February 2015

Houmas House Plantation and Gardens

Houmas House Announces the Arrival of Our New Book - Louisiana's Sugar Palace

A magnificent pictorial and history of the enchanting mansion, gardens, and buildings of Louisiana's Sugar Palace, Houmas House Plantation and Gardens. Artist, author and photographer Jim Blanchard's compilation of recent and historic photography, archival research, and treasures from the Houmas Collections unfold in his tribute to the families of the great sugar barons Daniel Clark, Wade Hampton, John Burnside, and William Porcher Miles.

The historic tribute also included early explorers and settlers of the vast Louisiana Territory, and their encounters with the Houmas Indians during expeditions prior to the Louisiana Purchase.

Priced at $95.00

We can ship anywhere in the U.S. for $10.00

Orders can be placed by phone by calling the Houmas House Gift Shop - 225-473-9380

Pour Some Sugar on Me

As Seen by Queen Grace

The story of Houmas House is 'sweet', literally. It all began with the cultivation of sugar in 1806. From there Houmas House became the largest sugar plantation in the world, stretching over 300,000 acres. It was during the John Burnside era (1858-1881) that Houmas House truly flourished. It was in that era that the mansion was known for its extravagance as it is today.

Known today as the Sugar Palace, there is more sweetness than just sugar cane at this site. Houmas House has hosted more than 300 weddings over the last 5 years, boasted the most romantic restaurant, Latil's Landing, and been voted Favorite Plantation by Country Roads Magazine in 2010. We're all about the love!

This time of year always reminds me of my true love, King Sam. We were married on the front steps of Houmas House in 2003. 1500 people attended our Royal Wedding and celebrated our puppy love.

As you can see, LOVE is what we do best!

Much Love,

Queen Grace

Secrets from The Carriage House Restaurant

Juniper and Brown Sugar Brined Pork Rib Chop with Tart Cherry Glaze and Sweet Potato Mash

Brine:

7 c. Water

� c. Brown Sugar

� c. Kosher Salt

� c. Juniper Berries
1/4 c. Gin

Place Juniper Berries in pot you will make brine in.

Toast them over medium heat until they begin to smoke.

Add gin and bring to a boil. Stand back and flame gin!

When the fire goes out add the brown sugar, salt and water. Bring to a boil and cook until sugar and salt have dissolved. Chill overnight

(If you are in a hurry you can make the brine with half the water and substitute the rest with ice, it will chill faster. Never brine pork chops in hot brine!)

Place thick cut chops in brine for two hours.

Grill or bake until cooked to desired temperature.

Drizzle on glaze as soon as chops are cooked.

Allow to rest for several minutes before serving.

Tart Cherry Glaze:

1/2 c. Dry Tart Cherries

1/2 c. White Sugar

1 1/4 c. Water

1/4 tsp. Lemon Juice

Hydrate cherries in water for 3 hours.

Pour off water and combine all ingredients in a sauce pan. Gently reduce until it coats the back of a spoon, chill.

Sweet Potato Mash:

3-4 Sweet Potatoes

Kosher Salt

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

� c. Heavy Cream

Rinse Potatoes Well and Pat Dry

Toss Potatoes in Just Enough Olive Oil to Coat

Sprinkle Kosher Salt on a Pan

Place Potatoes On Salt and Roast Until Tender

While still hot peel off skin and place tender flesh in a food processor.

Add salt to taste and pulse in warm heavy cream until smooth.

For more recipes from the restaurants at Houmas House, Click Here

Chef Jeremy Langlois leads the culinary team at the Houmas House Plantation as Executive Chef of the award winning Latil's Landing Restaurant, named by Esquire Magazine as one of the top twenty best new restaurants in America. There he masterfully creates wonderful dishes in a style that he calls "Nouvelle Louisiane".

For the Love of Pansies

Every November the Houmas House gardens undergo a complete color renewal consisting of more than 70,000 new plants. These gardens will flourish through the winter and will remain until April when the summer gardens are planted.

Among the myriad of winter cabbages, Snap Dragons, Dianthus and seasonal vegetables and herbs, guests will see rows upon rows of brightly colored Pansies.

Pansies became popular in North America in the early 1800's. They are edible and were often used to make syrup, flavor honey, and used in salads. These were highly popular in the Antebellum era since many of the larger plantation homes boasted formal gardens all year around.

At Houmas House, you will enjoy these blooms in a variety of colors and can appreciate the artistic way in which they are planted. Currently, they are in full bloom and will be a focal point throughout the gardens until April.

Craig Black has been the head gardener at Houmas House Plantation since 1974. His art gallery is located on the grounds of Houmas House and is open to the public. He is always accompanied by his companion, Chip.

Looking for Romance?

Can you think of a better place to celebrate Valentine's Day than the Inn at Houmas House? Only a few rooms are remaining for the most romantic place in Plantation Country.

Gift Certificates are available for a night at the Inn at Houmas House. The room includes Mansion tours and a gourmet breakfast in the new Carriage House Restaurant. Gift Certificates can be purchased through our Gift Shop. Reservations can be made by Clicking Here.

Houmas House Gift Shop

225-473-9380

Valentine's Day at Houmas House

Make your reservation soon for a romantic night at Houmas House. For February 13-14, enjoy a five course tasting menu in Latil's Landing and The Carriage House Restaurant. $100 per person. Reservations are recommended. Call 225-473-9380.

~Starters~

Crab and Mango Cake

Chicken and Andouille Gumbo

Bisque of Curried Pumpkin, Crawfish, and Corn

~Salads~

Houmas House Salad

Roasted Beet and Crab Salad

~Sorbet~

Cosmopolitan

Cranberry sorbet topped with grey goose orange

infused vodka

~Entrees~

Seafood Crepes

Grouper

Filet Mignon

Duck Breast

Rack of Lamb Burnside

~Dessert~

Caramel Apple Bread Pudding

Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake

with white chocolate and ginger ice cream

Turtle Creole Cream Cheese Cheesecake

Stay Connected with Houmas House

Want to know more about what is happening at Houmas House? Click below and follow us every day. Use #houmashouse #nolaplantation

Now we are offering advance ticket sales for our Garden and Mansion tour and our Houmas House Experience Tour with Transportation from New Orleans. Click below for more information.

See what others have to say about their experience at Houmas House. Click below for our Trip Advisor page!

Open Daily

Sunday-Saturday: 9 am-7 pm

Cafe Burnside: 11 am-2 pm daily

Latil's Landing: Wed-Sat 6 pm-9 pm

Sunday Brunch: 11 am-3 pm

The Carriage House Restaurant:

Breakfast- 8 am-10 am

Afternoon Tea- 2 pm- 4:30 pm

Dinner- 5 pm- 9 pm

Directions to Houmas House Here

** Please note- As of November 1, 2014, ticket price for self-guided garden tour has increased to $15.00.

Houmas House Plantation | 40136 Hwy 942 (River Road) | Darrow, LA | 70725