Chef Spotlight: NOLA Cuisine Roundup!

Tonight was my monthly Chef Spotlight dinner! In remembrance of Hurricane Katrina that swept through New Orleans three years ago, we paid homage to the culinary talent that managed to withstand the winds and rains. My friends and I gathered around dishes we made using recipes of famous New Orleans chefs or random Cajun/Creole inspired recipes. Here's what graced our table:

Cajun Caviar
shared at the event by Ruth

Cajun Crabcakes
shared at the event by Ruth

Spinach & Oyster Loaf
shared at the event by Robert

Red Beans & Andoille Over Rice
shared at the event by Teresa

Seafood Jambalaya
shared at the event by Joelen

Cajun Shrimp Pasta
shared at the event by Betsy

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
shared at the event by Joelen

To join in the fun, my fellow bloggers have submitted recipes inspired by Cajun & Creole cuisine. As I do with each blogging event I host, a lucky blogger receives a giveaway related to the food theme. This event's winner is Stina of Eat Something! Stina will be receiving a Cajun Cookbook compliments of Tony Chachare and a jar of King Creole Seasoning from The Spice House. Congratulations Stina and thanks to all that participated in the blogging event! Read on to check out the recipes submitted by my fellow bloggers...

Stina of Eat Something!
from Mephis, TN
Potage Maigre & Praline Bread Pudding
Stina contributes 2 meatless dishes and shares her thoughts on Creole food. Check out her blog for the Potage Maigre and Praline Bread Pudding recipes as well as her views on Creole cuisine!

Rachel of The Crispy Cook
from New York
Scallop & Corn Salad
Rachel joins the event with a colorful and refreshing salad, using lots of tomatoes, peppers, basil,and corn right from her garden. Check out her blog for the recipe and "BAM!" your guests with it!

Jessica of New Year, New Name, New Me
from Wisconsin
New Orleans French Market Beignets
What would a New Orleans food event be without Beignets? These soft pillowy treats are what Jessica shares with us. Check out her recipe on her blog and you just might stop eating doughnuts!

Elizabeth of Elizabeth's Edible Experience
from Fairfax, VA but originally from NOLA
Cornbread & Andouille Dressing
Elizabeth joins us for her first blogging event and shares her amazing dressing. It has some great flavors mixed in so be sure to check out her blog for the recipe!

Ally of Culinary Infatuation
from Atlanta, GA
Healthier Red Beans & Rice
Looking for healthy recipes without sacrificing flavor? Give Ally's recipe for Red Beans
& Rice a try! She lightens it up using brown rice & smoked turkey sausage. Check out her blog for the recipe and give it a try!

Heather of The Shannon's Kitchen
from Florida
Jambalaya Pasta
Heather made an Emeril Lagasse recipe for Jambalaya Pasta chock full of chicken, shrimp & andoille sausage. Check out her blog for the great recipe and find out what interesting side dish she made to accompany it!