By Kara Johnson
A Taste of Love, New Orleans Style
From our kitchen to your table—let every meal be an act of joy.
Dear friends,
In the rhythm of New Orleans, we find something sacred—a resilience rooted in celebration. Ours is a city that knows how to mourn and how to rejoice. We cry on the way to the burial and dance on the way back. We second line not just to remember, but to honor and thrive. We feed each other, we feed our souls, and through it all, we grow closer.
In a world that moves fast, Louisiana comfort food reminds us to slow down, to savor what matters most. So tonight, create a safe space for yourself. Gather your loved ones—whether they live under your roof or in your heart—and make a meal worth remembering.
The Menu
This week’s menu blends bold flavors with soft moments. It’s nourishing, family-friendly, and just fancy enough to feel like something special:
- Seared Fish with Creole-Seasoned Lemon Butter Sauce
- Cajun-Seasoned Baked Potatoes with All the Fixings
- Grilled Asparagus (Stovetop Method)
- Sparkling Citrus Cooler (Kid-Friendly!
Seared Fish w Creole Lemon Butter Sauce
- Seared Fish with Creole Seasoned Lemon Butter Sauce
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
4 fish fillets (snapper, catfish, or trout work beautifully)
1 ½ tsp The Cook Shop Creole Seasoning Blend
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
1 tsp lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
eason: Pat fish dry and season both sides with The Cook Shop Creole Seasoning Blend.
Sear: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Place fish fillets skin-side down. Sear 3–4 minutes, then flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauce: In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Stir for 1 minute. Spoon over fish and garnish with parsley.
Why it Works:
This recipe brings balance and boldness to the table. The Cook Shop Creole Seasoning creates a savory crust that locks in the fish’s natural moisture while delivering a kick of Louisiana flavor. Searing the fish quickly over high heat builds texture without drying it out. The lemon butter sauce adds brightness and richness, enhanced by garlic and zest to complement the spices—not compete with them. It’s a quick, elegant dish where every element has a purpose.
Cajun Seasoned Baked Potato
- Cajun Seasoned Baked Potatoes With All The Fixings
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
4 large russet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tbsp The Cook Shop Cajun Seasoning Blend
½ cup sour cream
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 strips of cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
¼ cup chopped green onions
Instructions:
Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub potatoes, prick each several times with a fork, and rub with olive oil and The Cook Shop Cajun Seasoning Blend.
Bake directly on the rack for 50–60 minutes until tender.
Serve: Slice open, fluff the insides with a fork, and top with sour cream, cheese, bacon (if using), and green onions.
Why it Works:
This recipe transforms the humble baked potato into a bold, flavor-packed side—or main dish. Rubbing the potatoes with olive oil and The Cook Shop Cajun Seasoning Blend before baking creates a crispy, seasoned skin that’s every bit as crave-worthy as the fluffy interior. Baking directly on the rack ensures even cooking and a perfect texture. The classic fixings—cool sour cream, melty cheddar, salty bacon, and fresh green onions—balance the Cajun heat for a satisfying, layered bite every time.
Stovetop Grilled Asparagus
- Grilled Asparagus (Stovetop)
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp The Cook Shop Creole Seasoning Blend
Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions:
Heat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Toss asparagus with olive oil and The Cook Shop Creole Seasoning Blend.
Grill in a single layer for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and tender.
Squeeze lemon juice over before serving.
Why it Works:
This simple recipe highlights the natural flavor of asparagus while adding just the right amount of kick. Tossing the spears in olive oil and The Cook Shop Creole Seasoning Blend before grilling infuses them with smoky, savory depth. Cooking over high heat gives the asparagus a lightly charred exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. A final squeeze of lemon brightens the dish, balancing the seasoning with a fresh, citrusy finish. It’s quick, vibrant, and full of Southern flair.
Sparkling Citrus Cooler
- Sparkling Citrus Cooler (Kid Friendly)
Serves: 4
This recipe is as light and bubbly as children’s laughter!
Ingredients:
• Juice of 4–5 oranges (about 2 cups, freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup homemade sparkling lemonade (see note below)
• 1 can (12 oz) plain sparkling water
• Orange and lemon
Instructions:
- Juice the oranges:
Roll each orange on the counter to loosen the juices, cut in half, and squeeze by hand over a mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher to catch seeds and pulp. A handheld citrus squeezer or reamer can make the job quicker! - Homemade Sparkling Lemonade:
Squeeze 2 lemons (about 1/2 cup juice), mix with 1/2 cup simple syrup or honey (adjust to taste), then top with 1/2 cup cold sparkling water. Boom—sparkling lemonade! - In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice with the sparkling lemonade.
- Stir gently to mix. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh orange and lemon slices
Squeeze lemon juice over before serving.
Why it Works:
This refreshing cooler blends natural citrus juices with a bubbly twist, making it a kid-friendly drink that feels festive and fun. Freshly squeezed orange juice brings sweetness and brightness, while the homemade sparkling lemonade adds a tangy, fizzy kick. Using sparkling water keeps the drink light without added sugars or syrups from store-bought sodas. The result is a balanced, effervescent beverage that feels just as special as a celebration—perfect for sunny days, family meals, or backyard fun.
Family Fun
The Joy Jar!
Tonight, pass around a small jar and some slips of paper. Ask each person at the table (kids and grown-ups alike) to write down one bright moment from their week. It can be silly, serious, or small. Fold and drop it in the jar.
Read each bright moment out loud and ask questions about them. It’s a great way to spark conversation that brings your family closer together.
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