Local Author Finds Life Tasty

By Mia Freneaux

    When Larry Boudreaux retired from a computer software sales position , he had no idea his retirement would keep him busier than his career.  Larry, a long time Central resident, wrote a book 11 years ago entitled “Dat Boudreaux Ain’t Me, It’s Ma Cousin”, a book of Cajun jokes and recipes.  It was inspired by all of the folks who would come up to Larry to tell him a Boudreaux joke.  Larry would explain, “That Boudreaux ain’t me, it’s my cousin.”  The book was such a success that he followed it up with 2 more books, “Ah’m Gonna Tell You Again, Dat Boudreaux Ain’t Me, It’s Ma Cousin”, and “Boudreaux’s Cajun Party Guide”.  The books have sold over 25,000 copies, mostly through book signings and television interviews.  4 years ago, Larry branched out in a different direction, and Boudreaux’s Cajun General Store was born.  It was partly inspired by his wife, Carolyn, a “Cajun cook and a half!” according to Larry.  They have come up with 22 different seasonings for everything from gumbo to shrimp dip to meat pies.  Carolyn has written 2 cook books herself, “Caroline’s Cajun Comfort Food” and “Sweet Caroline’s Delicious Dessert Recipes”.  They sell their products and books at local arts and crafts fairs, as well as on their website.  Last year, their spices won the People’s Choice Award at the first food show they ever attended.  “Cousin Boudreaux’s Seasonings” have won numerous chili cook off competitions as well.  Check out their colorful website at www.cousinboudreaux.com, you’ll find recipes, a history of the Cajuns, photos and many more fun items, along with a way to order their seasonings and books.  Boudreaux’s Cajun General Store also offers Christmas boxes with collections of their products nicely packaged just in time for the holidays.  They will make up custom boxes if you prefer.  They offer corporations custom gift books printed with the company name and whatever greeting they’d like.  They also offer non- profit organizations a fund raising opportunity using their products.  Information on all of these items can be found on their website.   You can also sign up for their newsletter on the website.  It offers more recipes, jokes and good old fashioned fun.   Order their books and Cousin Boudreaux’s Seasonings through the website, by calling Larry at 225-261-7808, or by emailing him at [email protected].  Larry and Carolyn have a real love affair with Central and recently joined the Chamber of Commerce, seeing it as a way to support their community.  Their cast-iron guarantee: “If it doesn’t meet our customers’ expectations, we’ll gladly replace it with another product or give them their money back.”  Mm-mm, isn’t life delicious? Ah garontee, cher!