7 Louisiana Desserts You Must Eat
July 23, 2015 Article by All American Healthcare Covington
We couldn’t resist listing some of our favorite Louisiana desserts. But of course enjoy in moderation please…We are an advocate of health!
When people think about the food of Louisiana they’re apt to mention po-boys, muffalettas, and a slew of Cajun and Creole culinarian creations. But Louisiana doesn’t stop with the entree. Desserts in the Bayou State are as iconic as live oak trees, shirt-soaking humidity and Swamps. Here’s the top 7 Louisiana desserts you must eat – All American Healthcare Covington
1. Beignet
Beignet’s are squares fried dough that are sprinkled liberally with powdered sugar. Some people refer to them as a New Orleans doughnut but its taste is quite unique and far from that of the traditional doughnut. You can find this treat throughout Louisiana, but the most popular place to enjoy them is in NOLA at Cafe du Monde on Decatur Street as you listen to a live jazz band.
2. Pralines
First of all, in Louisiana we pronounce it PRAW-leen. Second, what’s not to love about a creamy, sweet dessert made out of butter and sugar? Answer: nothing. The praline was brought to New Orleans from France in the 19th century and today is a dentist’s nightmare. Made with brown sugar, butter and pecans, this candy can be bought in just about any store in Louisiana.
3. King Cake
In Louisiana, King Cakes and Mardi Gras go hand in hand. While some bakeries make and ship these ring-shaped pastries year round, you’ll only find them on store shelves from about the end of December until Ash Wednesday. That means “King Cake season” is a short-lived event that locals look forward to all year. You can enjoy this treat plain or filled with different fruits but all are topped with a thick, colorful sugar-icing.
4. Calas Fried Rice Fritters
Calas, is an oldie but goodie! Calas is an old Louisiana tradition, it is a breakfast fritter mixed with cooked rice, flour, sugar, and spices, and then deep-fried. According to “The Dictionary of American Food & Drink,” the word Calas was first printed in 1880, and comes from one or more African languages, such as the Nupe word kárá, or “fried cake.”
African American street vendors sold the fresh hot calas in the city’s French Quarter, with the familiar cry, “Calas, belles, calas tout chauds!”
5. Bread Pudding
In Louisiana, bread puddings are typically sweet and served as dessert with a sweet sauce of some sort, such as whiskey sauce, rum sauce, or caramel sauce, but typically sprinkled with sugar and eaten warm in squares or slices. Sometimes bread pudding is served warm topped with or alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
6. Banana’s Foster
This Louisiana dessert can be a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Introduced by Brennan’s Restaurant, a New Orleans establishment in the 1950’s, Banana’s Foster is ice cream topped with cooked banana and a thick sauce of sugar, butter and rum that is flambéd, at your table if you’re lucky!
7. Lemon Ice Box Pie
Yes, a classic Italian lemon ice is also a classic dessert in Louisiana. Because there was large influx of Italian immigrants in Louisiana around the turn of the 20th century, and of course that only added to the city’s culinary landscape. Also, the pleasant things it does to your tastebuds.
There you have it, our top 7 Louisiana desserts you must eat, in moderation of course. Want to enjoy your favorite (healthier) Louisiana desserts without the guilt? Click here for healthier baking ingredient substitutions.
Any favorite Louisiana desserts we missed? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!
