11 Must-Have Ingredients from Mosquito Supper Club Chef Melissa Martin's Pantry - Modern Farmer

11 Must-Have Ingredients from Mosquito Supper Club Chef Melissa Martin’s Pantry

In addition to staples like bay leaves and homemade pickled okra, New Orleans chef Melissa Martin stocks her shelves with goods made in Louisiana.

melissa martin's pantry
Produced by Monica Michael Willis; Photograph by Rush Jagoe

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Steen’s Pure Cane Syrup[/mf_h2]

Located in Abbeville, C. S. Steen’s Syrup Mill has been churning out its molasses-like syrup – essentially evaporated sugarcane juice – for 106 years. (Four 12-ounce cans, $20; steensyrup.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Baker Farms Gourmet Popcorn Rice[/mf_h2]

This heritage, long-grain white rice, grown in Gueydan, boasts a popcorn-like aroma and a nutty flavor. (5-pound bag, $8.45; campbellfarms.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Avery Island Kosher Salt[/mf_h2]

Mined since 1862 on Avery Island, home to Tabasco, this crunchy salt has a crisp, briny finish. (1.1-pound jar, $7.95; countrystore.tabasco.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Ponchatoula Pop Rouge[/mf_h2]

The Lafayette-based company Swamp Pop has created an all-natural rendition of the discontinued Louisiana soda Pop Rouge, using Ponchatoula strawberries, the state fruit. (Four 12-ounce bottles, $9; swamp-pop.myshopify.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Original “Louisiana” Brand Hot Sauce[/mf_h2]

This fiery sauce, Martin’s favorite, has been produced in New Iberia for 80 years. (At grocery stores nationwide or online; 12-ounce bottle, $9.11; amazon.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Steen’s Pure Louisana Cane Vinegar[/mf_h2]

Aged in oak barrels, Steen’s mellow cane-juice vinegar adds mildly sweet acidity to salad dressings, marinades, and more. (Three 12-ounce bottles, $16.50; steensyrup.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Raw Honey[/mf_h2]

Martin sources honey from New Orleans beekeeper Jay Martin (no relation), who sells the stuff at Hollygrove Market. Alas, the market doesn’t mail-order, so you’ll have to visit the Big Easy to purchase it. (22-ounce jar, $8.88; hollygrovemarket.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Ground Cayenne[/mf_h2]

If you’re in town, hit the Crescent City Farmers Market for Timmy Perilloux’s fresh cayenne, ground from peppers he grows in nearby Montz. (crescentcityfarmersmarket.org) A good substitute: Baton Rouge’s Red Stick Spice Co. ships nationwide. (1-ounce bag, $1.05; redstickspice.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]La Canne Sugar[/mf_h2]

C. Gabriel Senette’s family has been farming sugarcane in St. Mary Parish for two centuries. Now he offers turbinado sugar by the pound, in flavors such as lavender, ginger, and smoked pecan. (12-ounce bag, $5; lacannesugar.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Poirier’s Pure Cane Syrup[/mf_h2]

Compared with Steen’s version, Charles Poirier’s cane syrup commands a king’s ransom – for good reason. Poirier personally oversees each batch, made with cane (much of it heritage varieties) he grows in Youngsville. In fact, demand frequently outstrips supply for the rich, subtly flavored golden liquid. (8-ounce bottle, $10; realcanesyrup.com)

[mf_h2 align=”left” transform=”uppercase”]Bellegarde Bakery Whole Wheat Flour[/mf_h2]

Graison S. Gill, owner of this New Orleans bakery, markets his organic, stone-milled flours to the trade only. But you can buy his crusty sourdough bâtardes and whole-grain ciabatta at local retailers, like Whole Foods and Rouses Market, the next time you hit town. (bellegardebakery.wordpress.com)

melissa martin's pantry

Rush Jagoe

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