A Summertime Tradition

If there is one certainty about the long days of summer in New Orleans, it's going to be hot. Really hot. Among the numerous remedies locals have come up to battle this heat, I think there is no one more beloved than the snoball. Now, without a doubt there are snoball shops and stands located everywhere, from gas station parking lots to an unoccupied side of a shotgun double. There's no trouble finding one, but if you want a truly unique experience that goes beyond syrup on crushed ice, do yourself a favor and make the drive out to Hansen's. Hansen's is truly in a class of its own. Back in the late 1930's they created a machine that shaves the ice, which makes their snoballs fluffy and almost creamy. On top of that, they make all of their own flavors and you can really taste the difference. This place has been family owned and operated since they created that ice-shaving masterpiece, and from the minute you walk in that screen door you feel like you belong there. Now, you Old Metairie folks (not saying you're old, talking about this particular area of Metairie) may be saying Hansen's doesn't have anything on Sal's over on Metairie Rd. I think you may have a good argument because I remember having many a good snoball at Sal's, save the fact that those wooden spoons they put in the snoball give my mouth the heebie geebies. And they are family run and have old tree stumps to sit on, etc. But if you want to defend that one, I'll let you do so on your own post. Right now I'm savoring my mint lemonade creation from Hansen's. Happy Snoballing!

The Next Food Network Star?

Yes, this is the audition tape I have submitted to Food Network to enter the "Next Food Network Star" competition and ultimately receive my own cooking show. Yes, I have lost my mind, but it was a blast to make and I thought you may enjoy watching it. Keep your fingers crossed!

Food Memories

If you were to walk past my desk on any given work day and I was not engaged in some lengthy conversation about insurance, it is likely you would find my colleague Donna and I rambling on about something we recently cooked, ate or all the above. We like to talk about food and we can rattle off recipes and stories until we have half of the office gathering around and chiming in. This past Friday we decided to order po boys for lunch. We didn't order from just any sandwich shop, but from a place both Donna and I have known and loved for much of our lives. Donna has been going to Short Stop for years and continues to do so. For her there is no better roast beef po boy. For myself, I haven't ordered a sandwich there in probably close to 20 years or more; but before that most of my Saturdays included standing in line at the Short Stop with Big Joe. Sloppy, extra mayo, roast beef po boys were a way of life then and by no means could you have one without plenty of napkins, a bag of Fritos corn chips and a can of Barq's root beer. This past Friday I decided to relive that glorious combo meal of my youth and I got to tell you after the first bite I was 12 years old again. Even though they have completely remodeled, it's great to have places like Short Stop still around.

Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara is a classic italian dish that is simple, delicious and one of my favorite dishes to make. I consider it a great comfort food because it consists of four of my favorite ingredients - pasta, eggs, bacon and cheese! Hope to see you on August 4th - Joe 4