Preservation Hall Jazz Band pose for a Creole Christmas

What is the difference between Creole and Cajun?

If the recipe calls for tomatoes, it’s Creole.

Creole cooks lived in the city and had greater access to and money for out of season produce. The seasonings reflect that addition.

Cajun recipes almost always use the “Holy Trinity” of vegetable seasonings – sauteed onions, bell pepper, and celery.

Mix it up fresh or stir up enough seasoning to keep a little on hand. To make the larger amount, use the measurements indicated in parentheses. Then use 2 1/2 tablespoons or more of the mix for each recipe. Otherwise, use the smaller amount listed on the left hand side for one family sized recipe.

Both mixes are low salt. If you are used to more, add a little extra while cooking.

Instead of extra salt, how about seasoning the mixture with a little music from the Preservation Hall Jazz Band!

Creole seasonings –

1 t paprika (3 tablespoons)
1 t granulated onion (3 tablespoons)
1 t chili powder (3 tablespoons)
1 t granulated garlic (3 tablespoons)
1 t dried basil (3 tablespoons)
1/2 t dried oregano (1 tablespoons plus 1 and 1/2 teaspoons)
1/2 t dried thyme (1 tablespoons plus 1 and 1/2 teaspoons)
1/2 t dried oregano (1 tablespoons plus 1 and 1/2 teaspoons)
1/4 t ground mustard (2 teaspoons plus 13/4 teaspoon)
1/4 1 ground black pepper (2 teaspoons plus 3/4 teaspoon)
1/4 t ground white pepper (2 teaspoons plus 3/4 teaspoon)
1/4 t ground celery salt (2 teaspoons plus 3/4 teaspoon)
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper, or more to taste (1/2 teaspoon or to taste)

Cajun seasonings –

1 t paprika (3 tablespoons)
1 t granulated garlic (3 tablespoons)
1 t chili powder (3 tablespoons)
1 t granulated onion (3 tablespoons)
1/2 t dried oregano (1 tablespoons plus 1 and 1/2 teaspoons)
1/2 t dried thyme (1 tablespoons plus 1 and 1/2 teaspoons)
1/4 t ground cumin (2 teaspoons plus 1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 t kosher salt (2 teaspoons plus 3/4 teaspoon)
1/8 t ground black pepper (1 3/4 teaspoons)
1/8 t ground white pepper (1 3/4 teaspoons)
Several shakes of hot red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon or to taste)