Category: Appetizers

GRANDMERE’S CHEESE STRAWS

In my family, the cheese straw was reserved for elegant cocktail parties, particularly during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. Linen napkins, crystal sherry glasses, beautiful china. That was the setting for my grandmother’s cheese straws. No one is certain of the cheese straw’s origin. Tradition has it that the first published recipe can be found […]

Continue reading…

ursula lecoeur

Milk Punch, A Soothing Wake Me Up

Helen reporting. Martinique on Magazine Street in New Orleans makes a powerful wake-me-up drink—Milk Punch. This mix of milk, vanilla, bourbon or brandy—your choice—with a sprinkling of nutmeg is delicious. It’s the very same intoxicating beverage heroine Renee Desselle enjoys at the Collins Garden Party in The Willing Widow. The competition for William’s attention is […]

Continue reading…

Ursula LeCoeur Victorian Suspense New Orleans

Better Than Better Cheddar

In 1922, Lagenstein’s Grocery opened in uptown New Orleans. At some point in the next 91 years, the family-run store concocted Better Cheddar Dip, a delightful cheese and spice spread that has been a staple at New Orleans parties for longer than anybody can remember. It’s available every day in the cold foods case at […]

Continue reading…