Lagniappe Leftovers

It’s finally here! My first cookbook, “Lagniappe Leftovers” by Pelican Publishing is now available on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, or your favorite local bookstore. I’m excited to share this news with all of you, for you all have helped make the book happen. Thank you for supporting my no food waste mission, thank you for encouraging the continuation of my blog after all these years, and most importantly thanks for loving leftovers.

Before I even began to write my cookbook, I knew I wanted it to have three things:

One, I wanted it to be reminiscent of a vintage cookbook passed down by generation and generation with black and white sketches and personal photographs.

I was honored to have Dr. Tom Quaid, of Heart to Art, not only do the chapter sketches but also design the retro cover to inspire us all to “Think Outside the Ice Box.”

Two, I knew it was going to be dedicated to my MeMaw and her Maque Choux recipe would be the last one in the book.

Three, I wanted it to be very affordable. I didn’t want to write a book about saving food, time, and money, only for it to “cost” in order to save. The book retails for under fifteen dollars!

Check out these wonderful words of praise I have received:

“Susanne Duplantis is out to save the world one leftover at a time. You’ll think twice before ever throwing edible food away again!”–Poppy Tooker, host of Louisiana Eats! radio show

“With this fun, family-friendly cookbook, there’s no longer any excuse for standing in front of the refrigerator with the door wide open and asking oneself the eternal question: ‘What in the world am I going to make?‘”–Adrian Miller, James Beard Award-winning author

“You’ll never look at your leftovers the same way again! Susanne Duplantis has unlocked the code to rethinking leftovers and reducing kitchen waste.”–Cynthia Graubart, James Beard Award-winning author

Want to know more?

“Susanne Duplantis takes the last bit of leftovers from your favorite Southern dishes and repurposes them into brand-new tasty offerings. These simple home-cooked recipes combine the time-saving advantage of leftovers with the convenience of pantry staples you already have on hand to create family-pleasing meals that are also friendly on your wallet. With Susanne’s guidance, you’ll begin to see leftovers as a delicious way to save time, food, and money.”

There are 25 tasty tidbits and 100 delicious and practical recipes in “Lagniappe Leftovers.”

Here is a recipe for “Olive Red Bean Relish from the chapter, “It’s a Southern Thing: Grits, Beans, and Rice.” The relish is a great way to use that last bit of red beans in the freezer for a refreshing summer dip for tortilla chips.

“Just like leftover red beans, this dip gets better with time. I like to plan ahead and chill it overnight before enjoying. The flavors may sound crazy, but this dip is always a hit at parties.”

My book tour has begun and it has been such a treat for me to be out and about in different cities and meeting some of you in person. Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. It’s wonderful to see old friends and to make new ones. Many have asked what my favorite go-to recipe is in the book, I would have to say the Pecan Pie Salmon, for it’s not only simple and delicious but it’s also a conversation starter. Did I peak your curiosity? Then please take a peek at my book!

Here’s some recent press:

An article in the in Register magazine says, “Susanne Duplantis’ new book puts Louisiana leftovers in the limelight.”

An article in the West Side Journal says, “New Roads resident’s cookbook includes fresh use for leftovers.”

TO COOK IS TO CREATE: Of course, it is! From in Register, “The “To Cook Is To Create” notes at the end of many of the recipes encourage readers to make substitutions with the ingredients they already have in their pantries rather than make another trip to the grocery store.”

FOOD FUN: Working on this cookbook was fun for it has always been a dream of mine. The only thing I wish I would have done is count how many gumballs I chewed from the start of the book to its completion. I’m really surprised I don’t have a mini gumball machine on my desk! Yes, I’m a bubble gum fanatic, especially gumballs. Remember my gumball inspired martini?