Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make A Roux? (Book 1): A Cajun / Creole Family Album Cookbook

I grew up in New Orleans, not Acadiana, BUT so much of the author's experience hit me right in the heart.If you are looking for a Cajun cooking "how-to," this is NOT the book for you. As the subtitle states so clearly, this is "a Cajun/Creole Family Album Cookbook." Marcelle Bienvenu tells a wonderful tale of her life in southern Louisiana and shares plenty of family photos to bring the people to life. Woven into this narrative are many wonderful recipes - some Cajun, some Creole, some just the stuff her family liked to cook - and it's a perfect example of how food is such an important part of life in southern Louisiana.This is a great book and I look forward to buying volume 2. If you're looking for a book heavier on the recipes and how-to, I suggest the book "Chef Paul Prudhomme's Louisiana Kitchen." I've seen some snarky comments (on another review of Marcelle's book) about Chef Paul's food being "cooked in New Orleans and eaten by candlelight," but I assure you that Mr. Prudhomme's recipes are delicious and authentic. I was raised on his food (my mom worked for him) and his recipes, cooked by my father and served at our table, not a candle in sight! For me, Chef Paul's recipes (for etouffe', gumbo and so many other things) are the stuff of my childhood.That said, buy this book for what it is - a heartfelt remembrance of a beautiful life, filled with family, faith and fantastic food. Marcelle Bienvenu's book is a gem and it's something I will go back to again and again. Highly recommended, especially for fellow displaced Louisiana natives!

I got a great deal on a "used" copy which must have been "used" based on a technicality because there are no markings or damage to this book. The pages are still stiff as if it's never been read. Remarkable condition. I heard about this cook book through a Louisiana cuisine Facebook group and had to have it. I won't tell you my Mother's name but I am Catholic and can make a roux, and now I can make a lot more stuff too!

When using a cookbook, I like to have pictures of the dish prepared. I want to know what it will look like when prepared. There are no food pictures in this book. There are family photos, which are lovely, but no recipe/food pictures. I returned it immediately. Very disappointed.

I loved the title, it brought me back to my Cajun life as a child and teen! I loved all her stories along with recipes! So down home Louisiana Cajun Country! I am so happy that it isn't lost!! I bought it for one of mygood "Yankee" friend. I hope she likes it as much as I do. Thank you so very much!!!

Reading your book was like going home for a visit. I'm from New Iberia and have been to the statue of Evangeline. My son and his wife Jeanne' were married in the St Martin De Tours Catholic Church. My grand babies were baptised there! Jeanne's maiden name is Bienvenue, her mom and dad are Lennie and Fred. My husband and I moved to Vallejo, California eight years ago and reading your book made us sooooo home sick. I read it aloud to him for the first few days after I recieved it, then I got so home sick I had to quit. California would be alright if I could get some good crawfish and shrimp that tasted good. Ha! The crabs over here are the best, though, where else could you go to eat one crab that cost $30.00 at a place called The Dead Fish and go home full. Being a cajun you know that I had to eat every morsel When I started banging the legs with a knife I felt like the whole room turned to stare! Ha! Thank you for your book. I believe that I saw a second edition. I am looking forward to it! Thank you, Susan Bodin Gotcher

Unless you live in Louisiana you've probably discovered Marcelle Bienvenu by watching Food TV's "Emeril Live." When it comes to cajun/creole food, she's the real deal. Who's Your Mama... is an excellent seasonal based regional cookbook. It's also a warm, charming memoir of life in a large family in Southern Louisiana. Bienvenu brings serious credentials to the table. In addition to this book and several others co-authored with celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, she writes a food column for the New Orleans Times-Picayune and is a former restaurant owner. The cookbook contains a wealth of cajun classics. In addition, the memoir of times and events and their ties to food in the kitchen may well remind you of Marcel Pagnol's novels of life in Provence or Laurie Colwin's delicious essays on food and eating. A delightful book.

Well written cookbook with stories that make it a fun read. Classic recipes that are easy and delicious. I can see why this is a classic!

This book goes beyond what is found in a "Normal" cookbook. It is a story book about Marcelle's family and friends and the history behind each recipe. Originally from South Louisiana, now in New Mexico, whenever I'm in the mood for Cajun cooking, Who's Your Mama, Are You Catholic, and Can You Make a Roux comes out of my large cookbook collection and something wonderful is created in my kitchen. If you're looking for the real deal in Cajun cooking, this is the book to get. Recipe for Singing Shrimp on page 20 is my favorite dish with shrimp.