Like a lot of us in the Deep South, my husband is wishing for cooler weather. As sad as I am to bid adieu to summertime, I have to admit that cooler weather will be more than welcome after the hot, hot days of August.

A change in the season also means modification in the foods we eat. While I'm not yet ready to close down my outdoor grill, I know that the first cold front will set the tone for heartier dishes, like gumbos and stews, as well as what Papa used to call low-down home-cooked food---pork chops, lima beans, cabbage, and gateau de sirop (syrup cake).

Browse Cajun Grocer's website and make a shopping list for some items you might not be able to find at your local supermarket. For example, order a few cans of Steen's 100% Pure Cane Syrup. That glorious syrup is a must on biscuits, pain perdu and cornbread, but it's also the main ingredient in making a favorite Cajun dessert called gateau de sirop (syrup cake.)