Happy Mardi Gras!!!

Mardi Gras is tomorrow. I’m celebrating by preparing Gumbo from the recipe in my True Blood cookbook.

I made a few substitutions. Forgot to buy Cayenne Pepper, so I subbed red pepper flakes. I also used chicken breast tenders instead of a whole chicken cut up into serving size pieces. It may not need quite as long to simmer for that reason, since the chicken is pretty tender to start. The liquid might need to cook down some, perhaps. It’s bubbling on the stovetop right now, actually!

From here, I just have to add the andouille sausage, green onion, and parsley. Also, I decided to add shrimp, even if it’s a meat gumbo rather than a seafood one. I’m making it a little easier with cooked shrimp that I’ll just toss in toward the very end so it doesn’t get way overdone.

I borrowed some pepper from my next door neighbor. Somehow I forgot to restock black pepper, and mine is well expired! Very thankful for her. She also complimented the aroma of my work in progress when I returned the pepper. I don’t think it will need any more once it’s closer to done, because it’s already pretty spicy.

I also picked up some assorted Paczki. I did have some today, but I plan to share the rest at work. There’s still enough left for everyone to have one, less the coworker who’s on vacation, anyway.

My original thought was to ALSO make beignets, whether for work or for fun, I’m not sure. Alas, I’m not up to that much cooking today. Gumbo is definitely a labor of love. Takes awhile to babysit the roux, soften the celery, onion, and green pepper, etc.

This part is mostly hands-off, less some stirring and occasional sipping of the broth, for funsies.

But I have been enjoying coffee with chicory. And I can make beignets whenever. I bet work would appreciate them regardless of the time of year.

So I thought while I’m waiting on my broth, I’d take a moment and wish y’all a Happy Mardi Gras! I may even rock some beads tomorrow.

We’re also expecting some more winter weather. There was some stunning snow as I headed out of the grocery store today. Like walking into a snow globe. Heavy enough to cut visibility, but it was warm enough out that it didn’t “stick” to the roads.

My dad once again thinks the weather people are overestimating accumulation, but we’re all prepared, either way. I just have a few things to pick up at the pharmacy, which I should be able to nab on my way to work in the morning.

Figure I’m gonna give the broth another 30 minutes then add the sausage. Woo! It looks a little under-incorporated, between the roux and the chicken broth. We’ll see how it turns out in the end.

Either way, it’s been a fun experiment. And it makes me feel really good when I take some time to make something a bit more complex than my usual. I don’t think I could do this on the regular, but it’s fun for special occasions.

Also, before I forget, props to my mom, my daughter, and my friend Barbara for soothing my moments of panic today. I started the day feeling uber ambitious but then hit a slump after breakfast. BUT, my mom and I went to visit a friend of hers in Assisted Living, and that was very nice. She was happy for the company.

Tidied up a bit at home around the kitchen, which helped make room for tonight’s extravaganza. Will have to clean again. HA! That’s the way with housework. It’s an energy, a cycle, not an action.

Anywho… Happy Mardi Gras!!! I’ll see if I can’t post a finished pic of the Gumbo tomorrow, maybe. Still gotta whip up the rice to serve with it. Woo!