I last visited the wonderful city of New Orleans the summer before Katrina. I completely fell in love with it's unique charms.... a perfect mosaic of old world mystery and modern day cosmopolitan enjoyments.... a morning's cafe au lait and beignets at the famed Cafe du Monde, followed by an Jambalaya Cruise along the Mississippi River, and an afternoon Ghost Tour, visiting old world mansions and famed houses of Ann Rice and Marie Laveau.. ( ending just as the soft shadows of evening begin their advent..) . and then the evenings...the most amazing restaurants...the Creole and Cajun and French cuisine...the famed mint juleps...and delightful strolls along Pirate's Alley and St Charles Street and the most famous Vieux Carre', or French Quarter and ...always...the sweet sounds of jazz....
New Orleans is a city of many cultures...and it is an old city...steeped in the magic and beliefs of the islands..and far off lands...
Even the wrath of Katrina did not destroy New Orleans...there is a strength there..borne of centuries of stalwart people... and yes, the good times still do roll!
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I will return to this topic...the cuisine of New Orleans ..quite often in my Blog... there is much to share....
Today, I offer you the makings of a New Orleans favorite...
Muffuletta
Muffuletta is a sandwich beyond compare...truly a New Orleans favorite...simple to prepare and one that you will return to often. It is a hearty autumn favorite...and also lends itself perfectly to outdoor picnics and get aways. The olive mix can be prepared and packed separately and then added as your picnic unfolds, adding a piquant taste to the mellow cheeses and flavorful hams...and all enveloped by a true crusty peasant bread... Perfect!!!!!! Served with a Louisiana brewed tea..or a fresh lemonade...amazing!!!!
Muffuletta begins with the freshest of cheeses and hams....there are variations..but I chose the following:
sliced mozzarella
sliced mild provolone
sliced hard Italian salami
sliced lean low-salt ham
The olive mixture is composed of the following:
pitted large green olives
pitted kalamata olives
pitted black olives
( optional) artichoke hearts ( from a jar )
a touch of extra virgin olive oil
I chop the olive mixture, blending with the touch of olive oil. refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to marinate.
Use a crusty peasant bread..or sliced baguette. Arrange the cheeses and hams..and then add a spoonful of the olive mixture at the last minute. Again, for a picnic or day's get away, pack the olive mixture separately.
And....the finished masterpiece...a perfect New Orleans Muffuletta!!!! Let the good times roll!!
Laissez le bon temps rouler!!!!
Yummy! We should go to New Orleans some day :)
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