Page 9 of Roux the Day

She nodded. “And you’re one of those Brotherhood Protectors Remy brought in a couple of years ago.”

He nodded. “I’m Xavier, Xander if you prefer. Nice to formally meet you.”

She studied him with a tilt of her chin. “You’re not afraid of being with me?”

“Should I be?” he asked.

“Most people warn men about me. They say I’m trouble.” She straightened her dress and stepped away from him. “Look, you seem like a nice guy. You should listen to those warnings. I’m not for the likes of you. Go home. Pet your dog. Find a nice girl to date.”

Lissette touched a hand to his cheek. “Such a shame. You’re kind of cute.” She leaned up, pressed her lips to his, then turned and walked away.

Xavier watched her hips sway, swooshing the dress around her ankles, and thought that his life might just have gotten interesting.

Waving a warning in his face was like flapping a cape at a bull.

Challenge accepted.

MIMI’S MASTERFUL MUFFULETTA

”MUFFULETTA IS LOUISIANA'S SECRET WEAPON.

DURATION

1-2 hours

SERVING SIZE

2 -4 people

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup pitted green olives chopped

• 1 cup pitted black olives, chopped

• 1 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chopped

• 2-3 Tbsp capers, drained

• 2 roasted red peppers, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tsp red wine vinegar

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 large (8 to 10-inch) round loaf of sesame Italian bread

• ¼ lb thinly sliced Genoa salami

• ¼ lb thinly sliced capicola (or ham)

• ¼ lb thinly sliced mortadella