Empty Nest: gumbo

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Winter and Gumbo: A Fantastic Combination

Old Man Winter has finally, FINALLY, made an appearance in the SC low-country! And strong winds came along for the ride. I mean SERIOUSLY strong winds. They blew our lawn chairs around the yard, limbs were down in some places and, when Hubs was out, it kept making noises at the front door that made me think someone was trying to come in! Luckily, Criminal Minds was not on last night!

I thought we were going to be like the house in The Wizard of Oz!

And the winds were still here this morning when I walked Tucker. Not quite as strong- but cold. Cold enough that, when it hit my face, it felt like someone was popping me with rubber bands. Or a stapler. Ouch! That's the last time I go out without a scarf!

Yes, I asked for cold weather. And, yes, I love it. But sometimes I forget to go out dressed properly for it!

Anyway, I absolutely LOVE visiting Biz at My Bizzzy Kitchen because I can always count on her for a recipe or two, or 100, that are always, ALWAYS worth a try. And, just the other day, I found a gumbo recipe that sounded perfect for a cold Sunday afternoon.

We weren't disappointed! I changed a couple of things- I used Turkey andouille sausage and fresh low-country shrimp, olive oil instead of vegetable oil, gluten free flour and my own essence instead of Emeril's- BUT it was delish!

Check out my rendition of Biz's Spicy Shrimp and Chicken Sausage Gumbo:

I made a fresh fruit salad to accompany the gumbo-I used an old southern secret for the sauce...anyone know what it is?

The fruit salad would have had fresh blueberries in it but they turned into gluten free muffins earlier this morning!

Now, head on over to Biz's and check out her recipes! You won't be sorry!

What's on your plate today?

Welcome!

Being a transplant to the low-country of SC for 31 years is still not long enough to be called a ‘benyeh.’ If I stay until I’m dead I’ll probably go a ‘comeyeh’ since I am, originally, ‘from off’ (which is the upstate but, rules you know). By day I take care of my sweet little granddaughter, Baby M and do all those things I did when I was a SAHM raising four daughters which has translated to, ‘by day, I am exhausted.’ By night I blog, blog, blog, and blog some more or I sleep, depending on my level of exhaustion (do they still make Geritol?). I have a very unhealthy addiction to sweets (nearly any kind will do) and all comfort foods not covered under the ‘sweets’ category. I’m known for speaking my mind so, if you don’t want to know, don’t ask me. I love to find the humor in my empty nest life. I live life hard and smack into that brick wall almost daily because I’ve always had to learn the hard way. Why change now? I’m so glad you’ve come to laugh with me as I do this middle age, empty nest thing like a BOSS!