Gather in My Kitchen

May 2021

There are so may great dishes out there that we are often skeptical about trying because they are out of our norm. Culturally they are different from what we are accustomed to and may even look or smell a bit strange to us because of the spices used in them. Well now is the perfect time for you to become a citizen of the world by allow you taste buds to travel via international cuisine. Challenge yourself to try something new.

Depending on your culinary comfort zone, new to you might be Greek, Lebanese, French, Mediterranean or Cuban food. While for others it may be American, Asian, Mexican, Brazilian, or Japanese food. The variety of food available to us is endless. Do yourself a favor and allow yourself to be open to new culinary experiences.

A great way to start your challenge is by exploring a new restaurant every month. Make sure it is something you’ve never had and in an environment you will be comfortable in. For example, I took my parents to an Asian restaurant in Florida where we had to take our shoes off and sit on the floor. Since my parents are up in age that wasn’t the most

comfortable situation for them. Although the food was excellent and they didn’t complain, I know they could have enjoyed the experience more if they had been more comfortable.

Finally, make sure it’s something you are going to eat. If you know you won’t eat octopus, they don’t order that from the menu. The point is to have and enjoyable experience while trying new things. You may find it a lot easier eating a Cajun barbecued alligator sandwich. Whatever the case is the goal is to cultivate your culinary pallet by exploring new dishes. You may be surprised by what becomes your new favorite dish. For me I love oysters. I love them fried, raw, broiled, charbroiled, and smoked. They can be in soup, on a salad, on a poor boy sandwich, all alone or accompanied by crackers and hot sauce. I just love our delicious, plump Louisiana oysters! Although I love oysters, I’m still actively exploring other food options and there is always a chance that I’ll fall in love with something new. I guess we will see.

Recipe of the Month

Chef Gason’s Focaccia Bread

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 envelope (2 ¼ teaspoons) rapid rise or fast-acting yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 2/3 cups very warm water between 120°-130°F
4 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray or oil.
Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the water, then add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring until well mixed. Press into the prepared pan. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke multiple holes into the dough. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dough. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cover again and let rise additional 15 minutes. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until lightly browned.
Cool slightly and slice into pieces.

Community Service

I am honored and grateful to announce I am now on the Board of Directors of a Charity that means so very much to me, Breaking The Chains Foundation. I’m inviting you all to check out breakingthechainsfoundation.org and follow us on Instagram to learn more about what we do. I thank them for giving me an opportunity to work closely on a cause I believe in.

Physical and Mental Fitness

In the day of multitasking, various options and life moving at a brisk speed we often find ourselves overthinking things. Simple decisions become difficult to make because our brains are cluttered, in overdrive and jumping from one thing to the next. We lack focus and the stress and anxiety we experience because of it causes us to second guess ourselves and overthink even minor tasks.

Anxiety and Overthinking

I deal with my overthinking through exercise. Exercise helps me regain my focus and get centered on what is important all while diminishing my anxiety. If you are an overthinker try exercise to help clear your mind. A simple walk, yoga or a morning jog will have profound effects on your mental health. Try it and let me know if it helps.

If you have cooking related questions for me, please send them to chefgasonnelson@gmail.com. Maybe your question will be highlighted next month.

– Chef Gason

Q & A

What is the difference between Cajun and Creole food?

Timothy G.

Bridgeport, CT

Answer

This is a question I get all the time! Although Creole and Cajun food have may similarities there are major differences between the two. Creole food was mainly found in the New Orleans area of Louisiana and was a bit more sophisticated than Cajun food. Creole cooks tended to use more tomato-based sauces and were able to create higher end dishes than Cajun cooks because they had more of a variety to select from because they had access to a variety of foods brought in through the port of New Orleans. Also, the fact that Creole food has Spanish, French and African influences because of the blended culture of New Orleans their dishes tend to be a lot more sophisticated.

On the other hand, Cajun food is more rustic as the Cajuns live off the land and eat what they hunt. Cajuns hunt, cook and eat everything from nutria rat, to alligator and everything in between. Cajuns are likely to cook the entire meal in one pot whereas Creole cooks often serve their meals in courses. Hunting and fishing for dinner is the Cajun way of life. Children in the Cajun community learn to hunt and fish at an early age. It’s normal for Cajuns to hunt and prepare wild boar then spear fish for gar fish and catfish before feasting riverside with family and friends. Boiled crawfish or mud bugs as they’re called are also a favorite dish of Cajuns.