Crispy Caramel Banana Pillows
The zeppole, an airy Italian pastry, gets the Creole treatment with a bold caramel-rum sauce. Think Bananas Foster in a beignet, with the vibe of Southern Italy. This card has enough spice to serve two people twice or four people once.
Sweet dreams of bananas and cream
“This desert is a ton of fun, it’s been a favorite at Compère Lapin for years. I actually made this for the finale on Top Chef, and while I didn’t win, the recipe is still dear to my heart. It really takes me back to a certain time and place.”
-Nina Compton
Spices in this Recipe Card
Ceylon Cinnamon
Slightly savory, floral and woodsy, with a delicate quality. Its subtle flavor brings added authenticity to Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian dishes.
The source of cinnamon was kept secret until the 1500s, though folks had their guesses. Aristotle believed it was brought to the known world by giant birds, who used the spice to build their nests.
in New Orleans
Meet
Nina Compton
Nina is an award-winning chef and restaurateur who delights in melding the flavors of her Caribbean upbringing with the deep culinary history of French and Italian cuisine. Originally from St. Lucia, she fell in love with New Orleans during a star turn as a Top Chef finalist. With investors nationwide beating down her door after the season aired, she chose to make a return to the Big Easy. She’s lived and worked there ever since.
Onions! They are used in everything but they get no credit. They add sweetness to sauces, you can throw them raw into a salad for zing, they’re great pickled too... Just so multipurpose.
Grilled pompano. Simple, delicious, full of flavor and meaty.
Any type of curry, it warms my soul.
Fried flying fish with parsley sauce. My granny would make this on special occasions.
All the spice, twice as nice
(Because bulk isn't always bettter)
Caribbean-Creole Bistro
Throw a themed dinner party that covers all the courses or add a Creole kick to your midweek menu. Simple, soulful cooking with delightfully deep flavor and a splash of spice.