New Orleans-based French Market Coffee specializes in bold chicory blends and flavored coffees. Making coffee since 1890, French Market Coffee is a centuries-old staple that is enjoyed by coffee lovers across the state and by customers at New Orleans’ finest restaurants.

Cafe du Monde, the iconic NOLA eatery famous for their savory beignets, serves up a delicious, chocolatey blend of coffee and chicory, a mixture which was developed by the French during their civil war. Since coffee was scarce during those times, they added chicory to add more body and flavor to the brew. Cafe du Monde’s coffee is traditionally served Au Lait (mixed half and half with hot milk), but it’s also delicious served black!

Community Coffee is the largest family-owned retail coffee brand in the U.S. The company grew from a small country store in Baton Rouge, and has achieved so much success since its humble beginnings that it is now the State Coffee of Louisiana.

Here at The Stockade, we exclusively serve Community Coffee. We hope you’ll come enjoy a cup over breakfast with us!

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Among the many pieces of original artwork displayed at The Stockade, one of the most eye-catching is the brightly-colored and highly symbolic painting by David Horton. His work has been favorably reviewed in The International Herald Tribune of Paris, L’Oeil International art magazine of Paris and many other international publications.

In this exclusive interview, Horton talks about his current exhibition at Baton Rouge Gallery, his artistic influences, and how his artwork once saved a marriage!

How did you decide to study art and become an artist?

The truth is, it was just kind of a desperation move. I had already had a good career in design. But I hated advertising. It was stressful and very, very stifling, in terms of your own ability to express yourself. I just decided to go back to school [at LSU] and study fine art as kind of a leap of faith, and you’ll find that theme —’leap of faith’— in all of my work. And it worked out.

You’ve traveled all over the world and done research all around Europe. What was that like?

I spent more time in France. In the eighties, I had a studio in the south of France and I had a studio in Paris. My paintings were quite different back then. They were more serious; my theme at that time was confession. They were not as colorful either.

Spain in the nineties was an eye-opener. I had a studio on the southern coast, and the light and the whole atmosphere was so much different. Spanish are fun-loving people — I can’t say the same about the French … They are in a lot of ways very serious people.

And you’re not a serious person?

I am if I have to be [laughs]. That’s what my paintings were all about. But I found out I could enjoy making work that was more fun and less having to have a heavy philosophical meaning.

You’re having an exhibit at Baton Rouge Gallery this month. Tell me about the pieces that are going to be displayed.

I’m showing new work done in last three years. They’re along same themes that I’ve been exploring in the past. There are twelve pieces. The Baton Rouge Gallery is good for letting people you know see what you’re doing, and it provides an opportunity just to talk to other people about it when they come in.

Can you tell me about the painting that we have on display at The Stockade (pictured above)?

It’s called “Diversions.” If you look in the painting, you’ll see a lot of things that are diverting. She’s carrying a mask, which could also be considered a diversion. The fish represents freedom of choice.

How do you think living in the South has influenced your paintings?

There’s more of the South in there than I care to admit. I’m really from New York, but growing up in the South, you don’t realize how infected you become. It seeps in everywhere. It really would be hard to pick it out in my paintings. Occasionally I’ll be more specific, like including a watermelon in a painting. I spent a lot of time fishing as a child, so fishing comes into my paintings quite a lot.

What do you want people to know about your artwork?

That it’s accessible. People can enjoy it without feeling like they have to get some deep meaning out of it, even though they may have more fun with it if they read my symbols dictionary — then it’s a puzzle.

I had one guy in New Orleans who spotted me in a gallery, came up to me and said, ‘You saved my marriage.’ I said, ‘What the hell are you talking about?’ His wife had bought him a painting for his birthday, and in his words, when he got that painting, he said, ‘I had no idea she knew me that well.’

Wow. Is that the weirdest thing anyone has told you about a painting of yours that they bought?

Well actually, the weirdest thing anybody ever told me about my work was a woman who wrote me and said, ‘Your work made me think of my father for the first time in twenty-five years. It made me very sad and happy at the same time.’

That’s not so weird. Why is that so weird?

Well I can’t imagine anything in any of my paintings that would make anyone think of their father.

I would say, you’re using all of these symbols and it’s all very Freudian and very dreamlike.

I suppose so.

The post An Interview With David Horton appeared first on The Stockade B&B.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the largest contributor to landfills in America is food waste; in 2009 alone, 34 million tons of food waste was produced. Once food waste is dumped in a landfill, it is unable to be reused for the environment.

There are numerous benefits of composting. Not only does composting prevent food waste from ending up in a landfill, but it also adds nutrients to soil, encourages healthy plant roots, saves water by helping the soil to retain moisture, reduces soil erosion, balances pH, and decreases the need for petrochemical fertilizers.

Here are some things that you can chop and use for compost. For best results, use a mixture of browns and greens to ensure a good carbon-to-nitrogen ratio:

“GREENS”

• coffee grounds and filters
• tea bags
• citrus rinds
• fruit and vegetables
• ground eggshells

“BROWNS”

• grass
• pine needles
• shredded cardboard or newspaper
• wood

Source: http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/pdf/8367.pdf

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Crawfish Festival – Beaux Bridge, May 3rd

Held in the “Crawfish Capital of the World,” The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival is an annual festival held to promote the crawfish industry in Louisiana and the culture of Cajun Country.

The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival has also been featured in documentaries by CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, The Food Channel, and PBS. It has been featured in Maxim Magazine, Southern Living, National Geographic, The New York Times, Country Cooking, Motorhome Living, and Better Homes and Garden publications. The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival was named a top 10 Food Festival by USA Today. [http://www.bbcrawfest.com/about_us.html]

Cochon de Lait – Mansura, May 10th

The Cochon de Lait Festival is held annually on the second weekend in May in Mansura, Louisiana. Mansura is the Cochon de Lait capital of the world. The festival mixes great Cajun food, good times and Louisiana music with the famous cochon de lait (French for roast suckling pig). There is plenty to see and do for an entire family to “pass a good time.” [http://www.cochondelaitfestival.com/index.html]

Greek Festival – Baton Rouge, May 11th

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Baton Rouge wants you to join them in a celebration of Greek culture, entertainment and cuisine at the 2nd Annual Baton Rouge Greek Festival in Downtown Baton Rouge on Saturday, May 11, 2013, at the Town Square festival venue. Festival goers will dine on Greek food cooked by members of the Church, using authentic Greek recipes. A Greek band, “Alpha Omega Sound,” from Atlanta, GA will provide live entertainment and visitors will learn traditional Greek dances. The Holy Trinity Greek Dancers from New Orleans will also perform throughout the day. An assortment of beverages, Greek pastries, Mediterranean arts and crafts, clothing, jewelry, religious icons, festival T-shirts and a festival poster will be available for purchase. [http://brgreekfest.com]

Bayou Boogaloo – New Orleans, May 17th

The 8th Annual Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo Festival that will be held Friday May 17 – Sunday May 19, 2013 along the banks of historic and beautiful Bayou St. John. As always the Festival is a family-friendly event with a kid’s stage, along with games and activities for children. Attendees can partake in delicious food, spirits and libations, listen to great local music, and enjoy the very best art that New Orleans has to offer. [http://www.thebayouboogaloo.com]

Jambalaya Festival – Gonzales, May 23rd

The Jambalaya Festival Association, chartered in 1967, invites you to mark your calendar for the 46th annual Jambalaya festival to be held in Gonzales, Louisiana on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 – 26, 2013. Your whole family will enjoy the vast variety of food, fun, music and activities that have made the Jambalaya Festival the can’t miss highlight of the year.

The festival features World Champion Jambalaya served daily, live music and entertainment, carnival rides, cooking contests, a variety of food and so much fun it takes four days to get it all in. [http://www.jambalayafestival.org]

NOLA Food and Wine Experience – New Orleans, May 24th

Over the past 20 years the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience has raised more than $1 million for non-profit organizations right here in our community, while showcasing local food and chefs, and national and international wines. We invite you to raise a glass and be a part of the festivities as we make New Orleans a better place to live, work and play. This year in an effort to fight hunger and support culinary education, the 2013 beneficiaries will share 100% of the proceeds. Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana will receive 40% and the following will share the remaining 60%: the Louisiana Restaurant Association Education Foundation’s ProStart Program, Delgado Culinary Arts School, New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts’ Culinary Program, the John Folse Culinary Institute and the Edible Schoolyard New Orleans. [http://www.nowfe.com]

Cajun Heartland State Fair – Lafayette, May 23rd – June 2nd

The 25th Annual Cajun Heartland State Fair scheduled May 23 – June 2, 2013 will provide the best in family entertainment for children of all ages. North American Midway Entertainment will have numerous super rides such as the giant Ferris wheel, Crazy Mouse and the Mega Drop! Games, free concerts and free attractions will entertain everyone. Prizes and surprises await everyone at the Cajun Heartland State Fair. [http://www.cajundome.com/chsf.aspx]

The post Louisiana Festival Roundup appeared first on The Stockade B&B.

While many tourists mistakenly believe that Voodoo is linked to satanic rituals or black magic, this is not true. Voodoo began when Catholic plantation owners forced their slaves to practice the Catholic faith. Although the slaves took up Catholicism, they also found ways to maintain their traditional African religions. Voodoo is a spiritual practice that has its roots in these traditional African religions, and it is a complex three-tiered spiritual system based on God, spirits, and ancestors.

The term “gris-gris” refers to both the objects used in Voodoo and the magic they provoke. The Voodoo doll is a form of “gris-gris,” a way of invoking the spirits to act in a certain way.

While Voodoo dolls are often portrayed in movies as being a way to harm or manipulate another person, they are more like a representation of another person that is used to make an appeal to the Voodoo spirits. To link the doll to the person it is meant to represent, hair or other personal effects is pinned to the doll using a straight pin or a thorn.

Other techniques used to strengthen the power of the doll include attaching rose petals (for love), garlic or clover (for luck), or placing it between blue and white candles (for healing). Most importantly, the doll must remain hidden — otherwise, the person it is modeled after can take measures to undo its power!

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is dedicated to Voodoo and its history in New Orleans. For more information on Voodoo dolls, check out their website: http://www.voodoomuseum.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6&Itemid=10

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This painting of The Stockade’s side patio was painted by Alex Harvie and TJ Black at our recent Spontaneous Combustion event

Recently, the Stockade Bed and Breakfast hosted a Spontaneous Combustion event. A small audience gathered to watch as musicians improvised on drums, guitar, and harp while artists painted to the beat.

While Joel Willson, the event’s organizer, performed on the violin alongside his fellow musicians, painters Janene Grodesky and Alex Harvie mimicked the band’s rhythms with their brushstrokes.

“The night was an interesting mix of fun and creativity, and I really felt like a part of the art that was taking place through music and painting,” said David Benedetto, an LSU senior who attended the event.

Spontaneous Combustion was founded by Daniel Willson, his brother Joel Willson, and their friend, Ben Herrington. Spontaneous Combustion has been performing together for the past three years at various local venues. The group’s mission is to spread the love of art in the Greater Baton Rouge community — a mission that we fully support here at The Stockade!

The post Spontaneous Combustion Event Held at The Stockade appeared first on The Stockade B&B.

1 chicken

1 pound Andouille sausage

1 cup oil

1 ½ cups flour

2 cups diced onions

2 cups diced celery

1 cup diced bell peppers

¼ cup minced garlic

3 quarts chicken stock

1 can Rotel tomatoes

1 bay leaf

sprig of thyme

1 tablespoon chopped basil salt and cracked pepper, to taste

2 cups sliced green onions

2 pounds sliced okra

½ cup chopped parsley

4 cups cooked white rice

Prep Time: Approximately 1 hour

Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour

Directions: Wash chicken and season with salt and pepper. Boil in stock pot until done. Remove chicken, cool, and de-bone. Save stock. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Cut the Andouille into ½ inch slices and set aside. Begin roux with oil and flour. Carefully darken to dark brown without burning. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic to soften. Add stock, Rotel tomatoes, and spices. Simmer for approximately one hour. Sauté okra in small amount of oil to soften. Add to the stock pot. Cook sausage in skillet or oven and add to stock. Cook another ½ hour or so. Lastly, add chicken, green onions, and parsley. Simmer until chicken is warm. Serve gumbo over rice with some fresh cut green onions and a little Filé for garnish.

Note: Filé is ground sassafras used to thicken and flavor Creole dishes.

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You will need:

• 2 rolls of deco mesh in Mardi Gras colors ($5—$15, craft stores)
• 1 garland (we used a fake pine garland left over from Christmas)
• twist ties / pipe cleaners
• hammer and nails
• ladder
• ornaments (optional)

Step 1.

Hang the garland by securing nails into the doorframe. For a brick surface, Tapcon screws can be drilled into the mortar joints (the white lines between bricks).

Step 2.

Once your garland is secured around the door frame, it’s time to attach the first sheet of deco mesh. Unwrap the deco mesh and pinch the end together, securing with a twist tie.

Step 3.

Secure the mesh to the garland using a twist tie, or if your garland has wire branches (like ours), by wrapping the garland around the mesh.

Step 4. 

Continue attaching the mesh to the garland, placing a twist tie or branch every 7 or 8 inches. This will create a “bubble” in the deco mesh. Don’t worry — the bubbles don’t have to be perfectly round, and it actually looks better if they don’t! Note: Make sure you’re not wrapping the mesh around the garland, but rather securing it only on the front side. When you’re finished, your garland should look like this:

Step 5.

Once you’ve finished attaching the first sheet of mesh, it’s time to add the second. We tried to attach ours so that the “bubbles” alternated in color. Finally, add ornaments by hanging them onto the garland and add a wreath for a finishing touch! (We made our wreath by using two sheets of deco mesh and using the same method used for the door frame).

Voila! Now that your door is fully decorated, it’s time to invite some friends over and laissez les bon temps rouler!

The post Do-It-Yourself Mardi Gras Door Decor appeared first on The Stockade B&B.

Photo courtesy of Annette B. Rapier

You’ve probably heard Louisiana referred to as “Sportsman’s Paradise,” since our state is teeming with wildlife and provides the perfect retreat for birdwatchers, fishermen, and outdoorsmen. But did you know that the National Wildlife Federation has recognized The Stockade Bed and Breakfast as a certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat site?

According to the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program, The Stockade has been certified in the National Wildlife Federation’s worldwide network of “mini-refuges where, because of the owner’s conscientious planning, landscaping and sustainable gardening, wildlife may find quality habitat — food, water, cover, and places to raise their young.”

Although most guests at The Stockade are only able to catch a glimpse of our wildlife, there are many species that live on our eleven-acre property. I’ve spotted foxes, opossums, bats, snakes, raccoons, all kinds of birds (including barred owls, barn owls, and screech owls) and deer sign.

CC Image “Screech Owl” by twoblueday on Flickr

In addition to the wildlife, the property is also home to several native Louisiana plant species, including cypress trees, oak trees, pecan trees, crape-myrtles, camellias, and magnolias.

So if you went on down to the Audubon Zoo and they all asked for you, chances are you’d feel right at home staying among the amazing wildlife at The Stockade Bed and Breakfast!

The post A Haven for Our Guests — And for Our Wildlife! appeared first on The Stockade B&B.

Did you know that The Stockade Bed & Breakfast got its name from the Civil War Highland Stockade that was once located on its grounds? The Highland Stockade was a strongpoint built by Union troops to protect the southern entrance into Baton Rouge. In fact, archaeological investigations have unearthed four clusters of artifacts on our property, including four Civil War-era bullets, a brick feature, and several personal items.

According to an account written by Guy C. Pierce, Lt. Major 4th Wisconsin Cavalry, Captain Pierce and his Company went with Major Craigne on November 7th, 1864 and occupied the Highland Stockade, which had been built by Major Craigne just the year before. Their job consisted of guarding the river and preventing the rebels from transporting salt and beef from western LA and Texas across the river.

The Highland Stockade remains an important historic site and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. It’s a perfect example of the small camps and check-points the Union constructed to guard major roads leading into cities. The Stockade’s rich historical significance makes it an ideal spot for history lovers to visit — so if you or someone you know is a Civil War buff, why not book a room today?

SOURCES:

http://www.crt.state.la.us/hp/nationalregister/nhl/document2.asp?name=17072001.pdf&title=Highland+Stockade

Image courtesy of http://www.hughesfamilies.com/fourth/index.cfm?FuseAction=SoldierDetail&RosterID=1680

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