New Orleans

OK, folks. This one has been a long time coming. Crawfish. How to peel 'em!

Pat Padley over at In Between Sundays podcast had a conversation months ago with his brother Nick, in which they asked me about the proper way to peel a crawfish.

Now, the proper way to peel a crawfish is probably a lot like the proverbial skinning a cat thing. There's more than one way. But in this video we share our way.

Yep. The Padleys asked about this months ago (around Mardi Gras) and I am just now getting around to posting this video. Ugh.

Here, I'll say it for you: "It's about time!"

Today's Fat Tuesday... It's Mardi Gras, y'all!

On this episode we talk about the parades from the past week and two special Catholic media events taking place today. We also delve into the Catholic roots of Mardi Gras. And I make gumbo!

Laissez les bon temps roulez!

You can find my iibloom.com article on Mardi Gras by clicking here.

Last night we were privileged to attend the Bacchus parade in New Orleans. We staked out a spot (or actually, Big D staked out a spot) on St. Charles Avenue, right in front of Cannon's Restaurant. We were on the neutral ground, and Big D had set up a couple of 10ft. ladders. Perfect for catching beads. The parade started to roll at 5:15, so the night descended upon us before the float started to pass by. And the crowd! Unbelievable! I can't begin to describe to you the number of people lining St. Charles Avenue. Wow! You might get a sense of it though by watching the video below.

Here is some video I shot at the Saints victory parade in New Orleans on Tuesday, February 9, 2010. We are proud of our New Orleans Saints!

It is reported that there were 800,000 to 1 million people at that parade. It was truly amazing.

WHO DAT!

On the show today... A LIVE recording of the Catholic Foodie Superbowl pre-game show. You don't want to miss this!

You will get to hear my prediction of which team will be victorious (and I end up being right, ya know!). And I am joined by Adolfo Rodriguez who shares a wealth of Saints facts and Catholic tidbits. He is also an avid foodie. We just can't seem to stop talking about food! And, for the first time ever, we actually EAT on the show!

In 1968 Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, then Archbishop of New Orleans, penned a prayer for the New Orleans Saints. It was originally delivered at the first Saints and Sinners banquet.

This is cool. 

WHO DAT!

GEAUX SAINTS!

On the menu today... the WHO DAT! controversy, the SQPN Mardi Gras Mambo Marathon, LOTS of feedback, king cakes, and even more yummy stuff. Join us at the Catholic Foodie where food meets faith!

Here are the links I promised you:

The WHO DAT dog

Fleurty Girl

WHO DAT say dey gonna beat dem Saints?

So... the party after the baptism had a Lebanese motif. The Christmas celebration with Char's family was Italian-themed. And Christmas eve with my parents was down-home New Orleans.

In lieu of the work-intensive and elaborate cooking that I usually enjoy, Char and I decided on something simple, yet delicious. Muffulettas.

So, what is a muffuletta?

It's an Italian sandwich first created in the deli at Central Grocery on Decatur Street.

On the menu today: a special Catholic Roundup Advent Calendar episode.

Judy Walker, food editor for the Times-Picayune (and co-author of Cooking Up a Storm: Recipes Lost and Found in the Times-Picayune of New Orleans) interviews Leah Chase in her kitchen at Dooky Chase in New Orleans.

Behind-the-scenes stuff. Fun!

It's kinda hard to hear, and it's a bit long. But, if you like kitchens, and restaurants, and gumbo, and tradition, then you'll like this video!

Red beans and rice and everything nice!

You know, Louis Armstrong used to sign his letters, "Red Beans and Ricely Yours."

Plainly, red beans and rice is not so plain here in South Louisiana. It is a staple food, yes. But it is spicy, rich, and delicious.