About Me

Maria is a recipe developer and food photographer from New Orleans. Her Southern food blog, Murmurs of Ricotta, houses some of Google’s top-ranking recipes for Mardi Gras King Cake and Gouda Mac. She currently lives in Orange County, CA, where she can be found enjoying Vietnamese foods from her childhood and watching way too much Netflix.


Latest Stories

My Mom’s Vietnamese Chicken Soup Is So Good, I Make a Pot Every Sunday
It’s the easiest phở ever.
Oct 27, 2024
This Pumpkin Spice Frozen Latte Totally Beats the Starbucks Drive-Thru
Stay chill this spooky season.
Aug 31, 2023
Tomato Gravy Is What Southern Breakfast Dreams Are Made Of
Tomato gravy is savory and tangy, forgiving and uncomplicated. It’s the answer to all our Southern breakfast prayers. Southern-style tomato gravy is a thick sauce made with canned or fresh tomatoes, a blonde roux (bacon fat or butter and flour), chicken broth, and the occasional splash of cream. It’s most commonly served with biscuits, meatloaf, or fried eggs. It also goes well with creamy grits, mashed potatoes, toast, pasta, and rice.
Aug 14, 2024
Southern Fried Corn Is My Favorite Way to Cook Corn Every Summer
Fresh corn on the cob is one of my favorite summer vegetables. Fresh corn has a naturally sweet flavor that makes it a breeze to cook, and the irresistible sound of kernels popping when they’re cut off the cob is music to my ears. Southern-style fried corn is a deliciously simply recipe that excels in maintaining those kernels’ natural sweetness. Despite what it sounds like, fried corn is not deep-fried corn on the cob.
Jul 16, 2024
Cane’s Sauce
Creamy, peppery perfection.
Jun 20, 2024
This Old-Fashioned Banana Cream Pie Is So Good, I've Made It 5 Weeks in a Row
The humble banana gets the spotlight.
Jun 14, 2024
You’ll Want to Make This Extra-Flavorful Cajun Stew Every Week
Even better, it’s also simple to make.
Feb 11, 2024
This New Orleans Cocktail Is Iconic for a Reason
It’s not your average Old-Fashioned.
Feb 8, 2024
This Thanksgiving Side Is Basically Mandatory In the South for a Reason
Make this the year you try it.
Oct 10, 2023
Here's How to Nail a Classic Seafood Boil
The lemon-y herb-y dipping sauce is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Sep 1, 2023
This Classic Cajun Gumbo Is the Ultimate Comfort Food
For a better, more authentic Cajun gumbo, it comes down to the roux.
Aug 15, 2023
These Grilled Pork Chops Will Transport You Straight to Vietnam
They’re juicy, caramelized, and super savory.
Jul 25, 2023
This No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie Delivers a Big Win with Little Effort
Your sweet tooth is calling.
Mar 14, 2023
Crunchy Boudin Balls Are One of the Best Bites of Cajun Cooking
How to make the Southern snack no matter where you live.
Feb 16, 2023
This Over-the-Top Muffuletta Sandwich Is a Meat-Lover’s Dream
Layered with zesty olive spread, Italian cold cuts, and cheeses, the muffuletta is a beast of a sandwich.
Feb 14, 2023
Red Beans and Rice Brings Me Back to My Childhood in New Orleans
It's my cure for the Monday blues.
Jan 27, 2023
Slow Cooker Jambalaya Is a Hands-Off Take on a Louisiana Classic
*The* perfect tailgating food.
Jan 20, 2023
Cajun Shrimp Pasta Delivers Big Smoky Flavor with Minimal Effort
All the simple comforts of a creamy pasta dish with a spicy kick!
Dec 16, 2022
Mississippi Mud Pie Is the Southern Dessert of My Dreams
Oreo cookie crust + brownie + chocolate pudding + whipped cream = heaven.
Dec 9, 2022
Candied Orange Peels Will Make Your Home Smell Like the Holidays
They're the perfect holiday gift.
Oct 16, 2022
Exactly the One-Bowl Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread You've Been Craving
Pumpkin and spice and everything nice!
Oct 12, 2022
Halloween Deviled Eggs Are a Spooky Addition to Your Celebration
From mummies to monsters.
Oct 1, 2022
How to Make the Perfect Cosmopolitan
Carrie would definitely approve.
Sep 23, 2022
Lemon-Pepper Salmon Will Be Your New Weeknight Favorite
It comes together in 30 minutes or less.
Sep 5, 2022
Your New Favorite Baking Recipe: Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
It may just ruin every other chocolate chip cookie you’ve ever tasted.
Aug 14, 2022
This Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf Is Even Better than Mom's
The answer is always cheese.
Aug 5, 2022
Here's How to Make a Much Better Apple Martini at Home
Pass on that neon green appletini at the bar.
Aug 2, 2022
Overloaded with Zucchini? Make Quick Pickles.
No fussy canning required.
Jul 26, 2022
Shrimp Pasta Salad Is Perfect Summer Picnic Food
It's as vibrant as can be.
Jul 19, 2022
Cajun Red Snapper Is a Light and Flavorful Summer Dinner
A great reason to fire up the grill.
Jun 22, 2022
This Rum Runner Tastes Like a Tropical Beach Vacation
A boozy, fruity cocktail to enjoy all summer long.
Jun 8, 2022
Sweet and Sour Shrimp Stir-Fry Is Quick and Satisfying
It comes together in 30 minutes.
Jun 5, 2022
Here's How to Master Bananas Foster at Home
Don't fear the flambé.
May 13, 2022
If You Like a Mint Julep, You'll Love a Whiskey Smash
A simple, refreshing, and totally classic bourbon cocktail.
Apr 30, 2022