Da Cajn Critter:The Lifestyles, The Rules, and Makin' Groceries

Rule #1
The first rule of cooking with Da Cajn Critter is that there are no rules. It's all about having fun and enjoying whatever you are making. However, there are three suggested guidelines that make cooking so much easier and efficient.

Here in New Orleans, we call it "Makin' Groceries" and it's a process of preparing a list of everything you need to buy before you start cooking. So, the first step is to make a list of everything you will need. But don't make a list of ingredients on a ratty piece of paper or on the back of whatever you find to write on at the time. One day when you are out doing errands, stop by your favorite stationery store and buy a great note pad that you love that you will use for makin' groceries.

Makin' groceries is part of the fun and should be like a scavenger hunt. You may not know what you will find, but there are clues along the way. Remember, there are people along the trail who you can stop to ask for directions or assistance.

Once you have written down the list of what you need, head out for the grocery store with a sense of adventure. Bring the kids along - they can actually be helpful in fanning out and finding what you need. It also teaches them to "make groceries" at an early age and will ensure a future generation of Cajn Critters. It is time to make friends with your butcher, your produce manager, and the customer service department at your local grocery store. You will be amazed at how much they actually enjoy assisting you - it makes their job more interesting and over time you will have some friends to look for when you go shopping.

Rule #2

After you have made groceries, the second step is to line up all the ingredients that each recipe calls for. It's kind of like a second line in Nawlins%u2026 put everything on the counter so it's easy to reach including a dish towel and you don't have to stop and look for that one missing ingredient.

Rule #3

The third step is very important and should never be skipped. Before you begin to mix your ingredients pour yourself a glass of wine or your favorite drink, and turn on some music that you love (My favorite is Jimmy Buffet as he is "da man." Wouldn't you like to wear shorts and a t-shirt everyday, sing about life in crazy ways, play guitar in beautiful places like Key West, eat Cheeseburger's in Paradise, and end your day with a margarita?

Now you are ready to get started. Enjoy!