As I sit here to write this recipe, I have already cried twice since 5am, smoked a pack of cigarettes, and listened to my Who Dat CD numerous times (it’s on Do Whatcha Wanna right now) and it’s only 8:12am. We all have a long day ahead of us, my darling chicks and roosters, and let’s get a rolling!

First off, it seems as if the city is shutting down today—not sure why. The Times Picayune has a great article on how no one will be on the streets from approximately 5:00pm this afternoon till about 9pm, including world famous Mandina’s restaurant located in the heart of Mid City. The big question is: will the city be shut down for tomorrow? Win, lose, or draw, the Saints have given their fans a heavenly season, filled with promises of former players wearing dresses, and a NFC Championship to be played out in the Superdome. For someone like myself who has followed the boys my entire life, this will be the sweetest of moments that go up there with the birth of my son, the Lil Rooster. And, it’s not ending today as we all expect an upcoming visit to Miami.

For those of you who plan to attend today’s game, I suggest drinking lots of hot tea with lemon and honey filled with lots of yummy herbs like licorice root to heal and help your sweet little throats. Now, I understand that libations will be in order for today (I’m about to get the blender how to start some early daiquiri tailgating). Keep in mind that we do have a late kickoff and we need all dem Who Dats to scream and cheer for the boys and make Ole Man River wish he were back in Hattiesburg on the farm rocking in his chair on the front porch. So, pace yourselves, dears, and make sure that the Vikes lose all sense of hearing and equilibrium during today’s game.

Brett Farve has given his fans lots to cheer about over the years. Hell, I like the guy, but what we will see today is the passing of the mantle from a Hall of Fame quarterback to the next generation and I can’t think of a better place for that to happen than in New Orleans. So, Brett, many thanks for all your years but your time has past and now it’s our turn. Even Terry Bradshaw is jumping all over this and can’t wait to hand off the George Halas trophy to Drew Brees.

Enjoy today, folks. We’ve waited a long time for this and let’s absorb every glorious moment that the Saints give us today. This is our year and let’s show the world how we do it here on the bayou.

Farv-a Bean Dip

1 can fava beans
1 small onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large tomato, chopped
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon clove
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt, to taste

Saute onions in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and saute, but don’t allow it to brown. Add tomato and saute until the tomato starts breaking down. Add spices, lemon juice, fava beans, and salt to taste. Simmer on low for 15 minutes. Puree in a blender until the beans smooth out. Place in a dish, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with warm bread.