New Orleans native, Chiqui Pumilia Collier, wrote this cookbook as a labor of love for her children and family members to showcase the culinary talents of those close to her.

With encouragement from her husband, family and friends, the book was written and introduced at the 1984 Worlds Fair held in New Orleans.

Chiqui learned the techniques of cooking through a rich heritage of chefs, but as with most creative cooks, she brings her own original “style” to each recipe. Chiqui, however, is not your typical temperamental “artist”; instead through her book you will find her to be a warm, friendly, caring soul who has a deep love for her family and friends and who expresses that love through her hospitality and feeding all who come through her doors.

We invite you to step through these doors and explore real Southern Cooking and discover for yourself that great New Orleans style food doesn’t have to be complicated or fiery hot!

Cook up Noni’s Oysters Rockerfeller, Aunt Julie’s Paella or Angel’s Seafood Casserole. Make Granny’s Hot Pepper Jelly, Crawfish Bisque and sensational Chicken alla Grande. Warm up to Grandma Collier’s Oatmeal Pie, loaded with chopped dates and pecans or Noni’s Bread Pudding. Wow your friends with Uncle Paulo’s Roast Duck alla Crema, Veal Osso Bucco, or Aunt Tina’s Lentils and Rice. Stir up Chiqui’s Seafood Gumbo, Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya or Craig’s Favorite Red Beans and Rice.

Discover how our families celebrate the holidays and special events with a listing of complete menus. Also included are cooking terms, cooking tips, and frequently used ingredients to have on hand.