Jambalaya

My husbands family lives in New Orleans, a town quite unlike the rest of the United States. Our family has been introduced to Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and the wide range of food that is New Orleans. We try to visit Mike's family once or twice a year, and we always try something new. My son's favorite New Orleans food are oysters on the half shell, he has good taste! I think that by introducing kids to different culinary foods at a young age, kids will broaden their horizons and try just about anything.

Sorry there is only one picture, we were having too much fun and I forgot to get the
 camera out until we were done cooking! A taste of New Orleans.

Jambalaya

1/4 C cooking oil                                                     
1/2 lb smoked sausage, sliced                                     
1/2 lb ham                                                                   
1 C chopped onion                                                    
 1 C chopped bell pepper                                             
1 C celery                                                                  
1 clove garlic, minced                                                 
1 (16 oz) can tomatoes, drained, liquid reserved         
1 1/2 C chicken stock
1 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 C rice
1 1/2 T worcestershire
2 lbs peeled, raw shrimp


In a very large pot, saute the sliced sausage and ham until browned on the edges. Remove the meat from the pot, but keep the dripping. Saute the onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic in the meat drippings until tender and the onions are translucent. Add tomatoes, thyme, pepper and salt, let cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the uncooked rice (not minute rice). Add the liquid from the tomatoes, stock and worcestershire sauce and bring to a boil. After coming to a boil, reduce to a simmer. Add the raw shrimp, ham and sausage and cook, uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice and shrimp are done.

Cassi, Tatum and husband Mike in the background, on a swamp tour. Windy when you are speeding down the bayou.
Seeing an alligator made the entire trip for Cassidy, that and seeing her grandparents!