A Message from Chef Regina Charboneau, Culinary Ambassador
Réveillon, a nineteenth-century Creole celebration, translates into “awakening.” The first réveillon, held following midnight mass on Christmas Eve, consisted of an elaborate meal. The celebration went on until the early morning when it was time to open gifts. The second réveillon came on New Year’s Eve, and was just as festive.
I learned about réveillon from my great-aunt Nan Marie Trosclair Caldwell, who shared her recipes and memories with me. She told me stories about Christmas Eve at the house she grew up in, which we always referred to as “the big house.” She remembered eating daube glacé, a seasoned, jelled beef, as one of many dishes served on Christmas Eve. Many years later I was surprised when my French friend Arlette Romand told me she enjoyed the same dishes at Christmas in Provence where she grew up.
A typical réveillon menu had daube glacé or veal grillades, egg dishes, breads, and puddings, and would often include turtle soup and oysters. Naturally there was an abundance of wines, cordials, and other fortified drinks. Like many other Creole traditions on the River, the réveillon dinner slowly disappeared. In recent years some New Orleans restaurants have revived it to attract more visitors to the city during the holiday season. The beauty of the réveillon is that it is all about “awakening” the senses with food and celebrating all the joy that Christmas and the New Year bring.
It doesn’t matter what’s on your menu as long as it is plentiful, flavorful, and brings your family together. Making a good Sazerac cocktail is an art; I walk you through the steps. Fried oysters accompany tomato aspic. There is also a rich gumbo of chicken, sausage, and shrimp with the addition of black-eyed peas and greens for good luck. Although the daube glacé is an aspic as well, it complements this festive late-night menu. And many of these dishes can be made ahead, so you can enjoy your holiday. The almond tart is so easy, you will find it on your table all year long.
Almond Tart
Vegetable oil spray
5 large egg whites
1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
2/3 cup almond flour
1/2 cup cake flour
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, melted
1 cup sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Confectioners’ sugar, for garnish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom with vegetable spray oil.
- Place the egg whites, 1/2 cup of the sugar, and the almond extract on a large bowl. Whisk or beat with a handheld mixer until the mixture is thick and airy, about 2 minutes.
- Using a rubber spatula, whisk, or mixer on low speed, beat the almond and cake flours into the egg white mixture until just combined. Add the melted butter and blend well. Pour the batter into the prepared tart pan.
- Combine the almonds, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Sprinkle the almonds evenly over the top of the batter.
- Bake until the tart is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 1/2 hour on a wire rack before removing outer ring, then continue to cool for another 1/2 hope before slicing. Dust the top with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Enjoy a Réveillon Dinner on a Holidays on the River Sailing
As good as Chef Regina’s almond tart is, it’s only one item in the réveillon dinner. For more delicious food and a touch of Creole tradition, a Holidays on the River holiday cruise is a must-do. Chef Regina Charboneau cooks up a mouthwatering réveillon dinner complete with a festive ambiance, steaming hot chocolate, and gingerbread cookies. Get the whole holiday experience while sailing through a winter wonderland.
Book Your Holiday Cruise Today
Get the authentic réveillon dinner experience while sailing to some of the most charming towns in North America on a holiday cruise. Sail on the Lower Mississippi River from New Orleans to Memphis, Memphis to New Orleans, or roundtrip New Orleans. Along the way, visit quaint destinations, including Baton Rouge, Natchez, Nottoway, and Vicksburg, along with others. Start getting in the holiday spirit early and plan for your holiday cruise today!
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