From My Nana’s Kitchen to Yours: The Story Behind Bayou Bites & Booze By Alicia Cooper

There is something about the kitchen that has always felt like home to me. Not just any kitchen, but my Nana’s, a place where warmth wasn’t just in the air from a simmering pot, but in the love she poured into every dish. The scent of roux thick and nutty, the sound of a wooden spoon scraping the bottom of a well-loved pot, the way she hummed an old hymn as she cooked it was a world all its own, and I never wanted to leave it.

I didn’t always have the easiest childhood. Life had its rough patches, and there were times when things felt uncertain. But stepping into my grandparents’ home, especially their kitchen, always made me feel safe. There, I was not just a child trying to find my way; I was my Nana’s little helper, the one trusted with stirring the pot or kneading the dough. Cooking with her made me feel important, like I had a purpose. More than that, it made me feel loved.

Food wasn’t just something my Nana made; it was how she spoke when words weren’t enough. It was how she healed, how she brought people together, how she carried on traditions that had been passed down. Our kitchen was never just a place for cooking it was a place for storytelling, for laughing, for wiping tears away with flour-dusted hands. She taught me that food isn’t just about feeding people, it is about nourishing their souls.

Growing up, I watched and learned, absorbing everything she did. Nana never wrote much down. She cooked with memory, with instinct, with heart. And I thought if I didn’t remember everything exactly, I would lose it. But I have come to realize that she has already given me everything I need: her passion, her patience, and her belief that food is meant to be shared.

As I became a wife and a mother of four, life got busy. The days filled up with responsibilities and to-do lists. But no matter how chaotic things became, the kitchen remained my sanctuary. Cooking grounded me. It reminded me of home, of love, of the lessons my Nana passed down. Somewhere along the way, I started feeling the pull to share those lessons, those recipes, and those stories with others.

That is how Bayou Bites & Booze was born, not just as a collection of recipes but as a space where food and tradition come together. I wanted this blog to feel like pulling up a chair at my Nana’s kitchen table, a place where you can find comfort, inspiration, and a little bit of Southern magic.

Food blogging felt natural, but I knew I didn’t want it to be just another recipe site. I wanted to tell stories, to connect, to show people that cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated. It can be a way to bring us closer to our roots, to our families, to ourselves.

While I do not drink much myself, I have always loved the creativity behind crafting twists on classic cocktails. There is something about balancing flavors just right, about taking a well-loved drink and making it into something fresh and exciting that feels like an art of its own. More often than not, I reach for a mocktail, but I enjoy experimenting with drinks that can be enjoyed with or without spirits.

Whether it is a classic Southern sweet tea with a unique infusion or a beautifully garnished drink that elevates a gathering, it all comes back to the same thing: bringing people together.

So here I am, pouring my heart into Bayou Bites & Booze, hoping that with every recipe, every story, and every sip shared, you feel a little more at home here. This blog is not just about food; it is about the memories we create around the table, the traditions we carry forward, and the joy that comes from sharing something made with love.

Maybe you stumbled across this blog looking for a recipe, or maybe something about the name made you curious. Whatever brought you here, I hope you stay awhile. I hope you find something that speaks to you, whether it is a dish that reminds you of home or a drink that makes you slow down and savor the moment. And if you ever find yourself cooking one of my recipes, I hope it fills your kitchen with the same warmth and love that my Nana’s always has for me.

Welcome to Bayou Bites & Booze, where the food is always rich, the drinks are always flowing, and there is always a story to be told.

Notes from Lizzie: You can find Alicia and her recipes and blog on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, AND TikTok @bayoubitesandbooze. Please go follow her. Her recipes are delicious (I have tried a bunch of them and use her spinach dip recipe like crazy!) She's such an amazing person and talented both on the page and in the kitchen. I'm so proud of everything she's accomplishing! Go show her some love.