Happy New Year! Much as I hate to rush the years, I was really happy to see the end of 2023. It was one of the toughest years I've experienced, and one I don't want to repeat. I took a much-needed two week break over Christmas and New Year. We spent Christmas with family in Los Angeles, cooking feasts for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Back here in New Orleans, I cooked a traditional meal for New Years Day: Roasted pork, black-eye peas with smoked pork necks, and braised collard greens with ham. And of course a pan of buttermilk cornbread and some rice. We seated 9 people for dinner and sent enough leftovers home with one friend for two meals for those who couldn't make it that night.

For the recipes this week, start with a chicken and leek soup with the delicious and unexpected addition of fluffy Parmesan cheese dumplings. Comfort food in a bowl. Next, a garlicky Shrimp Alfredo dish that you finish up in the oven-- not suitable for those of you who don't mix dairy with your seafood. And finally, a simple pan-seared steak that's finished with a zesty sauce made of capers and sherry vinegar.

Enjoy the recipes, stay safe and healthy, and, as always, let me know what's on your mind. 

Best regards,

Susan Ford, Publisher and Editorial Director

Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

Chicken and Leek Soup

Braising leeks in butter until soft and golden is a tasty twist on that old standard, chicken soup. But dropping in Parmesan dumplings to simmer in the sauce takes comfort food to a whole new level.

Garlicky Shrimp Alfredo Bake

Those of you who don't combine dairy with seafood, this recipe isn't for you! In step one, remove the shrimp from the skillet before they're done, so they don't overbake in the oven. Serve with plenty of hot French bread. 

Pan-Seared Steak with Sherry & Caper Vinaigrette

If you can't find a flatiron steak, opt for 1 12-ounce New York Strip steaks. Don't skip the super-flavorful sherry and caper sauce; I'd serve this with mashed potatoes.

Garlicky One-Pan Chicken

Catfish Evangeline

Cajun-Style Navy Beans