Christmas Recipes

With the holidays upon us, everyone is looking for Christmas Recipe suggestions.  Papa Noel has a unique way of spreading Holiday cheer down on the Bayou….maybe he’s bringing you some of Sweet Daddy D’s most requested recipes around the holiday season.

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Papa Noel on the Spirit of Morgan City being pulled by some of his favorite helpers! (Used by permission of The Daily Review)

 This photographic ran in the Morgan City Daily Review. Their photographer was lucky enough to catch Papa Noel and his helpers arriving in South Louisiana:

Mo’ fas’er an’ fas’er de’ gator dey came
He whistle an’ holler an’ call dem by name:
“Ha, Gaston! Ha, Tiboy! Ha, Pierre an’ Alcee’!
Gee, Ninette! Gee, Suzette! Celeste an’Renee’!

That’s an excerpt from Cajun Night Before Christmas written by Trosclair (J. B. Kling, Jr.) 

 And now…on with the show!

Starters!

In South Louisiana, it’s common to start the holiday meal with gumbo or bisque. Here are some suggestions:

Sweet Daddy D's Turkey Oyster Gumbo

This is the perfect way to use your leftover holiday turkey. Oysters and turkey just seem to go together in a wonderful way. Try this and you'll see why it has become a post-Thanksgiving Louisiana tradition!

Check out this recipe

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

Of all the different types of gumbo, this rich stew made with chicken and andouille sausage seasoned with spicy Cajun flavors is the consummate Creole/Cajun victual.

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Oyster Artichoke Bisque

A New Orleans original: Oyster Artichoke Bisque, a rich creamy soup that pairs the wonderful flavor of fresh gulf oysters with the distinctive taste of artichoke.  You won't believe how something that tastes so fantastic could be this easy to make!

Check out this recipe

Don’t forget the bird!

These are two very popular recipes:

Berto's Cajun Fried Turkey

Cajun Fried Turkey-injected and rubbed with Cajun seasoning, then deep fried to a golden brown so it turns out nice and crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Its hard to describe how delicious this is and its much simpler than it sounds. You have to try a nice, crispy skinned Cajun Fried Turkey-its better than finger lickin' good, but you'll be doing some of that, too!

Check out this recipe

Sweet Daddy D's Herb Roasted Turkey

A dry brine and a liberal application of a herb-butter paste will result in a tender and juicy bird. So good, you won't want to just eat turkey on Thanksgiving.

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Cranberry Relish

Cranberry Relish...tart and sweet at the same time. Add a little crunch with Louisiana Pecans and you have a traditional Holiday treat.

Check out this recipe

Popular Side Dishes

The best part of the holiday meal is the sides…take any of these to the family gathering and you’ll be very popular!

Sweet Daddy D's Cajun Dirty Rice

A traditional Cajun/Creole dish that combines browned meats and liver with onions, peppers, Cajun/Creole spices and cooked white rice. It gets it’s “dirty” description from the color of the browned meats and particularly the chicken liver. Dirty Rice is too bold and delicious to label it just a side dish, it is a very popular accompaniment with meats, fowl and seafood. A version of this dish (and there are endless versions) will always be found at family gatherings and holiday celebrations in South Louisiana.

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Stuffed Artichoke Casserole

Stuffed Artichokes-a classic New Orleans appetizer, an Italian influence. This recipe takes the angst out and makes it easy to make but just as enjoyable to eat. The classic flavors of seasoned bread crumbs, garlic and Romano Cheese blends with artichoke hearts for this distinctive South Louisiana treat.

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Mirliton Shrimp Dressing

Mirliton and Shrimp Dressing, a holiday staple in South Louisiana. Combining the mild flavors of mirliton (also called chayote) with Gulf Shrimp and Creole flavors, on taste and it will soon become a holiday tradition at your house.  

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Oyster Dressing

The traditional South Louisiana Dressing is an oyster dressing, usually with sausage and giblets. Add in the distinct flavors of Sage and you have Sweet Daddy D’s Oyster Dressing.   

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

Bring out the natural sweetness in these Brussels Sprouts by searing, then roasting. The thyme, garlic and pancetta add a savory depth and a squeeze of lemon adds some brightness. The best part? This simple side dish is only 6 ingredients and can be done in one pan! This is a great side dish that goes with just about anything.

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Roasted Carrots with Cane Syrup

Roasting will bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots. Add some butter and cane syrup and sprinkle in a little thyme and you have a wonderfully special side dish that's perfect for any entree.

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Finish with something sweet

Nibble on these traditions after digesting for a while:

Fruitcake Cookies (Christmas Lizzies)

Fruitcake Cookies, also known as Christmas Lizzies, are little fruitcake-like cookies that blend candied fruit and Louisiana Pecans with a touch of Brandy and held together with a little spiced batter. These fruitcake cookies are so flavorful, you won’t believe how simple they are to make. If you only make one kind of cookie for the holidays, Grammy’s Fruitcake Cookies are the one!

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Aunt Ellen’s Fruit Cakes

Full of sweet candied and dried fruit marinated in cherry brandy, then mixed with nuts and a spiced batter that's baked to perfection. This is why fruit cake is a holiday tradition that has lasted for centuries. If you haven't tried fruit cake, this is the one to try. If you are a fruit cake lover, then you'll know this is the best!

Check out this recipe

If none of these strike your match, take a look around First…You Have a Beer and check lots of other recipes!

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 Yeah You Right! and Happy Holidays!