Bye-bye, winter 2018

We so rarely get snow or ice in New Orleans, I compiled evidence of this January’s effects on the back yard. Most of my plants died, except for the little satsuma tree!

JambaLAya Kidlit Conference 2018

  For the second year in a row, the Louisiana/Mississippi chapter of SCBWI knocked it outta the park! This is one of the best kidlit conferences I’ve attended, and I’ve been to a few. I tend to prefer regional conferences for the intimacy and depth of focus, not to mention the community building, and this one delivered.…Continue reading JambaLAya Kidlit Conference 2018

Vegetarian gumbo recipe

It’s so COLD here! Good weather for gumbo, though. I’ve been a vegetarian for close to 30 years. (How have I done anything for 30 years? But I digress.) My whole family is vegetarian, so I’m always looking for kid-friendly, veggie recipes that are easy to make. Traditional New Orleans food tends to be spicy, meat-or-seafood-based,…Continue reading Vegetarian gumbo recipe

Sweet and spicy pecan snack

Wintertime in New Orleans means lots of pecans on the shelves. Here’s a quick, tasty afterschool snack. (Also popular when you need a snack-to-share.) If your munchers don’t like spicy treats, make a batch with just the sugar and a little cinnamon. Sweet And Spicy Pecans 2 cups pecan halves 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1…Continue reading Sweet and spicy pecan snack