The Garden

Essays on food, spice, and the rituals that hold meals together. These pages grow over time.

• Creole vs. Cajun seasoning seed One leans on herbs, the other on heat. Both came from the same swamp.
• Italian seasoning from seed to spice rack seed Growing oregano, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, and basil in AeroGardens, then dehydrating and blending.
• Red beans on Monday evergreen How a one-pot wash-day meal from three continents became the most dependable thing in New Orleans.
• The holy trinity budding Onion, celery, bell pepper — and the layers of spice that go on top.
• The Monday ritual budding Why cooking the same meal every week turns out to be the point.