VILLE PLATTE, La. – Dr. Matthews highlighted Cajun and Creole food traditions during a visit to Paul’s Meat Market.

Dr. Matthews said she regularly buys meat, seasonings and other products from the store to take home to Houston.

During a livestream, Dr. Matthews showed viewers the market’s cracklings, boudin balls, seasonings, cookware and prepared meat selections. Dr. Matthews also introduced the store’s owner, who described smoked meats as one of the business’s biggest offerings.

The selection included smoked ribs, bacon, ham hocks, pigtails, turkey necks, turkey wings and several types of sausage. The market also offered regular, spicy and country-style boudin.

Dr. Matthews toured the smokehouses before watching employees cut and season her order, which included oxtail, turkey necks and Boston butt. Dr. Matthews also highlighted prepared foods, including crawfish queso, stuffed potatoes, seafood gumbo, smothered okra, red beans and sausage.

The store’s owner said its seasoning contains salt, red pepper and garlic powder and originated from his father’s fried chicken and barbecue recipe.

Dr. Matthews also highlighted the market’s meat specials and freezer packages. The store is developing a website, but customers can place orders by telephone and have products shipped.

Dr. Matthews concluded the visit by purchasing meat and prepared foods before returning to Houston.