Every November on Facebook, I see all my family and friends use the month to list out the things they are thankful for. What a great idea! But for the purpose of this blog, I’m not just going to list out what I’m thankful for – but what I believe all Louisianans are thankful for. Here we go…
- Coffee
Coffee is comfort in Southwest Louisiana. How many of you remember Mama or Granny fixing you a bottle of coffee-milk in the mornings? How many still savor a relaxing cup of afternoon coffee, or start a pot as soon as company stops in? Coffee is more than just a beverage – its part of our lives.
- Football
We love our football! High school, college, pro – we’re there cheering on our teams! Of course, the sport is fun to watch, but WHAT we really love is tailgating. And believe me, Louisiana tailgates on an EPIC level. We've got enough food to feed an entire stadium of people - jambalaya, gumbo, fried shrimp, chips and dips, cold brews and sweet tea - you name it we've got it.
- Boudin
It’s certainly a favorite for me and when the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail was created to highlight 30+ boudin stops. I’d say there’s a real dedication to this unique finger food. There’s plenty of flavor varieties to please every palate and you can even choose from steamed, smoked, or deep fried. What’s not to love?
- Turducken
It’s a is a deboned chicken, stuffed in a deboned duck stuffed into a deboned turkey. Need I say more?
- Families
We might joke about them driving us CRAZY, but we know that our families are special. Shoot, even if you’re not blood-related, I can guarantee you’ll feel like “kin folk” as soon as you arrive. It’s just how Louisiana works.
- Fried Seafood Buffets
It’s a culinary wonder: crunchy, deep fried, deliciously presented with an “All You Can Eat” sign. Is this heaven? You’ll find plenty of fried shrimp, catfish, oysters, crawfish, and frog legs. Squirt a little lemon juice over your plate, and you’re in business!
- Hunting and Fishing
If it's got four legs, wings or fins – we’ll catch it, throw it in a pot and call you over for dinner. Hunting and fishing is a serious pastime for Louisianans. It puts food on the table and heck, it’s a lot of fun too!
- Drive through Daiquiri Shops
We love a good drink and nothing makes that more obvious than drive through daiquiri shops. Just drive your car up, order from the menu, and before you know it – you’re well on your way to good times. I wonder if that is how we got the saying, “Let the Good Times Roll?”
- Mardi Gras
It’s the most famous Louisiana holiday. We even take off from work and school to celebrate. And, it’s right around the corner! If you’ve never been, it’s time to come see what all the fuss is about.
- Cajun/Zydeco Music
Louisiana life has been compared to a full-time party. Well, it isn’t a party without music! Our love of Cajun and Zydeco music keeps on the dance floor. We’re lucky in Southwest Louisiana, there are several Cajun & Zydeco music and dancing experiences to check out, including dance lesson classes.
- Crawfish Boils
Of course, we love boiled crawfish, but it’s the event of a crawfish boil that’s really special. Boils are an all-day affair that includes your favorite people, socializing, plenty of snacks and beers, music, the great outdoors (even better if the humidity is low) and enough crawfish to feed a Cajun army. Remember to pace yourself, a crawfish boil isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, and don’t forget to wear your stretchy pants. BEST. DAY. EVER!
- Rice
No ingredient is more essential. It is the back bone to several Cajun dishes including red beans and rice, boudin, rice and gravy, jambalaya, rice dressing. And a necessity for gumbo, sauce piquant, and étouffée. Rice is awesome.
I know you’re not surprised that food items dominated the list! Did I miss any? What would you add? Leave me suggestions in the comments. Happy Thanksgiving!
