Escape Louisiana Arctic Blast With These Cold Weather Foods

Louisiana is getting hit hard with winter temperatures this week. Sub-freezing temps can be felt from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, Bossier City to Ruston, and from Monroe to Lafayette, freezing temperatures set in overnight. These temps will continue in the overnight hours all week long.

The day time temps won't be bringing too much relief either. While the temps will get above the freezing mark, and give the water pipes in homes a little ease, it will be cold for many residents all day long. This will be pushing a lot of Louisiana folk to find a little bit of escape from the winter weather.

While gumbo is the "low hanging fruit" of Louisiana cold weather food, its not the only option.

When you think about a "cold weather food", you usually think of something warm, creamy, and maybe a little spicy. That's why gumbo finds its way onto most lists. A big, steaming bowl of gumbo can warm up your hands, belly, and mouth...depending on the spice level.

But if you've been gumbo'd out already, and need to find an alternative "cold weather" food, we've got some ideas.

Plenty of the options we have listed below are Cajun dishes, but its not just limited to Cajun dishes. You can also use different versions of these same dishes to create variety...including changing the meat options, level of spice, and even what type of vegetables you add. Just please, PLEASE, don't add tomatoes to any of these...