by Kara Johnson
Strawberry season in Louisiana is more than a fleeting pleasure — it is a cherished tradition, a source of communal pride, and a reminder of the enduring beauty found in life’s simplest offerings. At The Cook Shop, we honor the legacy of Marie Meteye Reveal, a visionary restaurateur who, alongside her husband Joseph, operated a beloved French Quarter restaurant from the late 1800s until 1925. Her guiding belief was that every meal should reflect the rhythm of the seasons, the richness of the region, and the warmth of a well-set table.
In the spirit of Marie’s celebrated restaurant at 532 Toulouse Street, we continue to draw inspiration from what is fresh, local, and rooted in the land. This month, we turn to one of Louisiana’s most iconic fruits — the Ponchatoula strawberry.
🍓 The Sweet Legacy of Ponchatoula Strawberries
Why Louisiana’s Favorite Berry Deserves a Celebration
At The Cook Shop, we believe in honoring the flavors of the season — and few are as cherished in Louisiana as the Ponchatoula strawberry. Grown in Tangipahoa Parish since the early 1900s, this ruby-red treasure is more than just a delicious ingredient — it’s a symbol of heritage, community, and the beauty of local agriculture.
Thanks to the region’s ideal climate and rich soil, Ponchatoula strawberries are known for their exceptional sweetness and depth of flavor. For over a century, they’ve been cultivated by generations of family farmers with care and pride. By the mid-20th century, Ponchatoula earned the title “Strawberry Capital of the World,” a legacy celebrated each spring at the beloved Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, where food, music, and southern hospitality abound.
Strawberries like these are more than ingredients — they’re memories, stories, and symbols of Louisiana living. And just as Marie Meteye Reveal served the finest seasonal dishes in her French Quarter restaurant from the late 1800s through 1925, we carry on that tradition by elevating local flavors in every bite.
This month, we invite you to savor the season with a few simple strawberry recipes — and one bold twist, straight from our kitchen to yours. Now, we present three timeless preparations that reflect our culinary heritage and a deep appreciation for gracious living.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Creole-Toasted Pecans
A graceful medley of sweetness, spice, and seasonal beauty
Ingredients:
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
- 1½ cups sliced Ponchatoula strawberries (about 8–10 medium strawberries)
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
- ½ cup pecan halves
- ¼ tsp The Cook Shop Creole Seasoning
- ½ tsp olive oil (for toasting pecans)
- 3–4 Tbsp balsamic glaze or light vinaigrette (to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sweet & Savory Creole-Toasted Pecans
Yields about 2 cups
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon The Cook Shop Creole Seasoning Blend
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Pinch of cayenne (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, gently combine spinach, sliced strawberries, and crumbled cheese.
Top with the seasoned toasted pecans.
- Dress and Serve
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or vinaigrette just before serving.
Optional: Finish with a light sprinkle of Creole Seasoning for added flair.
Serving Suggestion:
Perfect on its own or paired with grilled chicken or Gulf shrimp seasoned with The Cook Shop Creole and Cajuy Seasoning Blends. Add a warm slice of French bread to complete a beautiful, balanced meal. Get the recipe for our Bey’s Hot Honey Butter! It’s perfect slathered over French bread, and it’s just one click away.
2. 🍓 Creole Citrus Strawberry Basil Lemonade
A sophisticated Southern refresher with a hint of spice and citrus flair
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups water
- 8 fresh basil leaves
- ½ tsp The Cook Shop Creole Citrus Blend
- (Optional) Vodka or gin, to taste
- Garnish: Fresh basil sprigs, lemon slices, and a pinch of seasoning on the rim (optional)
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine strawberries, sugar, water, and the Creole Citrus Blend. Blend until smooth.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve for clarity, if desired.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and basil leaves. Let chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Serve over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and a basil sprig. For a bold touch, rim each glass with a little Creole Citrus Blend and sugar.
- Optional: Add a splash of vodka or gin for a spirited twist.
Why it Works: The Creole Citrus Blend brings out the brightness of the strawberries and lemon while adding just a whisper of warm, zesty spice. It’s a subtle upgrade — but one that turns a simple lemonade into a conversation piece.