Secrets from Latil's Landing
Turtle Soup
Serves 12
2 Pounds boneless turtle meat cut into cubes
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup flour
2 cups diced onions
1 cup diced celery
1/4 cup minced garlic
1 cup tomato paste
1 quart beef stock
3 bay leaves
1/4 cup chopped oregano
1/4 cup chopped thyme
juice of one lemon
juice of one orange
4 hard boiled eggs chopped fine
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup dry sherry
In heavy saucepan heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add flour and cook until the flour turns light brown color, about 8 minutes. This roux must be stirred at all times so it will not burn. When roux reaches the desired color add onions, celery, garlic, tomato paste, and turtle meat. Cook for 15 minutes stirring constantly. Add beef stock, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme and bring soup to a swimmer. Simmer soup until turtle becomes tender, about 1 hour, then add lemon juice, orange juice, and diced eggs. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Ladel the soup into bowls and served with a shot of sherry on the side. |
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First Impressions
As seen from the view of Princess Grace 
I love to watch the faces of those coming to Houmas House for the first time. I can always spot them right away by the look of fascination and excitement on their faces. It gives them away every time. From my private living quarters I can hear the laughter, the gasps, and the applause of the guests as they tour the mansion. My favorite part is when they walk out onto the balcony and look down the alley of oaks and across to the Mississippi River. They reach for their cameras and capture the moment. Later we see these images reappear on social sites everywhere. I love to see what each new visitor takes away with them. Sometimes it's a picture of the spiral staircase, sometimes a trinket from the gift shop, and almost always a "doggy-bag" from the restaurant.
But the one thing that's consistently taken back home with each guest is the memory of their favorite place to visit and and the trip back in time that we call Houmas House Plantation.
What was your first experience like at Houmas House? I want to hear your story.
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Art Gumbo Continues
Our monthly Art Gumbo Festival is still a local favorite. If you're here for a quick visit or live nearby, it's worth the trip to see the local artists' paintings, pottery, and other hand made crafts.
Our award winning Executive Chef, Jeremy Langlois, also provides food tastings from Latil's Landing.
With live music provided by local bands and musicians, this festival is a sample of what Louisiana is all about. Come see for yourself.
Saturday, January 15, 2011 10 AM-2 PM Free Admission On the grounds of Houmas House Plantation |
