Sarah Mitchell
Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux? is a cookbook by Marcelle Bienvenu, a native of St. Martinville, Louisiana, and a renowned cookbook author and food writer. The book is a collection of Cajun and Creole recipes, old photos, and stories from the author's childhood in the French-Acadian region of Louisiana. The title of the book is a reference to the traditional way of making connections and finding common ground in South Louisiana, often by asking about one's mother's maiden name, family background, and religious affiliation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Marcelle Bienvenu |
| Type of book | Cookbook |
| Cuisine | Cajun and Creole |
| Number of recipes | More than 200 |
| Number of pages | 160 |
| Extras | Old photos and stories about the author's upbringing in South Louisiana |
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What You'll Learn
A guide to Cajun and Creole cuisine
Cajun and Creole cuisines are native to Louisiana and can be found in restaurants throughout New Orleans. Both cuisines have culinary roots in France, with influences from Spain, Africa, Native America, Germany, the West Indies, Ireland, and Italy. They also share the use of the "holy trinity" of cooking: chopped green peppers, onions, and celery.
Cajun Cuisine
Cajun food is robust and rustic, found along the bayous of Louisiana. It is a combination of French and Southern cuisines, brought to the state by French settlers from Nova Scotia around 250 years ago. Cajun cooking tends to consist of one-pot meals with generous amounts of spice and smoked meats. Examples of popular Cajun dishes include:
- Jambalaya: a classic one-pot rice dish with chicken, shellfish, or meat
- Boudin: a rice-filled, spicy pork sausage
- Crawfish boil
- Gumbo: a hearty, flavour-filled chicken, sausage, and shrimp stew with a roux base
- Couche-couche
- Macque choux
Creole Cuisine
Creole food is cosmopolitan and refined, originally developed in the city of New Orleans with European, African, and Native American roots. Creole dishes tend to use multiple pots and sauces, with a greater emphasis on cream, butter, seafood, tomatoes, herbs, and garlic. Popular Creole dishes include:
- Bananas Foster
- Shrimp Remoulade
- Gumbo: a soup with a tomato base
- Étouffée: a thick, spiced stew with shellfish, served over rice
- Pralines
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The story of a woman from the French-Acadian region of Louisiana
Bienvenu's most notable work, "Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux?" is more than just a collection of recipes. It is a heartfelt tribute to her heritage and a guide to the culture of South Louisiana. The book invites readers to explore the world through flavour, offering a glimpse into the traditions and warmth of Southern hospitality. With dishes like Backbone Stew (Reintier de Cochon) and Aunt Jenny's Daube Glacé, each recipe is a journey into the tapestry of Cajun and Creole cuisine.
The title of the book itself holds a special significance. In South Louisiana, particularly among the Acadian community, it is important to make connections when meeting strangers. The inquiry, "Who's your mama? Are you Catholic?" is a common way to start a conversation and find out about someone's background, often leading to the discovery of long-lost cousins or family connections. This tradition stems from the separation of families during the deportation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia in the 1750s.
Through her writing, Bienvenu not only shares her culinary expertise but also offers a glimpse into her own life and the unique culture of the French-Acadian region. Her recipes are intertwined with stories of her upbringing in Cajun country, creating a vivid portrait of the people and traditions that shaped her. For those with ties to Louisiana, her book evokes a sense of home and a connection to their culinary roots.
As a respected cookbook author and food writer, Bienvenu has contributed significantly to the preservation and celebration of Cajun and Creole cuisine. Her work, including "Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux?" serves as a delicious testament to the enduring passion for cooking in the French-Acadian region of Louisiana.
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Family connections and introductions in South Louisiana
Family connections and introductions are integral to the culture of South Louisiana, as exemplified by the popular saying, "Who's your mama? Are you Catholic?" This phrase reflects the warm and inclusive nature of the community, where people are eager to get to know one another and forge strong bonds.
South Louisiana, particularly the Cajun Country, is renowned for its tight-knit communities and strong family values. This is evident in the works of native authors like Marcelle Bienvenu, who showcases her family traditions and culinary heritage in her cookbooks, "Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux?" and "Cajun Cooking for Beginners." Bienvenu's books provide a delightful glimpse into the heart of South Louisiana's culture, where food plays a central role in bringing people together.
The state offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions and activities that showcase its unique heritage and natural wonders. In New Orleans, families can explore the city's rich history through walking tours, visit iconic destinations like Jackson Square and the French Market, or enjoy interactive museums and the state-of-the-art aquarium. Baton Rouge, another vibrant city in South Louisiana, boasts more than a dozen water attractions and is home to one of the country's oldest urban parks, offering equestrian trails and natural habitats along the Bogue Chitto River.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, South Louisiana delivers with its stunning natural landscapes. Families can rent bicycles to tour the architecturally rich Charpentier Historic District in Lake Charles or opt for kayak rentals to explore the Calcasieu River and surrounding state parks. The Barataria Preserve, nestled deep within Louisiana's wetlands, offers boardwalks where visitors can spot alligators and other wildlife while immersing themselves in the beauty of the region.
The vibrant festivals and culinary delights of South Louisiana also contribute to its allure for families. From the famous King Cake and Cajun Bloody Mary to the array of seafood dishes and unique Cajun and Creole recipes, food is always a highlight for visitors. The state's festivals, including Mardi Gras, provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and the warm hospitality that South Louisiana is known for.
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Recipes and folkways of South Louisiana
"Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux?" is a cookbook that explores the cuisine and culture of the people of South Louisiana. It is written by Marcelle Bienvenu, a native of St. Martinville, Louisiana, in the heart of Cajun country. The book contains a collection of Cajun and Creole recipes, as well as personal stories and family photos, offering a unique perspective on the folkways of South Louisiana.
The title of the book is derived from the traditional curiosity of the people of South Louisiana, especially when it comes to meeting newcomers. It is customary for locals to inquire about family connections, religion, and cooking skills to find common ground and discover potential family ties. This tradition dates back to the 1750s when Acadians were deported from Nova Scotia, and families sought to reconnect with relatives in their new homeland of French-Catholic South Louisiana.
In the book, Bienvenu shares her life growing up in South Louisiana and the importance of food in her culture. The recipes in the book are not just Cajun or Creole but also include dishes that her family simply enjoyed cooking. Some of the recipes featured in the book include Pain Perdu, Couche Couche, Chicken Fricassee Stuffed Mirliton, Shrimp Stew, Grillades, Red Beans & Rice, Shrimp Creole, and Bouillabaisse.
Through her easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, Bienvenu invites readers to embark on a culinary journey through South Louisiana. The book is not just a collection of recipes but also a heartfelt celebration of family, faith, and the unique warmth of Southern hospitality. It is a testament to the enduring passion for good cooking in the French-Acadian region of Louisiana and a delightful read for anyone interested in the folkways and flavours of this vibrant region.
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The life and work of author Marcelle Bienvenu
Marcelle Bienvenu is a cookbook author and food writer who has been preparing Cajun and Creole dishes since the 1960s. Born in 1945, she is a native of St. Martinville, Louisiana, in the heart of Cajun country. Bienvenu has written a weekly food column, "Creole Cooking" (or "Cooking Creole"), for The Times-Picayune of New Orleans since 1984. She also worked as a researcher and consultant for Time-Life Books, contributing to a series of books titled "Foods of the World". Her work has been featured in various publications, including Food & Wine, Southern Living, Redbook, The New York Times, Louisiana Life, and Acadiana Profile.
Bienvenu is the author of three books: "Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic and Can You Make a Roux?" (Books 1 & 2), "Who's Your Mama... (The Sequel)", and "Cajun Cooking for Beginners". "Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic and Can You Make a Roux?" is a Cajun/Creole family album cookbook that includes over 200 recipes, old photos, and stories about the author's upbringing in the Cajun country of south Louisiana. The book provides an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the region, exploring how cooking is an enduring passion for the people of Louisiana.
In addition to her solo work, Bienvenu has co-authored several cookbooks with renowned chef Emeril Lagasse. These include "Louisiana: Real & Rustic", "Emeril's Creole Christmas", "Emeril's TV Dinners", and "Every Day's A Party". She has also contributed to other cookbooks, such as "The Picayune's Creole Cook Book", which she edited in 1987.
Bienvenu's work goes beyond simply providing recipes; it captures the complex history and cultural significance of Cajun and Creole cuisine. By collaborating with chefs like Emeril Lagasse and Eula Mae Dore, she has helped to document and preserve the traditions and flavours of Cajun cooking, which is the country cooking of Louisiana, influenced by the intersection of French and Southern culinary traditions.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a cookbook by author Marcelle Bienvenu. It contains traditional Cajun and Creole recipes and stories about the author's upbringing in the Cajun country of south Louisiana.
It is a traditional question asked by people in the South, especially in south Louisiana, to make a connection with strangers or newcomers. The question is a way to find out about a person's background and make conversation.
The cookbook contains over 200 Cajun and Creole recipes, including Pain Perdu, Couche Couche, Chicken Fricassee, Stuffed Mirliton, Shrimp Stew, Grillades, Red Beans & Rice, Shrimp Creole, Bouillabaisse, and Pralines.
