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 few weeks ago, I was surprised and honored to be among those chosen to receive the Noblesse Oblige Award. This prestigious award was graciously presented to me by my dear friend, Janine, of Sniffles and Smiles and Been There, Done That . Janine is a woman of many talents which include superb writing, painting, and poetry. Her wonderfully rich and colorful blogs and comments are well known and cherished by so many in the blogosphere. As is her friendship. She is on a little siesta right now, but please visit her soon and she'll catch up with you later.
Merci Beaucoup, Cher' Amis !
The recipient of this award is recognized for the following:
- The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervade amongst different cultures and beliefs
- Their Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage, and offers solutions
- There is a clear purpose at the Blog: one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Cultures, Sciences, and Beliefs
- The Blog is refreshing and creative; and The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking
The requirements of the person receiving the award are as follows:
- Create a post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award
- The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post
- Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older posts as support
- The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions- Blogger must display the Award at any location at their Blog
When I originally started blogging and created Cajun Delights, I really had no idea what blogging was all about. I merely wanted to promote and share our wonderful Cajun culture with the rest of the world. The area known to most as Cajun Country, is so rich in culture and history and is such a fabulous place to live and have lots of fun. Delectable cuisine, incredible music, and warm-hearted people with a contagious "joie de vivre". ( joy of living) My goals of achievement for the Blog, were completely fulfilled, when a reader made a comment on one of my posts, Whiskey River+ Cajun Fun on the Swamp. She said, "You make everyone want to be a Cajun!" And I said, " If I make you want to be a Cajun, then I have accomplished my goal".
Now, I have the most fun job of all, which is passing this distinguished award along to several fellow bloggers who make me laugh and inspire and entertain me with their fantastic blogs; each so richly deserving.
The envelope please.......
A Majority of Two
Gumbo Writer
Women of a Certain Age
Whole Latte Life
Smoky Mountain Cafe'
Elizabeth Bradley Fiction, Bits & Bites
I am truly grateful for each and everyone of you, my dear bloggie friends, who take the time to visit and encourage and support with your thoughtful comments. And most of all I appreciate your friendship; ya'll are the best of the best!! Congratulations to all !!
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