Jul 21, 2014

Louisiana Lingo {Canialle Bleu Cocktail}

It's been a while--and by "a while" I mean 6 years--since I've done a Louisiana Lingo post.
And I guess that's because when I first moved back to LA in 2008, I was really tuned in to the odd things we say and the way we say them.

Canialle Bleu Cocktail | Ms. enPlace

After living in Texas and Missouri for a combined dozen years, it was fresh to my ears.  Now, it's comme ci comme ça.  Not something I think twice about.

Except recently when a co-worker asked me if I had my ass on my shoulders like so-and-so did and I was absolutely, totally confused.

I replied that my ass was firmly (or not so much) where it should be, but thanks for the concern about my anatomy.

She had to explain to me that this phrase was similar to "boude," which in Cajun French means pouting.

Canialle Bleu Cocktail | Ms. enPlace

Then I started noticing the "funny" things my Cajun co-workers say.  The things I was taking for granted.

Envie -- (awn vee) a craving.
Mais las!  I got an envie for some rice and gravy, yeah!

Mais las -- (may lah) literally means "but there," what we mean: look at that, I can't believe, my goodness
Oh, mais las! Pauvre bête!

Pauvre bête -- (pawv bet) poor thing
Pauvre bête.  She was sick as a dog last night over all that tracas.

Tracas -- (tra cah) trouble, a mess
Pooyie!  I don't need no more tracas.  I'm goin' to da house.

Have you noticed that we mix French and English?  
We think nothing of it, cher.
Use double negatives?
We don't think nothing of it, no.
(Yes, that's a triple...lagniappe!)

My all-time favorite Cajun word...
Canialle -- (Ka-nye) sneaky, sly

Like me.  Or I'm told.

And like this drink.
Canialle Bleu Cocktail | Ms. enPlace

Because it tastes all blueberry and sweet and jammy.
But, mais las!  It'll knock you down and give you some tracas.

Canialle Bleu Cocktail | Ms. enPlace

The Husband put it together.  We debated what to call it.  It was a heated debate that left some boude, and some with the red ass (on her shoulders).


Print It!

Canialle Bleu Cocktail
(Sneaky Blue Cocktail)

8 oz vodka
8 oz blueberry puree, strained to remove skins if desired
3 oz lemon juice
2 oz simple syrup

Add all ingredients to a pitcher and stir or whisk to combine.  Pour into glasses and add ice.
Makes 21 oz.

* for blueberry puree: Add about 1 1/4 cups blueberries to a blender and puree.  Pass through a sieve to remove blueberry skins, if desired.

* for simple syrup: Combine 2 parts sugar to 1 part water in a saucepan and stir.  Bring to a boil.  Store sealed in the refrigerator--keeps for several weeks.

More Cajun talk...
Popcorn Balls | Ms. enPlace
Trout Amandine | Ms. enPlace
Pain Perdu | Ms. enPlace

In the past...
Bananas Foster | Ms. enPlace
Figs Royale | Ms. enPlace
Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas | Ms. enPlace

Linking with:

Inspiration Monday My Pinterventures The YUCK Stops Here
Yesterfood
Feeding Big The 21st Century Housewife Hearth and Soul Blog Hop
Full Time Mama Lou Lou Girls Tasty Tuesdays
Wednesday Whatsits Miz Helen’s Country Cottage
My Turn for us
Say G'Day Saturday

17 comments:

  1. Hi Michelle! We seriously need to get together and have a few drinks and swap some recipes! lol I knew you had lived in Texas too but I didn't realize you lived in Missouri at one time. Well we have more in common than I knew! Love this drink recipe. I'll have to try it!!
    Kim @ This Ole Mom

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  2. I know we share TX and LA. Tell me you didn't live in MO too?! If so, how weird! Would be fun to get together!

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  3. What a great post! Loved getting a little language lesson and the Canaille Bleu is looking good! Up North, we have called a drink very like this Main -iac Madness. My sister-in-law serves them at family parties, once the wild blueberries start comin' on. She adds club soda to give some fizz ...

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    1. Susan, I like the idea of some fizz!

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  4. Awesome post, Michelle. I'm a bit of a language nerd, so I love a little lingo lesson like this.
    Gorgeous looking cocktail, but I can see how that would lead to trouble - I imagine a couple of those could knock you right on your ass!

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    1. Yes, knocked right over for sure.

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  5. I so enjoyed this post, Michelle! It's so cool to learn more about Cajun - and as someone who can speak a little French I find it fascinating the way it mixes French and English. Also love this series on cocktails you are doing - this Canialle Bleu Cocktail may be my absolutely favourite. I love blueberries so it's perfect for me. Sharing this post on Pinterest, FB and Twitter :-)

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    1. Thanks for sharing, April. Blueberries (and blackberries) are my favorite fruit. So why not make a drink with them?

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  6. Such a fun post to read! The drink also sounds amazing - pinned for after I go blueberry picking soon!

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  7. Such a cute post. Love your observations about language. Thank you for Linking at the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party. Hope to see you again next week.

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  8. I love your post Michelle and the drink looks delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and come back soon!
    Miz Helen

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  9. Forget making cookies with the blueberries! I need one of these.

    Thanks Michelle!

    Linda

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  10. Anonymous7/27/2014

    Thanks for the birthday wishes
    Love Mom

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  11. Delicious cocktail Michelle, thanks for sharing with Hearth and Soul blog hop I am pinning it and also sharing in my facebook page.

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  12. Thanks for stopping by! Pinned. Please join us tonight at 7 pm and party with us. We would love to have you! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com
    Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls

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  13. Thank you so much for linking up this great recipe with Delicious Dish Tuesday. I can't wait to try it! I love all your great stories that you share with your recipes!! I have featured you this week on Coping with Frugality. I hope you come back and link up again :) http://copingwithfrugality.com/2014/07/delicious-dish-tuesday-2.html

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  14. I bet this drink is sneaky sly because you don't taste the alcohol? Love the lingo.

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Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comments.