Culture Club
Mardi Gras, food and independent women are a few of the things that define Louisiana’s distinct culture
LINKED IN
BOUDIN: A GUIDE TO LOUISIANA’S EXTRAORDINARY LINK
“Boudin: A Guide to Louisiana’s Extraordinary Link” is at once a culinary history of that special sausage, a love letter to those that make it, and a collection of historic and modern recipes. Author and founder of University of Louisiana Lafayette’s Public History Program Robert Carriker, explores the origins of boudin from 1700s France to Acadiana to today’s popular presentations of this humble, yet mighty, meat. This updated second edition features new full-color images by acclaimed food photographer Denny Culbert, updated locations, and new takes on the classic, making this more-than-a-cookbook book a treasured gift for foodies, fans of Louisiana culture and for those whose love language comes grilled and in sausage form. Softcover, 126 pages, $24.95
GOOD COOKING
Cooking for the Culture
New Orleans food writer, winner of Hallmark’s Home and Family Network’s Best Home Cook, and ambassador for the New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network, Toya Boudy shares the lessons she learned growing up with her hard-working family — making great meals on a very tight budget but with plenty of love — to TV home cook personality on the Food Network and TLC. She shares her own unique experiences, struggles and triumphs, and how cooking transformed her own life, one recipe at a time. “Cooking for the Culture” features more than 200 full-color photographs highlighting classic New Orleans recipes inspired and guided by the Black community (with Boudy’s personal touch) such as smothered chicken, jambalaya, buttermilk turkey wings, Cajun butter corn and more. Hardcover, 240 pages, $32.50
A WILD RIDE
From Behind the Mask: Essays on South Louisiana Mardi Gras Runs
While many know about the history and culture of Mardi Gras as classically celebrated in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and beyond, the traditions of Cajun and Creole South Louisiana remain a mystery to many. “From Behind the Mask: Essays on South Louisiana Mardi Gras Runs” is a firsthand completion of memories, explorations and deep dives in this unique world from University of Louisiana Lafayette professor emeritus Barry Jean Ancelet. From costuming to history, issues of class and race, and the chaotic revelry of Carnival, “From Behind the Mask” takes readers on a wild ride through a hidden world. It is a provocative, thoughtful, playful, riotous account of one of Louisiana’s most treasured cultural traditions. Softcover, $30
FAMILY AFFAIRS
The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights
Set in 1920s New Orleans and New York City and beyond, “The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights” by Kitty Zeldis follows the lives of three very different women as they work to make their own way in the world, developing a unique kinship along the way. Seamstress and dressmakers Beatrice and Alice, newly arrived from New Orleans, along with their new Brooklyn neighbor Catherine, must navigate their own pasts in order to create the families they have always wanted, but on their own terms. New York Times bestselling author Lisa Barr declares Zeldis’ latest novel, “an exquisite tale filled with love, loss, despair and forgiveness, as her richly developed characters tackle the difficult decisions one must make and the repercussions of those that are made for you.” Hardcover, 352 pages, $27.99
