1991
Author: Marcelle Bienvenu
Publisher: Times of Acadiana Press, Inc. Lafayette, Louisiana
This cookbook contains the family recipes of the Bienvenu family of St. Martinville, Louisiana. St. Martinville is known as the heart of Acadiana, making it an essential center of Cajun food. Marcelle Bienvenu describes this book as a collection of traditional and new recipes that are a tribute to Cajun culture and heritage. The title of the cookbook is a reference to three important parts that make up Cajun life-family, faith, and food. “Who’s Your Mama” refers to the Bienvenu family and others who can trace their lineage back to the original French settlers of Nova Scotia. After coming to Louisiana during the Expulsion of the Acadians by the British during the French and Indian War, these people would become the early Cajuns. “Are You Catholic” highlights the prevalence of the Catholic faith in Cajun culture and the importance of a section dedicated to Lenten meals. “Can You Make A Roux” is crucial to mastering Cajun cooking and serves as the base for many recipes, including Gumbo. The cookbook is categorized by season. The reason for this categorization is to accommodate when certain foods are in season, such as crawfish in the Spring or venison during the Winter. One recipe that encaptures Cajun culture is black-eyed peas and cabbage, traditionally served while awaiting the arrival of Le Petit Bonhomme Janvier(a New Year’s folklore figure said to bring gifts to good children) and is said to bring good fortune for the New Year. As an accompaniment to the recipes, Bienvenu includes personal memories and photographs(including one of my great-grandparents) that offer an insight into Cajun traditions.
Written By: Bella Mendez
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