Cajun Delights Blogiversary Blowout !

When one of my readers emailed me and told me that I missed my blogiversary, my one year of blogging, anniversary, I had to go back to my welcome post and check the date! Sure enough, it was August 1, 2008'! Wow, how time flies when you're having fun. It's been a whirlwind of a year and somehow I've managed to post 135 times, which is a miracle, in itself, considering my work schedule. Lots of coffee, and I do mean lots of strong Community, plus the encouragement of my wonderful bloggie friends, is how I did it. I would like to thank each and everyone of you for taking the time to visit and support through your kind comments. Your friendship and support is appreciated more than you could ever know! Merci beaucoup! In fact, this calls for a celebration!

I'm going out- on- the- town, tonight with a few girl-friends, and that will be a another post, but for now I'm posting my favorite recipe and video of the whole year. I will have a frozen daiquiri or two for ya'll! Cheers !!! Let the Good Times Roll, cher!

Creole Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

2 lbs. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 carton oysters, with liquid
4 tbs.'s vegetable oil
4 tbs.'s flour
1 cup each, onions, bell peppers, and celery
1 lb. fresh okra, sliced
2 tbs.'s olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can chopped creole tomatoes, drained
2 quarts of seafood stock or water
1 tbs. vinegar
1 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
2 tbs. creole seasoning
3 bay leaves
1/2 cup each, chopped green onions and fresh parsley
Salt and hot sauce to taste

Season shrimp with the creole seasoning and set aside. In a large heavy pot, on medium heat, make a light roux with the flour and vegetable oil. Stir constantly until roux becomes golden brown. (about 10 minutes) Lower heat and add the onions, bell peppers, and celery, and stir for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and garlic, and cook for 10 more minutes. Slowly add the warm stock or water, oyster liquid, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and hot sauce, and simmer for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, saute the okra in the olive oil and vinegar, in large skillet for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the seasoned shrimp and okra to the gumbo pot and bring to a boil , lower heat and cook for 10 more minutes. Add the oysters, green onions, and parsley and simmer for 10 more minutes. Bon Appetit!

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Here's a little clip that I took at Whiskey River Landing in Henderson. More Cajun fun on the swamp ( almost got knocked down taking this one)

A Cajun-Yankee Weekend Blowout !

It was a fabulous, fun weekend, in Cajun Country. I had out of town guests for the weekend, who were ready to sample a little slice of Cajun hopsitality. I had a big pot of Crawfish Etoufee ready, when they arrived. Figured that I'd sock it to em', right off the bat.

 They enjoyed the delectable stew and the homemade Chocolate Mousse Pecan Pie that my daughter made. One bite of this pie and you know that you're addicted for life. Cest bon, cher!

Day 2 was even more fun! I thought that they might enjoy some boiled crabs, so we spent the afternoon boiling and eating some wonderful Louisiana blue crabs and took a nice, refreshing swim in the pool. I discovered that they loved Mexican food, so I suggested that we go out for a Mexican fiesta. 

We went to Tampicos Resturant and I ordered the crab stuffed jalapenos . My companions opted for a grilled shrimp and rice dinner, w/ pico de gallo and grilled veggies. Paired with frozen Margaritas and a few cold beers, it was a most enjoyable meal. After dinner, we went to a little jazz jam at a favorite neighborhood club, and had Frozen Chocolate Martinis for dessert. (to die for)

Day 3 was even more fun! After eating a good breakfast of homemade bisquits, topped with crawfish etouffee, Spanish omelettes, and fried green tomatoes, we all headed out to the Atchafalaya Basin for a little fun on the swamp. It was a beautiful day, with less humidity, and there was a nice breeze. We stopped by a friend's camp on Henderson Lake and took a boat ride on the swamp. By this time, my guests were starting to get the idea. 

But it wasn't until we drove up to Whiskey River Landing for the Sunday afternoon dance, that they really began to understand the true meaning of "lassiez les bon temps rouler". They were quite shocked to see the intensity of the "hot as Tabasco" music and dancing. French Rockin' Boogie took the stage and the packed dance floor really started heating up, with a whole lotta nitty-gritty dancing going on. 

We really packed it in! Cajun hospitality at it's finest! Boy, will they ever have a tale to tell about their Cajun adventures, back on the East coast. So glad you enjoyed it! Happy Trails, till we meet again, my friends! What did you do for fun over the weekend?