Cooking in the heart of Cajun country is an art form. There
really is very little science to this particular form of cooking that includes a lot more than
mere lagniappe from the pantry or the spice cabinet. Cajun cooking is something that has often
been imitated around the country and around the world but can very rarely be accurately
duplicated.
One of the fascinating things about Cajun cooking is the fact that there are very few exact
recipes. Most, if not all authentic Cajun cooking is done to taste rather than measurements. Even
more amazing is that from day to day one person can make the same dish over and over and it is
quite likely to taste a little bit different each and every time it is made. The major reason for
this is that in addition to being an art form in and of itself, Cajun food is often made even more
delicious or mysterious simply by the mood of the one doing the cooking.
I'm sure that many of you have watched as Emeril Lagasse makes some special concoction and
exclaims "Bam!" there is a good bit of that when it comes to Cajun cooking. Something that goes far
beyond the ingredients in the recipe and somewhere into the heart and the soul of the cook in
question. There is a reason that many southern cooked dishes are referred to as soul food and you
should not for one second forget that New Orleans is in the heart of the Deep South.
The most difficult thing, perhaps when it comes to preparing good Cajun dishes outside of the
New Orleans region is finding the right ingredients. It is nearly impossible to find the fresh
seasonings and spices that are essential to most Cajun cuisine outside the heart of the old south.
Not only that, but fresh crawfish and andouille sausage are a little difficult to come by during
the heart of a Michigan winter.
If you are determined to learn to make Cajun food of your own, you must first find the
ingredients. Specialty food shops or those that will special order might be your best bet. There
are some grocers that will carry a limited stock of Cajun seasonings on their international food
aisles. Keep in mind that these sources are extremely limited. Once you have the ingredients, it's
time to let a little jazz blare from your speakers in order to set the mood. Most of the best Cajun
dishes require a substantial amount of time for simmering and this should be considered. Cajun food
is not to be rushed-much like the citizens of the Big Easy. The food will be ready in time and as
the one cooking the food you must learn to accept that about Cajun food. It has a way of letting
you know when it is ready that is almost mythical until you've experienced it for yourself.
Cooking Cajun food will try your patience, try your talents, and in some cases zap your energy,
as it tends to be an emotional process for many. On the other end however, Cajun food is some of
the richest and most delicious food on the planet. Mastering the ability to cook this wonderful
food will make you a slave to its flavor for many years to come.
Photo courtesy PDPhoto.org
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