Cochon de Lait

We had faaaabulous weekend!  Scott and I were invited to Lafayette to celebrate the annual Cochon de Lait Party at the Ancelet's home. Lafayette is in the heart of Acadiana (south central Louisiana) where Cajun culture reigns and many families still speak French.  It is quite possibly our second favorite place in Louisiana - full of culture, plenty of character and amazing food.  The Ancelet's home is a beautiful old farm house which they have added onto as their family has grown over the years.  They have made it a very warm and inviting place - somewhere you instantly feel welcome and comfortable.
Yesterday afternoon was spent preparing for the party with the family, while the pigs were smoking away in the giant smoker.

Two pigs were purchased from the slaughter house and nearly every part of them was used - Francios even made hogs head cheese (minus the brains) yesterday.  Delicious!

Shucking Oysters while waiting for the pig

Some were eaten raw, on the half shell, and others were charbroiled on the grill with lots of butter and Parmesan cheese - MMMM!

In the kitchen preparing food.

As the evening went on, more and more people came until the house was SO packed you could barely get anywhere.  There were more food dishes than could be tried and we ate for 12 hours straight as people brought their dishes and took away the empty ones.    

We were amazed at how many people spoke French!  I knew Francios grew up with his parents and the rest of his family speaking it in the home, but we didn't realize how many other people in the area were so comfortable mixing it into their everyday conversations.  I was completely lost, but loved hearing it all around me.  We cheered on the Saints, and momentarily mourned their loss as the musicians took over the living room following the game.  For the rest of the night there was Cajun music and singing that could be heard throughout the house.

There was a base and many fiddle players, accordions, numerous guitars, and of course the triangle.

     Apparently it was the who's-who of Cajun music, and there were several musicians and singers there who have won Grammy's for their amazing talents.  I especially loved seeing that the art of it all is being passed along to the next generation as there were younger musicians there, playing along with the older, accomplished musicians.  When we left at 12:30am the music was still going strong.

     This morning we came back for the Sunday morning, milder continuation of the party.  Folk music was being played/sung in the kitchen (in English this time, with mostly 'spirituals' being sung) and there was even more food being prepared.  We sat in the sunshine and enjoyed Gumbo and Pork Back stew and I can't even believe I am hungry again still tonight.  I feel like we feasted on enough food for a week!  We had a blast though and are so glad we were able to go.  

Francios, Katy, us, & Etienne