above) may result in further treatment for related conditions.

The good news is that both conditions can be treated successfully simply by changing your dietary habits. Once a gluten-free diet is followed for several weeks, both people with celiac disease and people who have gluten sensitivity will feel relief from their symptoms. If they return to a diet with gluten, the symptoms will return.

Some of the symptoms that present for both celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are as follows:

• abdominal pain
• bloating and gas
• diarrhea
• constipation
• fatigue
• skin rash
• mouth sores
• numb feet and/or hands
• weight loss
• weight gain
• poor growth
• bone fractures
• thinning tooth enamel or discoloration

A variety of foods made from wheat, and containing gluten. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You can see why diagnosing celiac disease can take years! These symptoms may be explained in many different ways, and may manifest differently in different people - or even at different times in the same person. But, what's important to understand is that if you suffer more than a few of these symptoms, and they are persistent, you will want to talk to your doctor or other health professional.

Is it important to know whether you have celiac disease or have gluten sensitivity? If these symptoms are new to you, and avoiding gluten makes the symptoms disappear, you can discuss this with your doctor to see if you have all the information you need to start a gluten-free lifestyle.

However, if these symptoms have been plaguing you for some time, or if you have any conditions outside of these symptoms, you want to ask your doctor to test you for celiac disease. Since celiac disease is hereditary and it does cause small intestine damage, having a diagnosis may make you and your family more aware of the risks. That knowledge may also be what you need to stay focused and vigilant with your health and the health of your family.

Be sure to check back later this week for some tasty gluten-free recipes to start off your new gluten-free diet!

Recipe: Down South Chess Pie

If you've never had a chess pie, you're in for a real treat! As with most delectable desserts, of course it consists mostly of butter and sugar, but once in a while it's okay to indulge. Chess pie is a classic Southern dessert somewhat similar to a pecan pie, but without the pecans. Give it a try sometime for a special occasion, and you won't be disappointed!

Down South Chess Pie

Ingredients:

Chess pie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs, beaten lightly
1/4 cup milk
1 Tbsp plain white cornmeal
1 unbaked pie crust

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Set unbaked pie crust in a 9 inch pie pan and crimp edges.
2. In a bowl, mix together butter, both sugars, salt, and vanilla.  In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, then to the eggs add in the sugar mixture; stir to combine.
3. Add milk and cornmeal to the bowl; stir to combine.
4. Pour this mixture into unbaked pie crust in pie pan.
5. Bake in preheated oven at 425 degrees for 10 minutes, then turn heat down to 300 degrees and continue to bake pie for 40 to 45 more minutes or until pie is golden brown.

Remove and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe: Cajun Catfish Parmesan

This simple recipe takes plain old catfish and turns it into a melt-in-your mouth delicacy! No wonder it's so popular in the Southern states! With just a few ingredients, this one is fast and easy to make, too. Pair it with some cornbread and red beans & rice or collard greens for a real Southern meal.

Cajun Catfish Parmesan

Ingredients:

Fried catfish, New Orleans style (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

8 catfish filets
1 Tbsp melted butter
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
6 Tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
dash Tabasco hot sauce

Directions:

1. Put rack in oven on second from the top position. Turn broiler on and preheat.
2. Arrange catfish in a broiler safe baking pan and brush with the 1 Tbsp melted butter. 
3. When broiler is ready, put the catfish under and broil for 2 to 3 minutes or until fish browns slightly (it doesn't have to be cooked through); remove from broiler and set aside.
4. Turn broiler off and turn oven on to 375 degrees.
5. Put the remaining ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
6. Brush the Parmesan cheese mixture on top of the broiled catfish in the baking pan.
7. Put catfish in oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese melts and fish flakes easily with a fork.
8. Remove and let stand 3 minutes before serving.

Traditional Cuisine From Louisiana And Mississippi

When you take a trip down South you will find not only a different way of life, but a unique way of cooking as well.  Southern states such as Louisiana and Mississippi are so passionate about their food that they consider it part of their identity.   What would be considered traditional cuisine? 

Both States love their Cajun cooking.  A unique blend of spices and seasoning add a burst of flavor to each meal.  Seafood is used generously in Cajun dishes because of the location and closeness to the Gulf and other waterways.  Catfish, Crawfish, Oysters, and Crab are popular among the locals.

There are many cultural influences on the cuisine in both of these states.  Cooking techniques have been derived from France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Africa, and Native American.  When you add all of this knowledge together, plus the use of the natural resources of each state, you have culinary excellence that is deeply held in these cooking traditions.

It’s hard to distinguish between certain Creole recipes from the two states since each has followed a similar culinary path over the years. 

Fried Chicken breasts. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Southerners love to deep fry anything they can get their hands on.  Fried Chicken is one of their favorites across the states.  Locals from Mississippi love their catfish and hushpuppies.   Barbequing is also an important part of the cooking experience in the South.

Both of these states are blessed with crops that are relied on to enhance the culinary experience of the South.  A few crops that Louisiana depends on are sugar cane, rice, okra, greens, and sweet potatoes whereas Mississippi's most valuable resources are soybeans, corn for grain, cotton, and  sweet potatoes.

Food festivals are an important tradition in each state.  Crawfish, crab, catfish, and shrimp often have a festival all their own.  It’s an easy way to become familiar with the local cuisine.  Mississippi also has culinary trails which range over five different regions of the state.

Traditional Dishes from Louisiana

Gumbo – This dish can contain seafood, sausage, chicken, or a number of other ideas, and is much like a thick stew or soup, but often served with a dollop of rice. You'll also start this dish by making a roux, which is a thickening gravy of fat and flour.

Muffulettas – Cheese, ham, salami, on a loaf of Italian bread.

Jambalaya – The ingredients in this recipe are determined by what's on hand, much like gumbo.   You can add chicken, sausage, onions, tomatoes, a mixture of spices, and whatever else comes to mind. Unlike gumbo, jambalaya is a rice-based dish.

Red Beans and Rice – This meal can be as simple as the name, or can include sausage, pork, or seafood.  Typically, however, it is served very simply; just red beans and rice with spices.

Mississippi Mud pie with ice cream, whipped cream, and strawberry. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Traditional Dishes from Mississippi

Mississippi Mud Pie – For the chocolate lover, this is a deliciously rich and popular dessert.

Catfish  – Simple fare that can be pan fried or deep fried to a crispy golden color.

Sweet Potato Pie – Not a surprising dish in the 'Sweet Potato Capital of the World.' 

Hushpuppies – Cornmeal mixed with a variety of ingredients and deep fried to perfection.  A versatile snack, to be sure.

There are certainly differences between the two states when it comes to recipes and cooking techniques.   However, the history and heritage of each state can be seen through the unique cuisine brought about in each tasty dish.

Recipe: Classy Catfish With Crab Sauce

Southern cooking is famous for making cheap forms of meat (such as catfish) absolutely delicious. This recipe is no exception, "classing up" catfish filets with crab meat, white wine, and herbs to make it something truly special. Baking instead of frying keeps this one on the healthy side, while the sauce keeps the fish nice and moist.

Classy Catfish With Crab Sauce
(Serves 4.)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup chopped green onions, divided
2 tsp oregano, divided
1 garlic clove, minced
1 bay leaf
salt and pepper to taste
4 catfish filets
2 Tbsp butter
6 oz to 8 oz crabmeat
1/4 cup shredded carrot
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp cornstarch
3/4 cup milk 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In saucepan over medium heat, stir together the wine, 1/4 cup green onions, 1 teaspoon oregano, garlic, bay leaf and salt and pepper to taste; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently for 5 minutes.
3. Set the catfish into a glass baking dish and pour the wine mixture over the fish.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes, uncovered, or until fish is easily flaked with a fork.
5. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then add the remaining green onions, remaining oregano, the crabmeat, carrots, and lemon juice; stir and heat over low until onions soften.
6. In a separate little bowl, mix together the cornstarch and milk until cornstarch dissolves completely.
7. Stir the cornstarch/milk mixture into the crabmeat mixture, stirring and cooking over low just until this crab sauce thickens; remove from heat and keep warm.
8. When fish is ready, serve on plates and spoon the crab sauce over each serving.

Recipe: Bayou Country Chicken Pot Pie

Down-home cooking is the way to go if you're looking for comfort food! This recipe brings the flavors of the South to you wherever you may be cooking today, with classics like bell peppers, sausage, chicken, and tomatoes all baked under a dumpling-like crust (make your own crust from scratch for a more authentic flavor).

Bayou Country Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 oz chicken thigh meat, chopped
1 (14 oz size) can stewed tomatoes
8 oz cooked smoked sausage, diced
dash or two of hot pepper sauce
2 1/4 cups buttermilk baking mix
3/4 tsp dried thyme
1/8 tsp black pepper
2/3 cup milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Heat oil in 10 inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
3. When hot, add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 2 or 3 minutes or until veggies soften.
4. Add the garlic, stir, then add chicken meat and cook, stirring until chicken is no longer pink, about 1 or 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the tomatoes, add the sausage and hot pepper sauce, stir, reduce heat to low and cook for 5 minutes.
6. While that cooks, get out a bowl and mix together the buttermilk baking mix, the dried thyme, black pepper, and the milk, stirring until just combined - don't over mix.
7. Drop this buttermilk batter by big tablespoons in piles over the chicken mixture in the skillet.
8. Bake in preheated oven (in the skillet) until biscuit top is golden brown and the chicken mixture is bubbling hot, about 15 to 18 minutes.
9. Remove and let stand at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting to serve.

Exploring The Culinary Back Roads Of Louisiana And Mississippi

If you want to embark on a culinary adventure, consider traveling the back roads of Louisiana and Mississippi.  What better way to immerse yourself into a different culture then to dig into the cuisine of the local eateries?

This is a fun way to experience new and enticing flavors to delight your taste buds.  Some of the best places to find that distinctive down home taste of the South is off the beaten path.  So, fill up the gas tank and make sure you’re good and hungry, then see where the back roads take you! 

Local Food Festivals

Dishes typical of Louisiana Creole cuisine. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

No matter where you are in the South, you can tell food is a huge part of the culture.  People celebrate their love of food by holding festivals throughout the year.  Locals and tourists alike can experience everything there is to offer in southern cuisine by just taking off down the road.  If you smell food in the air, there's probably a festival going on somewhere.  Just follow your nose! 

Visitors can participate as 'taste testers' in gumbo, jambalaya, sausage, sweet potato pie, or barbeque cook-offs just about anytime of year.  Crawfish boils are going on in just about every roadside joint in the region.  And, we can’t forget about Mardi Gras.  Even though the big celebration you may hear about takes place in New Orleans, almost every little town in the region has some sort of celebration during the week before Lent.

Culinary Trails

Over the years there have been a number of culinary trails created to showcase the local food and heritage.  These trails span across the states and give visitors the chance to experience the cuisine of that specific area.  Cooks in the region come together and promote their culture, bringing stories of past history to life with their food.  You not only get to experience the cuisine in a different light, but meet the people behind these amazing dishes. 

Mississippi. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In Mississippi check out 'The Delta' trail, which contains such a mixture of many different people and their cultures that each dish shows off the diverse history and culinary abilities.  In Louisiana you will find yourself immersed in the heritage along trails like the 'Bayou Bounty.'  Both of these destinations will give your tastes buds their own little holiday.

Ask the Locals

The locals love to express and share their passion for food and will have no problem giving you suggestions on what to eat and where to find it.  Be prepared to take the side roads if you are serious about immersing yourself in Southern cuisine.  It’s not uncommon to find some of the best dishes you'll ever enjoy this way.

Get out your maps and plug in your GPS.  Be spontaneous, prepare yourself for the back roads, and experience all the tasty cuisine and intriguing culture these Southern states have to offer!

Recipe: Pecan Praline Macaroons

For dessert, or a special treat, try these Louisiana-inspired treats! New Orleans is famous for it's pecan pralines, and this easy and scrumptious recipe shows you why. This one is a twist on the classic praline, and it's so simple you'll want to make it again and again.

Pecan Praline Macaroons
(Makes about 24 macaroons.)

(Photo credit: Pomax)

Ingredients:

3 large egg whites, room temperature
1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1 cup pecans, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a cold mixing bowl, put the egg whites and beat with a mixer until they form peaks. Then, with mixer running, slowly add in the brown sugar, beating until you get stiff peaks.
3. Carefully fold in the pecans using a rubber spatula.
4. On a cookie sheet, drop heaping teaspoons of mixture allowing for room to spread.
5. Bake in preheated over for 30.  Keep your eye on them.  You want the macaroons to be hard and still shiny.
6. Remove and allow to cool at room temperature on a cooling rack.

Recipe: Cajun Shrimp Italiano

This delicious Cajun recipe highlights some of Louisiana's Italian roots, with the use of local seafood, Italian seasonings, wine, and Cajun spices. Makes a delicious, quick and simple, yet impressive appetizer to serve guests!

Cajun Shrimp Italiano
(Serves 4 as an appetizer.)

Ingredients:

1 cup olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried rosemary, crushed or chopped
1 tsp Cajun seasoning blend
3 bay leaves
4 garlic cloves, grated
2 lbs large size fresh Louisiana shrimp, cleaned and butterflied
1 cup dry white wine
crusty bread for dipping

Directions:

1. In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil and all the seasonings and cook for just 30 seconds, stirring, until garlic gets fragrant, then immediately add shrimp and fry fast until shrimp is just nice and pink; this will take about 6 or 7 minutes tops.
2. Turn heat down to medium-low and slowly stir in the wine.
3. Simmer gently (turn heat down more if you need to) until the liquid is reduced by about 1/3 to 1/2.
4. Dump the shrimp and all the juice into a large bowl, and serve down-home style with a pile of crusty bread for sopping up the juice.

Learn About Cooking - Louisiana Style

Louisiana is synonymous with Creole and Cajun cuisine.  When these terms come to mind, many think of hot and spicy food that will make you break out in a sweat if you attempt to eat them.  The flavor, however, is what really sets this type of cuisine apart from the rest.  If you’re going to cook a meal Louisiana style, you have to know what ingredients and techniques go into it.  What makes this style of cooking so different from everything else?  Let's take a look.

Spices and Seasonings

Locals use a unique blend of spices and seasonings to give their food a specific bite and flavor exclusive to the region.  A mixture of spices is often used in order to make sure the flavor of one spice does not dominate the other.   A few spices and seasonings you may recognize are cayenne pepper, file powder, cumin, thyme, and parsley.   Each one adds a special touch all its own, but when combined creates a meal bursting with warm, rich flavor.

Location

A traditional Creole/Cajun cuisine crawfish étouffée. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Due to the closeness to the Gulf of Mexico and other waterways, Louisiana cooks use a variety of seafood in their cuisine.  With easy access to shrimp, crab, oysters, and a variety of fish, it only makes sense that many specialties include seafood.   Louisiana cooks also rely heavily on the abundance of Southern crops such as okra, assorted greens, and sweet potatoes.   When combining all these resources together, you have a distinct cuisine that cannot be found anywhere else.

Influences

There are a multitude of cultural influences that have contributed to the distinct taste of Louisiana cuisine.  These unique dishes have a touch of French, Spanish,  African, Native American, and Italian influence, just to name a few.  The cooking expertise from these different cultures, combined with the local Southern influences, bring about the evolution of this distinct cooking style.

Cooking Techniques

When you visit the South, you will notice a good deal of deep fried food.  Just think about fried chicken and you can't help but picture a Southern kitchen.  The term 'barbeque' can mean smoked and slow-cooked just as it could mean cooked with dry rubbed seasonings or sauces.  It's all about the method.  A good Southern cook will have a container for saving bacon grease nearby the stove.  You'll find pastries and pie crusts baked with lard.  Many dishes begin with a dark roux and the Holy Trinity of onion, celery, and green pepper.  These methods are tried-and-true and most Louisiana cooks are wary of straying too far from the basics they learned from their ancestors.

When learning to cook like a Louisiana native, it’s important to immerse yourself in the culture and the techniques.  There are tons of resources including recipes books, the internet, and cooking classes that will help you learn what you need to know.  Everyone has their own cooking style, so there may be a few things you do differently.  But, keep the basics and you'll be able to create a variety of Louisiana cuisine to impress your family and friends... and perhaps even a few locals!

Learn More About Louisiana Cooking:
   

Recipe: Bourbon Black Strap Pecan Pie

Nothing says Louisiana like a good old-fashioned pecan pie, but the distinctive flavors of bourbon and black strap molasses in this version will make it a treat your taste-buds are not likely to forget! Like most pecan pie recipes, this one is pretty simple to prepare - just remember to make it ahead of time, as it will need to have time to cool and set before it's ready to eat.

Bourbon Black Strap Pecan Pie

Ingredients:

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

3/4 cup black strap molasses
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
4 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp salt
3 eggs, beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup bourbon
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 unbaked 9 inch pie crust

Directions: 

1. Place oven rack in the middle position of oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Flour a work surface, lay pie crust out, and roll until smoothed out, then gently place in 9 inch pie pan, crimp edges and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, put the molasses, brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt. Set on stove burner on medium heat. Stir mixture until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved.
4. Turn heat up and bring mixture to a gentle boil; let boil undisturbed for 1 minute.
5. Remove immediately from heat and pour into a bowl; set aside to cool to room temperature.
6. When the molasses/sugar mixture is cooled, add the beaten eggs, vanilla, and bourbon, whisking to combine.
7. Add the pecans and fold in with a spatula or large spoon.
8. Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
9. Bake in preheated oven until the filling is set, about 55 to 60 minutes.
10. The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, the filling is dark in color, the edges are solid, and the center doesn't jiggle a lot when you give the pie pan a wiggle.
11. Remove and cool completely at room temperature before serving.

Recipe: Crawfish Gumbo Omelet

When you think of Louisiana cooking, crawfish and gumbo immediately come to mind, but this recipe gives a regular old omelet a unique twist with true Cajun flair! A great way to use leftover crawfish (which isn't always so tasty the next day on its own), this easy dish makes a great lunch or light supper.

Crawfish Gumbo Omelet
(Serves 2-3.)

Steamed crawfish. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced onion
1 Tbsp flour
1 can (15 oz) stewed tomatoes   
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
3/4 to 1 lb. cleaned crawfish meat
5 eggs, beaten
3 Tbsp heavy cream
pinch cayenne
salt and black pepper to taste
oil or butter to cook omelet

Directions:

1. Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat until butter melts, then add the green bell pepper, celery, and onion, stirring and cooking until vegetables just start to soften.
2. Sprinkle the flour over and stir constantly until sauce forms and thickens and flour cooks and turns golden yellow.
3. Add the stewed tomatoes and tomato paste in saucepan, stir and cook until tomatoes are heated through.
4. Reduce heat to low, add the crawfish and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often; keep warm.
5. In separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
6. Put a skillet over medium-low heat, add enough oil or butter to cook the omelet (about 2 Tbsp) and heat the oil until just hot.
7. Gently pour the egg mixture into the skillet; shift the pan around and lift the edges to allow for the wet egg mixture to seep under and set up.
8. When eggs in skillet are just set, spoon the crawfish filling into the center, fold omelet over, remove from heat, cover skillet and let sit for 1 minute. Serve hot.

Louisiana Celebrates - Food & Festivals Around The State

If you want to learn about a region's culture, eat their food and join in their festivals!  When a state celebrates, you get a serious taste of what the local history is all about.  When you dive into the cuisine of a local festival, listen to their music, and listen to the people, you can't help but hear the heartbeat of a region.

The state of Louisiana has more than her fair share of festivals.  Louisiana has been referred to as the 'Festival Capital of the World' due to the sheer number of festivals found throughout the state.  At one count there were over 400 festivals throughout the year, some big, some small.  No matter what the focus – music, food, heritage, arts, crafts, dance, holidays – a Louisiana festival is bound to please every participant.  Let's take a look.

Festivals You Might Expect

Crawfish and tiki people. Mardi Gras street costumers in the French Quarter. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

We can't talk about festivals in Louisiana without talking about Mardi Gras.  But, do you know what Mardi Gras is all about?  This is a huge celebration in early Spring, culminating with Fat Tuesday (tomorrow!), the  day before Ash Wednesday which is the beginning of Lent on the church calendar.  This festival is all about having a last big party before the sacrifices of Lent begin.  Fat Tuesday is meant to be a 'devil may care' day of decadence; eat, drink, and be merry.  Even though New Orleans has become famous for merry-making during Mardi Gras, other cities, like Mobile and Baton Rouge have huge celebrations, many dating back to before New Orleans even considered having a Mardi Gras parade.

Along with Mardi Gras, seafood festivals abound!   Location demands this abundant resource be celebrated, cooked, and eaten in large quantities.  You certainly expect to find festivals like the Louisiana Seafood Festival or the Bridge City Gumbo Festival.  And, you know there's got to be some good catfish at the Franklin Parish Catfish Festival in Winnsboro.

When crawfish are in season, you can hardly turn a corner without finding a festival featuring these tasty crustaceans.  At the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival in May, you'll be able to sample huge flats of boiled crawfish, along with crawfish baked in pies, cooked up in gumbo, or featured in all sorts of ways you simply can't resist.  Remember, when you search for crawfish festivals, include the word 'mudbugs.'  Otherwise, you might miss out on a few, such as the Mudbug Madness Festival in Shreveport.  Truth be known, you could eat nothing but crawfish, or 'mudbugs,' for months at Louisiana festivals. Crawfish were one of my favorite things about living in Louisiana, and I still miss them all these years later!

Music festivals are also abundant, which shouldn't surprise you in this land of American music.  You'll find the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival, and the Creole Zydeco Festival, just to name a few.

Crawfish mound (Photo credit: izik)

Festivals That May Surprise You

Once we wander beyond the well known Louisiana favorites, there are some celebrations that may surprise you.  Louisiana is nothing if it is not diverse.  Beyond seafood and jazz, what does Louisiana have to offer?  A lot!

Enjoy a sweet treat at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.  Find new and wonderful ways to enjoy tomatoes at the Creole Tomato Festival in New Orleans,.  If you're in the vicinity of  Farmerville, sink your teeth in some sweet goodness at the Watermelon Festival.  If you think yams and sweet potatoes need celebrating, dig in at the Yambilee Festival in Opelousas.  There's even a Rice Festival.  Trust Louisiana to make rice exciting and delicious!

Want more food?  Join in the fun at the Natchitoches Meat Pie Festival in September.  Craving sweets?    Take a trip to enjoy a few slices of  pie at the Lecompte Pie Festival in October.  If you haven't had your fill of music yet, but want to experience something surprising, check out the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans or the Zydeco Festival in LaBeau.

Scroll through any Louisiana festival website and you'll find pages and pages of festivals, big and small, literally every day of the year.  You can hardly throw a stone in the state without hitting a festival tent!  Fill up your car and hit the road.  You will never regret exploring the Louisiana festival scene - or it's food.

And if you want to bring some Louisiana flavor to your own kitchen, be sure to check out this week's and last week's recipes for some good eats at home!