The Coen family at the Evangeline Oak in St. Martinville. This is the spot where Evangeline waited for Gabriel in Longfellow's poem, "Evangeline."  From left is Bruce, Taylor, Joshua and Cherie.

 
Recipes 

Pain Perdue 

Day-old French bread 
Several eggs 
1 tbs. brandy 
Nutmeg to taste 

Break several eggs and scramble, adding a touch of brandy. Slice up the stale French bread and dip the pieces into the egg mixture, then fry in a skillet on a medium-low heat. When the pieces are toasted brown, remove from the skillet and top with a touch of nutmeg. Serve with Louisiana cane syrup such as Steens or pure maple syrup from Canada. Serve with a good old-fashioned cup of Creole coffee and chicory. 

Shrimp Creole 
(or Shrimp Cajun depending on what part of Louisiana you hail from) 

4 tbs. butter 
1 cup chopped onions 
1 cup chopped celery 
1/2 cup green peppers 
4 cloves of minced garlic 
2 1/2 cups diced tomatoes 
3 TB chopped parsley 
salt and pepper (preferably cayenne pepper) to taste or Zatarain’s Cajun seasoning 
3 bay leaves 
3 cups water 
3 lbs. raw cleaned shrimp 
2 tbs. flour mixed in cold water 

Melt butter in saucepan. Sauté onions, celery, green peppers until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and fry about 5 minutes. Remove pan from direct heat and slowly stir in flour. Add shrimp and simmer until shrimp turns bright pink, about 15-20 minutes. Do not overcook. Serve over cooked rice. Serves 4-6. 

My Mother’s Pralines 

1 lb. light brown sugar 
3/4 cup evaporated milk 
Pinch of salt 
2-3 cups of pecan halves 

Mix sugar, milk, salt and pecan halves. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Continue cooking over medium heat to soft ball stage (265 degrees), stirring constantly. Cool slightly, then beat until mixture begins to thicken. Drop from a tablespoon on to wax paper or foil. Makes 20 pralines. 
  

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