CREOLE and CAJUN
'Creole' refers to the descendants of the aristocratic French and Spanish (and some German & Italian) settlers who established New Orleans under Spanish sponsorship in the 1690s. Creole cuisine therefore has a strong European influence (especially French), and also has Native American, West Indian and African influences.
'Cajuns' are the descendants from the former French colony in East Canada, called Acadia (Nova Scotia), who were exiled by the English in 1755. Many made their way to Louisiana, settling in the swamps and bayous. Cajun cooking has very little influence of the classical cuisine of Europe - it is truly an American cuisine.
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