There’s one thing I can’t get used to in the desert — being away from good Southern cooking. My husband and I were craving something good and spicy, so we went to a friend’s house and my hubby learned how to cook a Louisiana favorite. My husband’s friend, Wayne, is from New Orleans and he is a great cook. So, we knew we had to call him for assistance. It’s good to be able to visit friends, eat a good dish, and have a great time.
We can become best friends if you have Tony’s in your pantry (and you know how to use it), and what is a Louisiana dish without cayenne pepper?
We don’t have blue crabs where we live, but no matter what, you must always cook good Southern meals with real crab meat. We also put in lots of shrimp, which I forgot to photograph. I’m not a fan of gizzards, but I had no complaints.
Small servings are a “no no,” so you have to pull out the huge pot to serve family and friends. Put on some good New Orleans Rebirth music and let the fun begin! By now, if you’re from the South, you know what is about to transpire. Gumbo is about to make some people really happy! Make that roux, put in the spices, and get ready for some good eating! You can add okra, tomatoes and other ingredients to make it your own. This was my hubby’s first time making the dish, and he did a great job.
Yes indeed!
I was too embarassed to post pictures of my bowl. I had two large servings and felt like I was in heaven. My servings were covered in cayenne pepper and gumbo file’. The crab was insanely good, the shrimp were cooked just right, the cayenne added a bit of a “kick”, and the rest is tastebud history. This is my husband’s “poor” bowl of gumbo, which was very, very, very modest compared to my bowls.
You can’t forget the gumbo file’. Zatarain’s please.
I’m a Southern girl, so I need desert (peach pie with nutmeg and cinnamon and Blue Bell vanilla ice-cream). Blue Bell is the best!
Until next time, “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” and GOOOOOOOOO SAINTS! (You know I just couldn’t resist.)
Now, I’m hungry 🙂
You know what? I want some gumbo again today, but it’s so sad I can’t just go down the street and get some. When I go to New Orleans in a few months, I’m going to eat enough gumbo for both me and you. How about that?
This proves the old saying that you can take the girl out of the South buy you can’t take the South outta the girl! 🙂 Glad to see you are eating some good home-cookin’!
P.S. I still don’t know how you stay so tiny because I KNOW how much you can eat! 🙂
You know I get my “work out” on. I just finished some strength training and I can barely walk. Matt has been stretching me to relieve the soreness. I’m working hard to maintain. 🙂
Good…keep it up. Does Matt join you in the workout?
meant to say BUT you can’t take the South, etc.
It is a privilege to have Blue Bell ice cream at your disposal. The gumbo looks great! Congrats to your hubby on his first attempt and to you for satisfying your taste buds with some home cookin’!
Thanks Chrissy! I was like a kid in a candy store when they pulled out the Blue Bell.
Shrimp, crab, and spices always sound good, but I’m with you on the gizzards.
I tried not to think about the gizzards part, but I can attest to the fact they were good in this gumbo. I cannot assure you that I will eat them again.
Congrats on the gumbo. Your blogs motivate me to have a scuba diving site. Most people think its only for certain individuals, but im sure it will open other people, especially black american eyes knowing that you can go to either Mexico or Australia diving.
Your site is inspiring, look forward to those casual fridays.
Next dish, crawfish etouffee!
Great Recipe!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/crawfish-etouffee-recipe/index.html
The next time you guys make gumbo, invite me over please!
Shay Jay….this blog makes me feel like a real Chef now lol…..I might have to go into business now that everyone has seen what I can do lol.
You really do need to go into business! 😉
I love this blog….makes me want gumbo now….