Chef Jude W. Theriot shares his list of core recipes that define the soul of Cajun cooking. Along the way he shares secrets, hints, and personal asides in his lagniappe, or "something extra," sections. These helpful sections include freezer suggestions and, as in the case of Pain Perdu, explain how the dish got its name.

In recounting the history of the Cajuns from their Canadian beginnings through their migration south to Louisiana, Theriot conveys the spirit and resolve of a proud community. To know this spirit is to know what drives them to cook with such passion. From boiled crawfish, crabmeat au gratin, and shrimp gumbo to chicken étouffée, Chef Theriot has distilled the essence of Cajun cooking with his signature easy-to-follow, hearty recipes....