Lagniappe

Lagniappe: / la·gniappe | \ ˈlan-ˌyap

What is "Lagniappe"?

It's a Louisiana French term that means: a little something extra and it has been a mainstay in my vocabulary since I lived in New Orleans in the mid 80's. It is always top of mind and it's always my favorite part of a gathering . . . What’s a little something extra I could throw into a recipe? Or a little something extra that I could add to this dinner table to make the guest of honor feel special? Or a little something extra I could hand guests when they walk in the door or when they leave at the end of the night? I absolutely LOVE coming up with that little bit of extra!

The lagniappe for this collection hails from Charleston, S.C. As I wandered into this gem of a store, Grit & Grace, I was mesmerized by the array of hand painted oysters peeking out from simple boxes at the front of this store. These beautiful shells surround a southern delicacy that is the essence of low country gatherings along the coasts of North & South Carolina.

I knew that this was my little something extra . . . it connects back to Grandma Betty. Grandma would occasionally make oyster stew & I just loved it. She didn’t have access to fresh oysters (since Concord, N.C. is nowhere near a coastline). In fact, the oysters she used most likely were from a jar. But let me tell you - the love she put into creating that stew with the oysters, cream, butter, salt, & pepper is unmatched when it comes to cooking with love. I can still taste that perfect mix of salt, brine, & creamy broth that she ladled over my bowl, half-filled with crushed saltine crackers.