Secrets from Latil's Landing

Sticky Toffee Bread Pudding

Yields 12 servings

Bread Pudding                   

1½ qt. milk

5 eggs                                           

1 cup brown sugar   

Pinch of cinnamon

Pinch of nutmeg                

1 loaf of French bread sliced in ¼ inch medallions

1 cup chopped dried dates

 Combine eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl. Slowly pour the milk over the egg mixture while whisking constantly.  Spray a baking pan with nonstick coating and place the French bread medallions and dates into the pan.  Be sure the dates and bread is evenly mixed in the pan.  Pour the custard over bread.  Let custard soak in the bread for 30 minutes.  Cover, and bake at 350 degrees for 35 min. Uncover and bake for 15 more min. or until golden brown.

TOFFEE SAUCE

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup packed light brown sugar

Combine the butter, heavy cream and brown sugar in a small heavy bottom saucepan; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil gently over medium low heat until mixture is thickened, about 8 minutes.  Serve immediately over bread pudding

A Day in the Life at Houmas House

As seen by the eyes of Princess Grace

Every day at Houmas House is such an adventure. I'm surrounded daily by entertaining people, events, and the ever changing nature. I begin a typical day at Houmas House by watching the sun rise. The fog covers the gardens making a soft haze. It's so mysterious. The sun burns away the grey fog and reveals the bold colors of the gardens. I particularly love watching all the lizards, bunnies, and frogs hopping from one patch of shade to the next.

Finally it's 9:00 am and everything is open. I make my rounds to visit my friends in the gift shop and am amazed at how many fun gifts we have every day. Everyone is excited about the day ahead and ready to hear the ding of the bell as we greet our first visitors. I love watching the tour guides as they get all gussied up in their hoop skirts and hats. I particularly love listening to our singing guide get warmed up for her full day of belting out "Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte".

Before I know it, the kitchen is buzzing while lunch is being prepared for the café. I'm not so interested in being in the kitchen, so I just wait outside until they tell me about the special of the day. It's always such a surprise.   Lunch is always busy, so I usually take that time to nap, lounge under the shady oaks, or play dress up in my many outfits. The crown is one of my personal favorites.

By the early afternoon, the mansion and gardens are bustling with visitors touring, strolling, and relaxing in little nooks throughout the gardens. Sometimes I take this time to go for a swim or retreat to my rooftop lookout spot and watch all the activity.

Before I know it, it's time to dress for dinner. Now the kitchen is busy getting ready for fancy dinners in Latil's Landing. I find my favorite hat and boa and make my way down to find out what surprises will be found on the tasting menu.

When we don't have weddings on the front lawn, I like to spend the dusk hours on the front porch watching the shadows stretch across the alley of oaks. Everything goes from green to pink to orange, and then nightfall is upon us. This never gets old.

I've shared some images captured on a typical day at Houmas House. Take a look and see for yourself that there is nothing "typical" about a day in the life at Houmas House.

See a Slideshow of a Day at Houmas House Here 

Love,

Princess Grace

Email: PrincessGrace@HoumasHouse.com 

To View a Map and Directions to Houmas House, Click Here