Crawfish, Murder Mystery Parties, and Cookbooks Galore!
This past week was full of food, fun, mystery, and cookbooks!
My boo, Chad, turned 40 so we had a crawfish boil in his honor. (Also in his mom’s honor because her birthday is the day after his.) Not only did we have crawfish but we had crabs too! I wish I would have taken pictures but I was too busy stuffing my face, mingling, and child wrangling. (Shout to my sister who did take pics. Some are below!) In honor of crawfish season, I will share my crawfish cornbread recipe. It’s one of my favs when there is leftover corn and crawfish to use.
The following weekend we attended a Murder Mystery Dinner Party! (It was also a pregnancy reveal!) Each person invited was a character (I was an actress pretending to be someone else and my boo was Russian security for a developer.) who could be the possible murderer! There was sushi made onsite, drinks, charcuterie boards, cake and homemade ice cream. As someone who is an introvert and generally anxiety ridden antisocial person, this was a good time. Our host chose the perfect character for me. I could sit by myself for a few minutes, decompress, then go back and mingle. Chad and I have been talking about having a murder mystery dinner event at a restaurant in New Orleans. I suppose if there is enough interest, we can make it a real thing. It would be different than the one we went to but still fun!
Cookbooks and Writing News
Are you wondering where the cookbooks come in? Well, I was selected to be a judge for the 2023 IACP (International Association of Culinary Professionals) cookbook awards! The books have started arriving and overwhelmed is an understatement. However, ya girl is on the right track. I sometimes doubt myself on this weird writing journey that I’m on. It’s not the typical path nor do I want to paint myself into one particular grouping for what I do. I have all this knowledge but I’ve struggled with sharing it because imposter syndrome is real. Writing helps me work through that but just know, when I post my cookbook reviews, I do know what I’m talking about. :)
One more bit of good news on the writing front. I am being featured as a Guest Chick on the Chicks on the Case blog! It will be up next week. I will send out a reminder so y’all can check it out. This is a big deal for me because I love a good mystery and these ladies write some of the best mystery stories around. I’m still working on my first foray into fiction, Andi Raye Mysteries, one day at a time. I’m ⅓ of the way finished. Is there anyone out there who wants to give me a publishing deal, yet? 😊
Things that made me happy this past week
I found out David Leon is coming back to Vera as Joe Ashworth! If y’all don’t know, Vera is a British tv show that is based on the novels by Anne Cleaves. Vera is a hot mess of a DI with her second in command being Joe. They solve murders, most of the time without guns because it is England afterall. It’s one of my fav shows. Not to mention, Anne Cleeves can paint a scene like no other. The level of excitement I had when I found out was uncontainable. It absolutely made my day!
My sister braided my hair for me. I appreciate when she takes the time to do this for me because she has two kiddos and is extra busy with her tax business. Her love language is acts of service and it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Love you BIG sissy!
My mom also scratched my head after much coaxing. It’s one of my favorite things since I was a kid.
I got to hang out with all of my nieces and love on them. One of the nieces turned 3 years old and we had a great time at her birthday party. Her little sister stole the spotlight a few times though. :)
My kiddo has started making up stories as he is playing. We make up stories together and it brings me so much joy. He’s come a long way in this Autism journey and I can’t wait to see how he evolves.
I’m taking a cookbook creation class! Well, classes. They are being offered for free at Nunez Community College thanks to the Meraux Foundation. I’ll keep y’all posted on how those go.
What fun things brought you joy?
Until next time,
Xoxo~Christilisa