Ms Dot’s rice dressing: A Classic Cajun Dish for Erath High, the community

You’ve had it if you attended Erath High School between 1968 and 2000. If you bought anything from the deli at Champagne’s Supermarket in Erath between 2000 & 2017, you’ve had it. You may have grabbed a taste of it while you were at visitation for Erath High’s homecoming.
What is it?
Made by one of the most well-known cooks in Vermilion Parish, it’s referred to as “Ms. Dot’s Rice Dressing.”
Dorothy “Dot” Mergist of Erath was the cafeteria manager at Erath High School from 1968 until she retired from the school system in 2000. She then took her talents to Champagne’s Supermarket for another 17 years. Over the years, she has also catered numerous weddings and social events.
Her rice dressing recipe is a blend of ground pork and ground beef, which is still used by Champagne’s deli today. When done correctly, it’s a blend of love and patience as it must cook over a low fire for three hours.
“It’s the best homemade rice dressing ever. It’s always seasoned well. You can’t get enough,” said Donna Comeaux Moore, a 1974 graduate of Erath High School.
Although she is best known for her rice dressing, Ms. Dot had a knack for satisfying the occasional sweet tooth. Her cinnamon rolls were among students’ favorites. During homecoming visitations, school guests also enjoyed the sweet treats as they visited the schools in town and waited for the homecoming parade.
Ms. Dot has been honored for her contributions, having been inducted into the Erath High School Hall of Fame and having had the Bobcat yearbook dedicated to her. Civic organizations have also recognized her as Catholic Daughter Citizen of the Year, Catholic Daughter of the Year, and Fourth of July Grand Marshal.
Ms. Dot last made her rice dressing for Easter 2021, but don’t despair. She has taught her family members, including her great-great granddaughter Knoah Hebert, how to make the dish. With permission, we’ve also published the recipe so you can take a shot at making “Ms. Dot’s Rice Dressing.”

Darryl Richardelle is a freelance writer and occasional contributor to the Abbeville Meridional.