Gourmet goodies to remember NO once home...

[MellieMac]

What are some semi and non perishable food items we should look for to take home from our trip to New Orleans? And I would say we are more savory than sweet.

[Bunsbert_Montcroff]

I stock up on Blue Runner beans and Hubig's Pies whenever I go home. Can't find either here in Phoenix.

[NoHun]

My 2 personal favorites:
- Café Du Monde coffee (Chicory OR French Roast)
- LA Gold Hot Sauce (This hot sauce is spicy w/ heat & cannot be found too far away from LA.)

Wish there were a way to mail order K-Paul’s coconut cake, breakfast from Camellia Grill, veal parmesan from Mandino’s….you get the picture!

[kevin]

can you take a whole coconut cake from Kpaul's home with you? somehow pack it in your carryon. just don't let anyone know.

[MellieMac]

Dear lord, there is nothing I love more than coconut cake. If you can pack it, I will travel with it. Working that out now....

[NoHun]

Wishful thinking Kevin! We called Kpauls so often that when we gave the hostess our name she said, “Ah…the coconut cake people!” The cake is worth the calls, the cost and the calories. If you find a way, post it – quickly!!!!!!!

[kevin]

will do, as another coconut cake option has anyone tried an air-shipped one from the Peninsula Grill in Charsleston, SC? the cake itselft costs 100 bucks, plus some exorbitant shipping costs, making it close to 150 or so.

[Hungry Celeste]

I can't imagine buying a whole one and transporting it. The recipe for K-Paul's cake is widely available, it isn't especially complicated baking, and it is every bit as delicious (and sticky-sweet) as the in-house version. Yes, it does have lots of steps, but none are complex.

[kevin]

where' t he recipe for it? i might have to make it myself. thanks for the tip.

[kevin]

the chantill cream that served alongside the coconut cake in the restaurnt, does it have whiskey or alcholhol in it? is there also a recipe for the chantilly out there? thanks again.

[KOK]

I believe the cream at K-Paul's has Amaretto in it. Below are recipe links for the cake and the cream and a blurb about the cream. One cream recipe called for almond extract but most did not.

Thanks,

Kevin

http://www.hungrybrowser.com/phaedrus/m1122M04.htm

http://www.recipezaar.com/61471

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chantill...

[Hungry Celeste]

Don't know if you'd consider any of these "gourmet", but they're all local/southLA products and you can find them at any local grocery store:
--Steen's cane syrup, either in the yellow can or brown glass bottle. Use as you would maple syrup, it's a lighter cane product than molasses. Makes killer gingerbread.
--Zapp's potato chips, esp the cajun craw-tator flavor.
--Zatarain's liquid crab boil...okay, Z's is now owned by McCormick, but it doesn't have nationwide distribution. Great as a liquid pepper seasoning, it also has strong notes of bay, clove, etc. It's our 'old bay' style seasoning.
--Crystal hot sauce

[MellieMac]

OK, substitute gourmet for local...
What about chow chow or picallili....my sister loves that stuff!
Or smoked meats that travel and freeze well?
Funky stuff you only find at your local corner store?

[Hungry Celeste]

Olive salad (buy it in a sealed jar for transport)
Best quality smoked meats aren't found in NOLA, though I guess you could drive out to LaPlace (search this board for a thread titled Andouillle and other smoked meats for directions, purveyors, etc)

[idreamoffood]

where is the best place to get this stuff?

[marchperson]

French Market at end of Decatur would be a good place to start. Also add Pralines to your list (you can have them mailed home) Another place would be the JAX Brewery at the foot of Jackson Square.

Also Tabasco products including pepper jelly is a favorite of mine. In the River Walk there are some kitchen shops that have New Orleans products. Community Coffee is a louisiana favorite...can also be shipped.
My son, lives in Boston now, but loves it when we ship Zapp's Crawtators to him. My advice would be get online and order the stuff, so you won't have to fly with it!
Another thought, Trappeys is a good Louisiana brand for okra products. That's very southern! Now I am rambling, so will stop. Enjoy your trip and your mom's 80th. Be sure to let us know how the trip turned out!

[Living4fun]

FYI, I just discovered that World Market in the Milwaukee area is now carrying Zapp's; not all flavors . I wonder if all locations will be carrying Zapp' s?

[MellieMac]

Coffee! What a great idea! My sister lives in London so it's cheaper to have her son carry everything as opposed to shipping! We will have to wait til October for results but we are exicted! I am particularly looking forward to a haunted/voodoo/ghost walk with my 26 year old nephew!!!!! He will be holding my hand!!

[marchperson]

Just have a couple of Hurricanes on Bourbon street and you won't be afraid of anything, but still hold hands because the drinks are powerful! Nothing worse than falling in the Quarter to run a trip!

[dcata25]

If you buy olive salad, pack it in your checked luggage. TSA will confiscate it because it has liquid in it if you leave it in your carry on. It does NOT matter that it is sealed.