Trade Days, Boudain, and Chocolate Punch

Me, Tiffany, Meredith, and Kathy

This past Sunday I went to the Old Time Trade Days in Winnie with a group of people from church. It was out pastor's wife, Kathy's, birthday and we had a lot of fun. I love going out there this time of year because it's not too hot yet. Tiffany just moved to this area so this was her first time to go.

The first thing we did was head straight to the food. The food is honestly my favorite part although I always get the same thing...a hand dipped corn dog and lemonade. One food that is unique to this area is boudain. I forget that not everyone knows what boudain is. When I lived in Dallas I remember being so surprised that nobody had ever heard of boudain before. Southeast Texas has a lot of Cajun influences being that we are so close to Lousianna and boudain and gumbo are two of my favorite!

If you grew up in Southeast Texas your dad grilled boudain on the grill right next to the hamburgers, there are boudain balls at every fair or carnival, and churches sold it on the side of the road along with links for fundraisers....boudain was a staple like chicken. If you have never tried it you are missing out. I convinced Tiffany to try some boudain balls and she loved them. She was a little hesitant at first because I couldn't explain everything that was in boudain...all I knew was rice, spices, pork, and that's about it. To tell you the truth I don't know if I really want to know everything :)

Boudain Balls..boudain rolled into balls and fried..so yummy!

Package of boudain .....you can buy this in the grocery store around here and you cook it just like you would sausage and eat it on a bun, grill it, etc..

Speaking of good food we had a baby shower at work for a co-worker and they had the best punch I have ever tasted. If you love chocolate as much as I do you will love this!!

Chocolate Punch

1 1/2 quarts Boiling Water
1/4 cup instant coffee
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup Nesquik
1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream
1/2 gallon chocolate ice cream

Dissolve dry ingredients in the boiling water. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve put the ice cream int o the coffee/chocolate mixture by large spoonfuls.Mix until slushy.

Makes about 20-25 servings