Hello, glad you stopped by!
I'm Kay, and this is where I share recipes, especially those from my rich Cajun heritage, which is deeply rooted in food and culture. I was born and raised in Vermilion Parish, the gateway to the Louisiana wetlands in the heart of Acadiana. I grew up eating the best food in the world amongst French-speaking people who exemplify living life to the full. It's evident in the way they gather with their family and prepare their meals.
Let me be your go-to guide for what to cook (especially with Cajun & Southern ingredients). I recreate nostalgic, old-fashioned Cajun dishes - the kind mamas and grandmas used to make. I'm doing my best to represent the culture authentically and keep it alive for generations to come, and it all started with my Mama's gumbo recipe!
You'll find dishes from authentic Cajun Cuisine, such as gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, my great-grandma's croquesignoles (French donuts), seafood recipes, and more, along with a few stories about growing up in Acadiana. You'll also get recipes from classic down-home Southern cooking. Not all of the foods are from Cajun cuisine, so there's something delicious for everyone.
I must say that I have a fondness for kitchen gadgets, trendy eats, cooking tips, and great Louisiana products.
So have a look around! Find something scrumptious to cook up for yourself and those you love while learning about the unique lifestyle of the Cajun people of South Louisiana.
My Story
My husband, Steve (also known as the Mississippi Man), and I live in the Southeastern corner of Arkansas, also referred to as the ArkLaMiss, with our Weimaraner, Cord. We are recently retired funeral directors; well, Steve still works part-time. It's an adventure navigating this life change with my love and best friend, and we highly recommend it!
You'll also see the Mississippi influence in some of the recipes. Steve's family grew sugar cane and made their own homemade syrup every Thanksgiving day. Therefore, his Mamaw was an expert biscuit maker. I haven't made homemade syrup yet, but I do have a few recipes for making biscuits.
We have three children, two daughters-in-law, five grandchildren, seven grand dogs (as of the last count), and one grand bunny named Autumn.
I began the Louisiana Woman Blog with the hope of preserving my family's heritage through food and stories for our children and grandchildren. Authentic classic Cajun cuisine seems to have been lost in our modern culture. Little did I know that many people are interested in cooking and eating Cajun food, and want to know more about its origins.
I'm excited about this opportunity to share this good food and my experiences with you through this blog. It's my pleasure!
My Home
Acadiana is a region of wetlands located in the heart of the boot, situated just above the Gulf Coast and south of Louisiana's Interstate 10. My childhood home is located near the center of Vermilion Parish, where, not too long ago, the only language spoken was Cajun French, and the primary sources of livelihood were fishing, rice farming, and cattle ranching.
My grandparents were cattle and rice farmers, and my dad was a cattle farmer. Mama was a school teacher and the best cook I know. Many of her recipes and style are mentioned in my cooking. I had a Catholic upbringing, and I'm thankful my parents raised me in the Christian faith.
My Louisiana home is a unique place filled with unique eats; many are made by preparing a roux first. The geographic area is characterized by the abundance of fresh seafood, allowing for a variety of dishes to suit the Cajun palate. The people have always thrived off the land and don't waste a thing! Yeah, we pretty much eat anything.
I'm glad you're here, and I'm looking forward to cooking adventures with you while learning more with every delicious recipe post. I invite you to explore our site and discover good food, cooking tips, and stories about living in Cajun country. Enjoy!
How To Boil Crawfish: With Helpful Tips
I'm honored to be chosen as a Top Louisiana Blog from Feedspot, a global media outlet of content creators.
Virginia says
Oh, how I love your blogging!! I can't wait for more!! Brings back so many memories!!
Louisiana Woman says
Thank you, baby sister. So excited to bring you more!
MARCIE KING says
I can not seem to get signed up for your newsletter, recipes, etc. Please help.
Louisiana Woman says
Marcie, I will manually put your email address in with your approval and I will look into if there is a problem with the sign up. Thank you for letting me know. Have a great day!
DeAnn Robertson says
Love, Love, Love your recipes and stories!!
Louisiana Woman says
Thank you!
Lisa says
I cant believe l found this blog. The growing up was just as you described.it. i lived close or with at times my relatives in Carencro . They didnt write down recipes but taught me when i was young. Your recipes are almost exactly how i was taught. So happy to fine this etouffe recipe. Thank you so much for the memories.
Louisiana Woman says
Thank you, Lisa! I'm happy to be helpful in bringing back yummy memories. You let me know my mission is being accomplished. I hope to bring back more sweet reminiscing while preserving our precious heritage.
Louisiana Woman says
Thank you, DeAnn!
ohiocook says
Thank you for following my blog, look forward to catching up on yours!
Louisiana Woman says
My pleasure!
Louise Black says
HOW CAN I FIND YOUR PECAN PRALINE RECIPE? I WAS ADVISED BY ANNE CARPENTER
THAT IS THE BEST PECAN PRALINE RECIPE EVER!! I SIMPLY CANT FIND IT. I'M NOT TOO SMART WHEN IT COMES TO THESE C0MPUTERS. CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR RECIPE? IM LISTING ME EMAIL BELOW.
Louisiana Woman says
Sure! It’s easy if you go to my blog and type pralines in the search box it will pull it up for you. I will send an email but your address isn’t showing in the message. I’ll keep looking for your email address to show up.
Sherry says
Do you have a recipe for pistolettes?
Louisiana Woman says
Not yet, Sherry, but thanks for the idea! It may be my next post. 😉
Laurie Crouch Crouch says
I love the blueberry pot pie! What a memory for me, different in that my Grandmother's were baked more like blackberry pies, but think I'm going to have to change, at least once. I continued reading down, found the tea cake, another memory, then got to the root berr. Oh Heavens, that stopped me. I immediately went to Zatatains web site which I have on my home page and ordered 2 bottles .I remember being given the uncarbenated as a child, I remember giving it to my children as little ones, but it's been years since I tasted it, at least 30(oh gosh). I can't wait for my delivery man to bring it in a few days to bring those precious memories back. I thank you for reminding me of 2 things, tea cakes & homemade root beer! Laurie
Louisiana Woman says
You are quite welcome, Laurie! Wow, you’ve made my day! Seems like we’ve had similar upbringings. Every once in a while I make a pitcher of homemade root beer for my children and it brings back good memories to all of us. Have a blessed day!
creolebaw337 says
Hello! I stumbled across your blog after googling different cajun/creole recipes. After seeing so many of your recipes looking to be "the real deal" (as they are what I grew up on and VERY similar to how my family cooks), I realized it's because you are from Vermilion Parish! My family also hails from Vermilion Parish, specifically Kaplan, LA. After my dad retired from the Air Force, we settled in Austin, TX, where I still live today. However, we still visit our many relatives in Kaplan whenever we get a chance, particularly my cousins Mrs. Earline Roy, Mr. Leroy Broussard (retired Dean of Admissions at UL Lafayette), and my aunt Mrs. Leontine Romero Hebert before she recently passed at 101 years old. Certainly, I will now be a new frequent follower of your wonderful blog!! Thanks for sharing your amazing recipes and stories with us! (Btw, I just posted this under your Shrimp Stew recipe before realizing it was the wrong place.. oops...)
Sarah says
Thank you for you blog and sharing your Cajun heritage.?. My husband of 15 years is from Houma and I’ve fallen in love with the culture of South Louisiana. Because of that, I’ve made it my mission to become a pretty darn good Cajun cook.?. I’m so happy to have stumbled across your blog, as I’m always in search of different and authentic recipes. Thanks again, Sarah
Louisiana Woman says
It is my pleasure to share my precious God given heritage with you, Sarah. If there is anything more I can do for you please let me know. You are one of the reasons I began this blog journey and I thank you for giving me fuel to continue. ? ❤️
afterburn25 says
hi there great blog I just started a blog myself. I live in Lafayette and cooking is my passion. all my recipes are created by me and for many years I kept them secret. Just recently i realized when I die they will be gone forever. So I decided to start sharing them with the world. But I am very new at this Blogging that is and so i would like to reach out to other bloggers especially local ones that share my passion for cooking.
Louisiana Woman says
Well, hello! Congratulations on starting your blog. I’m happy to know you are ready to share with all of us your cooking creations and I’m looking forward to seeing them. Every blogger has started right where you are. Let me know how I can help.
mizdsy47 says
How can I sign up for your blog again? I haven’t gotten anything for a while. I think it got bounced when I was in the hospital not long ago. I can’t find any place to sign up for your blog now. I would really love to get it again. I loved getting recipes from home. I’ve been gone a long time but still miss it greatly. Recipes from home keeps me connected. Thanks
Louisiana Woman says
Hi, mizdsy47! I hope you are feeling better. I have been taking care of my mother who has been sick along with my sisters and haven’t published any new recipes lately. Your message is encouraging to know they’ve been missed. I hope to publish a new one soon and you should receive it without having to sign back up. Thanks for letting me know!
mizdsy47 says
I hope your mother and sister are doing well now. I took care of my daddy the last seven years of his life and the last couple were pretty hard, he had Parkinson’s but I would do it again in a heartbeat. I’m glad to know I didn’t loose you, and I’ll be looking forward to getting your new recipes.
Louisiana Woman says
Thank you! She is resting well and happy to be in her own home. I understand what you mean. I wouldn’t trade these past 3 months for anything. It’s drawn our family closer and we’ve seen God’s loving faithfulness through it all. Look for new recipes soon! ?
mizdsy47 says
Hi it’s Mizdaisy47 again. I have had medical problems myself that’s put me in the hospital and now I’m afraid I’ve lost you again. My mailbox got to full and they bounced naturally all my recipe emails while taking up space telling me they did. Anyway I realized that I had not gotten my recipe from your blog in a while. I look forward to my recipes from home so I want to make sure to sign up for your blog again. I don’t know several others I’ve found had gotten dropped and I had to sign up again.
Hope all is well with you and your family now.
Anthony J. Kimball says
I am from Melville and live in Ohio trying to teach my daughter n son some cajun heritage. Thank you for the help with recipes!
Louisiana Woman says
Wonderful! It's my honor and pleasure to help.
Mary Alice Hale says
Hi! So happy to have a fig season this summer. Last summer, in Acadiana, there was quite a drought and the only things that would grow were okra, our Acadian Brown Cotton and WEEDS! Everyone was on the lookout for figs and no one had any. They have returned and the first thing I made was your fig pepper jelly recipe. Then I made it again! I constantly refer friends to this recipe , too! My husband bought a dehydrator and we tried it with figs. Quite good, quite chewy and a whole lot cheaper than going to a health food store and buying one very expensive bag of dried figs. Thank you again for this awesome blog. Mary Alice Hale, Breaux Bridge LA
Louisiana Woman says
Thank you, Mary Alice, you made my day! It's my pleasure to share these recipes with you. We are grateful for an abundant fig harvest,too.
Carey James Huguet says
I am very interested in learning about many of my Cajun families' recipes. I know that each parish or area of Louisiana have their own twist. My grandparents never wrote down any of their recipes, so if I didn't watch them make it, I googled many and came up with something close to what they did.
I don't like these so-called Cajun recipes that you open a can of this and that!
I do "old school, old fashion" basic "down to earth" meals.
My wife doesn't understand why we have a seafood gumbo with sausage in it. So, I will enjoy reviewing some of your recipes and if I have one that I can enter for your review, I would like that.
Louisiana Woman says
Thank you, Carey. I agree about the authentic Cajun way of cooking. The less processed ingredients, the better true Cajun taste. Thanks for your comment and I hope the recipes are similar to the area you are from. May they help in your learning more about Cajun family recipes.
Cindi Detraz says
Would you like my grandmother’s recipe for “pop Rouge”?
Louisiana Woman says
Cindi, yes, I do! I'm not sure I know what pop Rouge is except for an ice cream recipe. please share!
Cindi Detraz says
My husband is from Abbeville. He has great recipes from his grandmothers, but was unfamiliar with some of our traditions and recipes. (I am from St. Landry Parish.)
He tells me that Vermilionites do not “pok-pok” eggs at Easter.
He is also unfamiliar withe the delicious ice cream made with “Pop Rouge”.
I was really happy to see my MaMere’s exact donut recipe on your blog! Am currently looking for sweet dough syrup pie recipe made with Steen’s Syrup.
Nice to meet you,
Madame Detraz
Louisiana Woman says
Madame Detraz, you are precious! I'm not familiar with "Pop Rouge" nor with "pok-pok" eggs, but I want to be. So glad you are happy to see your MaMere's donut recipe. Aren'y they treasures?! Let's begin a quest for sweet dough syrup pie made with Steen's. I will ask on my facebook page if anyone has it. Thanks!
Becki Smith says
I'm an East Texan who loves LA cooking. I would love to be on your email list!
Louisiana Woman says
Hello, Becki! Good to meet you, and I will add you to my email list.
Glinda Jaynes says
I can’t get signed up for you emails. Please add me.
Louisiana Woman says
Yes, I will. Thanks for letting me know.
Jennifer Osburn says
I would like to sign up for you emails. Please add me.
Thank you,
Jennifer
Louisiana Woman says
I certainly will, Jennifer. I have corrected the email sign up form for future use. Thank you for letting me know.
Debbie says
Hi Mz. K, my name is Debbie and I grew up in West Carroll Parish, Forest, to be exact. I met my husband in Bastrop at the paper mill. He was fresh out of school, Electrical Engineer. Over the years, 43 of them, we have moved all over for his career. We are now retired and live in south Alabama! Although I am a long way from being Cajun, I learned a few things about southern La cooking. I know roux well. I accidentally found you looking on Pinterest for a good strawberry fig recipe. I love fresh figs plucked right off the tree, never cared for them preserves. But living now with my 90 year old father, he wants his strawberry figs jam. I think I’d like it myself. Thanks for your stories, I’ve been putting up pickles, peas, tomatoes, made pepper jelly, and zucchini bread, and frying okra for him. He is very active at his age, sometimes I can’t keep up. Keep sharing your blessing on others.
Louisiana Woman says
Hello, Debbie, it's good to meet you! I'm happy to hear you are enjoying my stories and recipes. We just celebrated my 90 year old mother-in-law's birthday so I know how much joy our parents bring at that age, especially when they are blessed with good health. It sounds like you're a busy girl in the kitchen. What fun! Thanks for the encouragement, and I really appreciate you taking the time to write this comment. Enjoy those strawberry figs!
Your friend, Kay
Ann Johnston says
Success - I wanted to make my Mother's Couche Couche recipe but it has been so long I could not remember what we put in it when it was served. When I saw coffee milk it was a revelation. That's exactly what we did.
By the way my mother's recipe for Couche Couche is exactly like yours.
Also, I am a Catholic Louisiana girl married to a Mississippi man.
Tom Severs says
We love your Rice Dressing. The roux set it apart from all other rice dressings we have had. My wife bragged about the dish at work.
Thank you so much.
Louisiana Woman says
You are very welcome, Tom! I appreciate you letting me know, and please tell your wife thank you for the advertisement. 🙂
Debi says
I too was reared in Cajun country, Acadia Parish. I love cooking, and am looking forward to checking out your recipes.
Louisiana Woman says
Thank you, Debi. Nice to have you look around. Enjoy!