Many would agree that there is absolutely nothing more delicious than a hot Cajun dish to enjoy during those cool autumn and winter afternoons. Lacee Minney and her family have called Fairhope home since 2017, but her homegrown roots are in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
As fate would have it, Lacee and her husband Alex, originally from California, met in Louisiana while he was completing his medical residency at LSU. The couple married and started their family in Texas, where Alex secured his first job. However, wanting to be much closer to the family caused the Minneys to relocate to the Eastern Shore.
“My husband is a Primary Care Physician here in Fairhope, and about a year ago, we opened Minney Health, a primary care model that provides patients with a devoted and passionate personal physician. We have removed healthcare barriers, such as waiting rooms and same-day visits, and replaced the entire experience with personal one-on-one care with the physician,” shared Lacee. “It has been a wonderful transition, and there are so many in the community who appreciate this type of healthcare. It’s also been a fun adventure for me and Alex. With me coming out of “retirement” and working again and my husband creating something that he has dreamt about.”
The Minneys have three young daughters – Hayden (8), Margo (6), and Bristol (4) and they love all things Barbie, babies, and arts and crafts. The girls also dabble in volleyball, basketball, and softball.
November and December bring many activities and fun events for the family, and honestly, enjoying them has been a struggle with Alex’s intense career. Because of the recent decision to open Minney Health, the family is looking forward to more festive time together this year.
“Our new Primary Care office allows him more time at home, which has been a HUGE change for our family,” said Lacee. “We are blessed to finally be in a position where my husband can be present for almost everything we want to do this season.”
On weekends at the Minney home, you’ll often find a pot of Red Beans ready to go for the football games – especially if LSU or the Dallas Cowboys are playing.
“This is my grandfather’s recipe. Ever since I was five years old, Red Beans and Rice have been my favorite food because of this recipe. When I married Alex, my sweet grandfather scribbled the recipe down on scratch paper,” Lacee reminisced. “I also picked this recipe because it is great for feeding lots of friends and family over the holidays.”
Grandfather’s Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 white onions chopped
- 1-2 tsp chopped jalapeño
- 4 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 lb bag of red beans soaked overnight OR…
- 2 27oz cans Blue Runner Cream Style Red Beans
- 4 15.5oz cans Blue Runner Red Beans, Rinsed and Drained
- 1 Ham Hock- From Thanksgiving or Christmas or store-bought
- 16-32oz Andouille (This is the most important ingredient. It will change the flavor drastically. I highly recommend Savoie’s, Manda, or Aidells)
- 1-2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp Red Pepper (optional)
For Serving: White Rice and Sweet Cornbread
Directions:
- Serve with sweet cornbread, such as honey butter cornbread. Don’t forget the white rice!
- In an 8-10 quart pot, heat the oil on medium/high heat.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeños for 5 minutes or until onions or translucent.
- Put the 6 cans of beans or the overnight soaked beans into the pot.
- Place the ham in the middle and pour in 4-5 cups of water.
- Mix in oregano and (optional) red pepper.
- Bring to a boil, put the lid on the pot, and lower the heat to simmer for 3 hours.
- MOST IMPORTANT PART: Every 30 minutes or so, stir and then take the back of your spoon and mush beans against the side of the pot. This is what gives it the creamy texture!
- Chop andouille in 1/2 inch slices and cook with the beans for the last 30-45 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let sit for a minimum of an hour. The longer the better.
Author: Gabriele Jones
Gabriele has been married to her husband Daniel for 16 years. Together they have three incredible children - two boys, ages 15 and eight, and a sweet girl who joined the family last summer. She is a full time Pink Cadillac Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. When she isn’t spending time with family or building her business, she supports her husband who is the Lead Pastor and Planter of Forward Church in Foley.
