When we lads came back, we were splashed with a bit of venom - a spit of anger aimed at those who went to Vietnam - instead of at those who sent us.  A little of that poison, no matter how time-diluted, still bubbles to the surface now and then - leaving bad thoughts and a bad taste.

I am at a reunion of men who tasted that poison, some that I haven't seen for 42 years.  We were invited to a little town on the mighty Mississippi - a place of plantations, plain folks and a plenty of fine food.  The kind of place willing to stop their world to simmer up an antidote for our old poison.  Their recipe takes many hands to prepare - men women and children ... and three days to eat.

 

Take 1 welcome by the mayor, two police escorts, one 15-year-old Taps player, one bunch of citizens carrying flags, a pinch of media coverage.  Then grease with a flashing welcome sign, add a boat-full of drinks, cover with a Sheriff’s tent, and bring to a boil in large iron pots.  Shake hands often, grate in lots of “Thank Yous.”  Ice-down 4 kegs and stir all together in a  Union Hall.  Add music and garnish with genuine smiles of friendship that will never cool.    Feeds 25 old warriors, family and friends.

That bad taste is conquered, the poison defeated by the amazing Southern hospitality of Gonzales, Louisiana -  a true and pure and honest labor of love by a small Army of local heros. They made for us an elixir too rarely concocted in this country.  We all lapped it up like starving men.

They also whipped us up a pile, a mess, a slough, a gob, a stack of home-made Cajun cookin’:

Pork and Sausage Pastalaya

Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo

Smothered Potatoes with Venison and Bacon

Pulled Venison Roast with Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce

Meatballs with Venison and Grape Jelly 

Deep-fried Battered Alligator

Boudin Balls and Dip

Pork and Sausage Jambalaya and Rice

Crawfish Etoufe´ over Rice

Crawfish Etoufe´ over Fried Alligator

BBQ Shrimp Martinni on Grits

Pork Cracklins’

Boiled Shrimp with Potatoes and Corn-on-the-Cob

Boiled Crawdads

Alligator with Piquant Sauce

Fried Catfish Sandwich

Crab Stuffed with Jalapeños

Corn Soup

Medallion of Filet Mignon with Crab and Shrimp Sauté

And for dessert a long table covered in homemade ...

Rum Bread Pudding

Banana Pudding

Pecan Pie

Coconut Cake

Fruit Tarts

Mississippi Mud Pudding

Pecan Brittle
Strawberry Shortcake
Etc. etc.

I may have to fly home as cargo.

- Rollin' on the River Rod