Cajun Cookin'

As you may, or may not know, tomorrow is Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday. If you don't know much about Mardi Gras, just do a google search. It's pretty interesting to read about the history of Mardi Gras. Back where I'm from in Mississippi Mardi Gras is pretty big deal since I live just a few hours from New Orleans where Mardi Gras is huge. For me, Mardi Gras makes me crave the Cajun food I grew up on, so one of my roommates, Sharon, and I decided to bring a little Mardi Gras to our apt by cooking some Cajun food to satisfy my craving. I provided recipes that met my Cajun food standards and Sharon did the cooking.

We made Gumbo based off Emeril's recipe found here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/chicken-and-smoked-sausage-gumbo-with-white-rice-recipe/index.html

Instead of thighs, we used chicken breasts, and used Tony's original seasoning for the Cajun season. After making the roux, browning the meat, and cooking the vegetables like the recipe called for, everything was dumped in the crockpot and left to simmer through the day. Also, file powder cannot be found around here. Sharon went to multiple stores in search for it, and even called J.Gumbo's to see if they sold it, but no luck. It was still tasty without it though.

Simmering Gumbo:

Final Delicious Product:

We also needed a traditional Mardi Gras dessert of King Cake, but instead of the traditional cake we made mini king cake knots to save time and because we just liked the way they looked. Recipe found here: http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/03/easy-king-cake-knots.html (When it called for the refrigerated french bread dough, Sharon used a bread recipe from Julia Child's cookbook.)

The traditional Mardi Gras colors are green, purple, and gold, but we only had sprinkles in one of those colors, green, so we used what we had. (Anyone who knows our apt shouldn't be surprised that we only had green.)

With the extra dough, we decided homemade bread was necessary to go with the gumbo.

Anytime my dad makes Cajun food he always has the Subdues playing, so I decided that we needed to honor this tradition. 

The food turned out delicious, and it made me happy to bring a little bit of home to Louisville. Thanks Sharon for cooking! I look forward to eating leftover gumbo for the next few days. :)

Joy

25. A quarter of a century. That's how old I'll be in just a couple of hours (at least as I start this...by the time I finish I could be 25). Birthdays always cause me to be a bit reflective. I think this is a good thing. It's good to pause, look back at my life, and see where God has brought me. I'm incredibly grateful that God has me where I am right now, and for all he has taught me and continues to teach me.

Recently (well, back in October but it stuck with me), I saw a post on Katie's blog (met her this summer in Haiti) about things that make life fantastic. We complain fairly frequently, but how often do we count our blessings? What makes you smile just thinking about it? It can be little things. What makes your life fantastic?

Katie challenged us to list 10 things, big or small that bring joy to our lives and I want to issues the same challenge. So please comment, either on here or on facebook and share 10 things that make your life fantastic.

10 Things That Make My Life Fantastic (In no particular order):
1. Looking back at my life and seeing God at work. It's really cool to see how God has used events in my life in ways I never would have expected.
2. A good book. I admit, I love fiction and can get lost in a good book. Fiction is my escape when I need a break. I'm a re-reader.
3. Close relationships with my family. My mom is one of my best friends.
4. Friendships where time and distance don't matter.
5. Laughing so hard it hurts. Often at myself. (I'm clumsy and it's just funny sometimes. One time I tried to exit a revolving glass door too soon. I was laughing really hard at myself.)
6. Stars. A clear night, in the middle of nowhere/at camp (basically wherever it's really dark), where the stars seem to go on forever. I absolutely love stars. Meteor showers are amazing. I find astronomy fascinating and think constellations are pretty cool. I love camping out under the stars. It's great.
7. Local coffee shops. (I frequent Quills, Vint, and Heine Brother's here in Louisville. Back in MS I like Cups and Fusion.)
8. Spending time outdoors on a warm, sunny day. I love taking walks through Cherokee Park, especially in the Fall. I also love Spring in Mississippi. I practically live outside when it's warm.
9. Sojourn Community Church. I've only been a member for about 6 months or so and it has been a huge blessing to me. I'm getting to use my gifts in the church and it makes me incredibly happy. I love being a part of the servant photography team (alrush87 is me) and working with the kids. I also love the community of the church...my community group is great. :)
10. Sunsets/Sunrises. I've been privileged to see some amazing sunsets and sunrises in my life. I can't help but think, "Wow, God!" when I see an awesome sunset or sunrise. The best one was at camp during counselor reunion in January of '09.

Now it's your turn. What are 10 things that make your life fantastic? You don't have to be as detailed as I was, but please comment! I would love to share in your joy.
P.S. I had a hard time just listing 10 things. I need to remind myself more often of my blessings.