12 BEST CAJUN HOLIDAY DISHES

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    Holidays are the main feature of Cajun culture. Among the most celebrated holidays (including Christmas and Mardi Gras), Easter is one of the top holidays which Cajuns celebrate.  While many families have begun to have annual crawfish boils, a traditional Easter gathering includes a menu of down home favorites.  Although holiday gatherings usually involve rich and heavy dishes, my holiday menu offers a few on the lighter side.  Below are some great recipes for appetizers, sides, entrees, and desserts.


Appetizers

Number 1

Granny's Shrimp Mold


No. 2 

Crawfish Bread

      I first came across this recipe in the newspaper but I decided to simplify it by using crescent dough and peeled crawfish tails. The braided bread looks beautiful when baked so be sure to display it whole before serving it.


No. 3 

Nutty Pineapple Cheese Spread



Soup

    Some might think it strange to serve soup on a warm Easter Sunday in Louisiana, but hey, that's what air conditioning is for!



No. 4 

    This recipe was the winner in the Daily Advertiser annual recipe contest, somewhere around 1986.  It is one of the most simple recipes I've ever made and always has rave reviews.  My mom jazzed it up a bit with the addition of a can of spicy Rotel tomatoes.


Main Dishes

    At Easter in Louisiana, baked ham is almost a requirement!  This one has a sweet and tangy glaze.  I use a spiral sliced ham, but you can use any type of ham with this glaze.


No. 5 

Creole Mustard Glazed Ham


No. 6 

Creamy Cajun Crawfish Pasta


    This yummy recipe is a welcome favorite at any gathering.  Note: if using leftover tails from a boil, do not add the Cajun seasoning until the end and only to taste.


Side Dishes

    Side dishes are our family's favorite dishes.  There's nothing better to celebrate than an array of casseroles and salads!

No. 7 

Fresh Broccoli Salad

    Every year, I don't dare show up to a family event without this yummy fresh salad!  The addition of crumbled bacon makes it a standout! The beauty of it is that you can use any of these ingredients or leave them out.  You can use sugar instead of honey. If you like it more savory, eliminate the honey and add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, but leave out the vinegar.  

No. 8 

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Casserole

    This is a great dish for lovers of the combination of spinach and artichoke hearts.


No. 9 

Roasted Carrots with Pecans


No. 10 

Strawberry Blueberry Spinach Salad


Desserts


No. 11 

Banana Split Cake

      My sister in law always brought this delicious cake which is quite impressive to look at but very easy to make.


No. 12 

Lemon Ice Box Pie

    This family favorite is not only delicious, it is so easy and quick to make!



Mary deSilva is a travel guide author, YouTube Vlogger, and artist.

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