Houmas House Plantation

 

 

April  2015

Houmas House Plantation and Gardens

 

 
 It's Not Easy Being Queen

As Seen by Queen Grace

 

 

 

As you know, I have quite an agglomeration of hats. The collection started when I moved to the Sugar Palace 12 years ago. My ancestors once taught me the importance of a proper hat-- not only were they used to make fashion statements, but they were also quite indicative of a woman's status.

In fact, two notable women in Houmas House's history were well known for both their status and wealth but also for their contribution to the daily operations of the sugar plantation.

Caroline Preston and Harriet Miles were the wives of two owners of Houmas House when it was the largest sugar producing plantation in the country.  Although their husbands handled all business affairs concerning the plantation, it was these women who actually ran the household and the everyday operations of the business, as well as caring for all that lived and worked here.  In fact, following the death of her husband, William Porche Miles, Harriet ran the entire plantation.

By day, they wore large brimmed hats protecting them from any sun.  This way, they always looked fair skinned as though they were never exposed to sun, giving the illusion of living a luxurious lifestyle.  At night when they hosted lavish affairs at the Sugar Palace, their hats were ornate and accented with satin ribbons and feathers.  For picnics and day events, they would dress up a simple hat with fresh flowers from the gardens at Houmas House.

As the current Queen of my Sugar Palace, I find it important to continue the traditions of plantation life. Much like the past ladies of the House, I too contribute greatly to the success of the business while maintaining my status and lifestyle.  My hats always reflect the season and today's fashion, while also being practical for my activities.

 


  
 
Much Love,
Queen Grace

 


Secrets from The Carriage House Restaurant

       

Crawfish Stuffed Chicken with Sun-dried Tomato Butter Sauce

Serves 4

For Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup tightly packed fresh spinach leaves, as needed

1 cup Louisiana crawfish tails, chopped

1 tablespoon blackening seasoning

1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

 parsley for garnish

 

 

For Sauce

olive oil as needed

1 tablespoon chopped sun-dried tomato

1 teaspoon minced shallots

1 teaspoon minced capers

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup white wine

juice of half a lemon

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon chopped parsley

salt and pepper to taste

 

 

 

Preheat oven to 350F.

Pound chicken breasts with a meat mallet until they are 1/4-inch thick. Layer half of the spinach leaves over each breast. Evenly divide crawfish and place in a row horizontally across middle of each piece of chicken. Top with remaining spinach leaves. Beginning with short edge, roll stuffed chicken pieces over filling and secure with wooden toothpicks. Sprinkle chicken with blackening seasoning, thyme, salt and pepper.

 

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet set over medium-high heat. Add chicken rolls. Sear chicken rolls on all sides and place in a baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through. Remove wooden toothpicks and transfer cooked chicken to a platter. Slice if desired.

 

Barely cover over the bottom of a saut pan with olive oil and place over medium heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes, shallots and capers and saut until shallots are tender. Stir in cream, wine and lemon juice. Cook until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat and whisk in butter. Season with salt and pepper and serve of chicken.

 

 


 

 

 For more recipes from the restaurants at Houmas House, Click Here 

 

 

Chef Jeremy Langlois leads the culinary team at the Houmas House Plantation as Executive Chef of the award winning Latil's Landing Restaurant, named by Esquire Magazine as one of the top twenty best new restaurants in America.  There he masterfully creates wonderful dishes in a style that he calls "Nouvelle Louisiane". 

 

 

Houmas House Announces  the Arrival of  Our New Book - 
Louisiana's  Sugar Palace 

 

A magnificent pictorial and history of the enchanting mansion, gardens, and buildings of Louisiana's Sugar Palace, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. Artist, author and photographer Jim Blanchard's compilation of recent and historic photography, archival research, and treasures from the Houmas Collections unfold in his tribute to the families of the great sugar barons Daniel Clark, Wade Hampton, John Burnside, and William Porcher Miles.

 

The historic tribute also included early explorers and settlers of the vast Louisiana Territory, and their encounters with the Houmas Indians during expeditions prior to the Louisiana Purchase.  

 

Priced at $95.00

We can ship anywhere in the U.S. for $10.00

 

Orders can be placed by phone by calling the Houmas House Gift Shop - 225-473-9380 

 

Easter Sunday at Houmas House

 

Get egg-citied for Easter Sunday

Our elaborate buffet is such a fun way

To celebrate with family, friends and us

Without the headache and all the fuss

 

The kids can frolic among the flowers

Stay all day or just a few hours

Either way, it's the perfect start to Spring

Living the day of the great Sugar Kings

 

Our menu is set, your reservation we need

One glance at the menu and expectations exceed

Roast beef, sliced ham, crawfish etouffee,

Even pecan pie with Cr�me Anglaise. 

 

Don't wait and miss it, the time is near,

Easter Sunday is almost here!

 

See The Full Easter Sunday Menu Here 

  

 

  

    

Go  Ahead,  Spring  for a  Night  Away!

 
Can you think of a better way to immerse yourself in the Antebellum era then to stay at a plantation? Quaint cottages nestled among gardens and Live Oak trees create the perfect atmosphere for a romantic night away.

Gift Certificates are available for a night at the Inn at Houmas House.  The room includes Mansion tours and a gourmet breakfast in the new Carriage House Restaurant. Gift Certificates can be purchased through our Gift Shop. Reservations can be made by Clicking Here.

 

Houmas House Gift Shop

225-473-9380

 

  
Stay Connected with Houmas House
 
Want to know more about what is happening at Houmas House? Click below and follow us every day.  Use #houmashouse #nolaplantation  
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Now we are offering advance ticket sales for our Garden and Mansion tour and our Houmas House Experience Tour with Transportation from New Orleans. Click below for more information.
        
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See what others have to say about their experience at Houmas House. Click below for our Trip Advisor page!
 
 
 
 
 Open  Daily      
  
          

  

Sunday-Saturday: 9 am-7 pm

Cafe Burnside: 11 am-2 pm daily

Latil's Landing: Wed-Sat 6 pm-9 pm

Sunday Brunch: 11 am-3 pm

The Carriage House Restaurant:

    Breakfast- 8 am-10 am

    Afternoon Tea- 2 pm- 4:30 pm

    Dinner- 5 pm- 9 pm

 

 Directions to Houmas House Here

 

** Please note-  As of November 1, 2014, ticket price for self-guided garden tour has increased to $15.00.  

 

Houmas House Plantation | 40136 Hwy 942 (River Road) | Darrow, LA | 70725

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