Page 37 - March & April

ROUSES.COM 35
AT SEASONS
PEAK
We are always looking for new ways to
connect with our local farmers, from
working with neighborhood farms to
our own rooftop garden. Right now
our produce bins are overflowing with
sweet, ripe Louisiana strawberries
grown exclusively for us. Our farmer-
partners, Jack and Anthony Liuzza of
Independence, devoted entire fields just
to Rouses. Louisiana strawberry season
ends in April so don’t wait. These
bright red berries have a fresh green
calyx and a sweet aroma.
– Ali Rouse
RECIPE, try me!
Chocolate Covered Strawberries:
Pour a 12-ounce bag of dark, milk or white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe
bowl; heat on 50% power for 1 minute, stir, let rest for 30 seconds. Repeat heat-
ing process until chocolate is almost melted. Remove from microwave; stir until
melted. Dip whole Louisiana strawberries in chocolate; set on wax paper to cool.
Strawberry Vinaigrette:
Mix 1 cup ripe strawberries, ¼ cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons local honey, and ¼
teaspoon each Rouses salt and pepper in blender; puree. With blender running,
gently stream in 1/3 cup Rouses olive oil.
Louisiana Sweet Potatoes
The texture and flavor of sweet pota-
toes grown in Louisiana are different:
they’re softer, with more natural sugar.
White Bonita sweet potatoes are
sweeter still than most orange-fleshed
varieties and have a slightly flakier
consistency. We get our fresh sweet
potatoes year-round from Garber
Farms in Iota.
Louisiana Cabbage & Greens
Cabbage and greens are the founda-
tions of many one-pot meals. Like red
and white beans, cabbage and greens
can be cooked for hours to absorb the
flavors of even the smallest piece of
seasoning meat, resulting in a hearty
and satisfying, though economical,
dish. For full flavor and richness add
Rouses house-smoked spicy tasso
ham, cubed seasoning ham or pickled
pork to the pot while the greens or
cabbage simmer.
Louisiana Beefsteak Tomatoes
In addition to salt and pepper add a sprinkle of sugar to slices of
rich, red tomatoes to enhance their abundant natural sweetness.
Our big, juicy, beefsteak tomatoes from Hoffstadt Farms in
Kentwood are ideal for tasty sandwiches and impressive salads.
Louisiana Pecans
Our big, meaty pecans—the kind you can devour by
the handful right out of the bag—come to us from
H. J. Bergeron family farm in New Roads. They are
perfect in everything from sweet potato casserole to
salads and pies. For a special treat toast them lightly
with butter in a pan and eat them warm with a
sprinkle of sea salt.
Heritage Reserve Navel Oranges
Our Heritage Reserve navel oranges are grown in orchards in California’s
renowned Central Valley on a narrow, 25-mile long area adjacent to the western
foothills of Sequoia National Park. The trees are original Washington Navel, some
as old as 100, and the oranges are sweet and tangy, with a wonderful flavor.