Finding Out About Cajun Cooking

The terms "Cajun" and "Creole" seem to confuse many not from the region. As both of these types of recipes and styles originated in Louisiana, it can be confusing. Many people explain that Creole cooking involves a more classic approach to a recipe. Cajun cooking is generally known to be more spicy or peppery. Both styles are unique and offer a large variety of choices.

Cajun Cooking Basics

The term Cajun cooking really took of in the 1980's. When thinking of Cajun cooking, many picture blackened chicken; while this is associated with Cajun cooking, it is not what many Cajuns consider classic cooking.

Cajuns are an ethnic group that is found in Louisiana. They settled there after being exiled from Canada. Cajuns can trace their roots to the Acadian people, a group of people from France that settled in Canada. They use a very distinct French dialect. When exiled from Canada, they brought their culture and traditions to the United States. Theses traditions, including Cajun cooking, remain active today.

Many true Cajun chiefs will talk of recipes handed down for generations. They proudly guard their recipes and their heritage. In this type of cooking, often exact measurement is not used. There is a "pinch of this" and a "dash of that".

The Cajun cooking style uses many spices, fat, butter and garlic. These recipes may not be the healthiest, but they do have flavor.

Cajun Cooking Ideas

Many Cajun cooking recipes involve seafood as this is a local mainstay in Louisiana. Catfish recipes abound, using onion, butter, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice and of course hot sauce. These ingredients are combined and then poured on the catfish and baked. Shrimp is often used as well as crawfish and even alligator. These Cajun cooking selections make for an authentic choice when attempting to create a Cajun style feast. There are many Cajun cooking books available that can assist in making Cajun style food.

Cajun cooking generally involves a wide variety of spices combined to add flavor to anything. Using pepper, parsley flakes, garlic powder, hot pepper, currey powder, and people can make their own Cajun spices at home. Experiment with spicy flavors and make your very own and unique Cajun spices.

Cajun cooking is a fun and creative form of the culinary arts. Making your own style of Cajun spices to be used on everything from French fries to chicken, will add a new taste and texture to all your meals.

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