Peach brandy on the porch

The Garden District is one of Baton Rouge’s oldest neighborhoods and its convivial reputation stems from generations of residents who like their front porch culture and well-traveled sidewalks. The annual Wearing of the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade doesn’t hurt, either. Now the neighborhood has immortalized its food-and-family vibe with the Garden District Centennial Cookbook, a collection of 141 recipes submitted by current and former residents. Organizer Heather Westra says the impetus for the project stemmed from the centennial anniversary of Roseland Terrace, the first of the Garden District’s three official subdivisions. Longtime Baton Rougeans remember when the neighborhood’s western artery, Park Boulevard, was named Goldenrod and when the live oaks that line it were saplings. Westra says the cookbook’s recipes include Louisiana staples like pecan pie and gumbo, authentic cheese fondue, Cuban beans and rice and lots of social beverages like Chatham artillery punch and champagne mojitos. “It gives a glimpse into how important the neighborhood has been to many families across generations as well as to newcomers,” says Westra. The Garden District Cookbook is available for purchase through the neighborhood’s website, gdcabr.org, or at neighborhood retailers, Cottonwood Books, the Garden District Nursery and the Salon 1857 at Circa 1857. For more information, [email protected].—Maggie Heyn Richardson