Kitchen Road Trip: Louisiana

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend. I’ve been in Charlottesville, Va. for the past few days with my mom and brother to celebrate Mother’s Day. We had a truly lovely time, and my family was great about indulging me in impromptu Instagram photo shoots around town. Charlottesville is such a gorgeous town with so much to do. I’m already planning my next trip!

We also visited Monticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson — I’ve always wanted to see his historic house. Jefferson contributed so much to this country, and one of his biggest accomplishments was the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. That land deal freed the U.S. of French rule, gave it authority over the Port of New Orleans and helped the country to expand westward. If it weren’t for Jefferson, we might not be traveling to Louisiana on this week’s Kitchen Road Trip…

On my last trip to New Orleans, a few college friends and I visited another friend to ring in the new year together. It was such a treat to have a personal tour guide to the Big Easy, a city full of history and celebration. After the jump, you’ll find a few food and design items that remind me so much of that visit. Be sure to tune in later this week for a guest post — a photo guide to visiting New Orleans. Laissez les bon temps roulez! // susannah

Click below to see the Louisiana gift guide!

1. Fleur de Lis Bottle Opener by Chic Shabby and Unique* ($9.95) // 2. Old New Orleans Cajun Spiced Rum* ($37.99) // 3. Racketeer Light by Speakeasy Lamps* ($74) // 4. Zapp’s Voodoo Potato Chips* ($2.95) // 5. Yats Domino Upcycled Mardi Gras Bead Bowl* ($45) // 6. ‘Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler’ Gold Foil Print by Magnolia Creative Co.* ($20) 7. Yeaux Leaux Engraved Flask by Lionheart Prints* ($20) // 8. Chicory-Pecan Bitters by El Guapo Bitters* ($24.99) // 9. Sucré Classic Macaron Collection* ($31.50 for 15) // 10. ‘Taste of Tremé: Creole, Cajun, and Soul Food from New Orleans’ Famous Neighborhood of Jazz’ cookbook by Todd-Michael St. Pierre ($21.95)

*Made or designed in Lousiana

(Photo // Susannah Brinkley)