Christmas is fast approaching and I'm not quite ready-- a lot to do this weekend!

For the recipes this week, I definitely have feast food in mind. I've included Lydia Bastanovich's Italian-American meat lasagna recipe; it'll serve a crowd, and can be made and baked in advance, or put together the day of. If you do make it in advance, bring it out to come up to room temperature before re-heating in a low oven. Next, a dish full of fish and seafood that ticks off up to 4 items for your Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner. And finally, a sumptuous shrimp and oyster pasta dish from Chef Paul Prudhomme. It makes a very special meal for two, or can be portioned out into smaller and less calorific appetizer portions. Cook something tasty! I'll have some last-minute ideas for you next week.

For those of you who give gift subscriptions and have not submitted your renewal list yet, turn it around quickly, and we'll send your gift recipients a card in the next week or two. We'll be out of town over the holiday season, so time is running out.

Enjoy this week's recipes, stay safe and healthy, and, as always, let me know what's on your mind. 

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Susan Ford, Publisher and Editorial Director

Louisiana Kitchen & Culture

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Lydia's Italian American Lasagna

This is perfect for a large gathering on Christmas Eve. Make the meat sauce a few days in advance and keep refrigerated-- it'll be better after the flavors have had time to meld, plus you'll be able to remove a lot of the fat. According to Lydia, the lasana can sit for up to 3 hours before slicing and serving, so you can enjoy the festivities of the evening.

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Catfish and Shrimp La Fitte

If you're planning a Feast of the Seven Fishes, this is a good option, as it contains both shrimp and fish-- gild the lily and garnish each plate with a little jumbo lump crabmeat and fry a few oysters along with the catfish!

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Paul Prudhomme's Garlic Shrimp and Oysters

This is a rich holiday dish, for sure- serve it for a special meal for two, or portion it out for appetizer-sized portions for up to six people.  

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