N' Awlins by way of Old Hickory

Steph and I went down to the Southland on Saturday to see my family. Everyone was there except my brother Ron who still lives in New Jersey. My sister-in-law, Jenny, brought me 2 pounds of fresh off the dock jumbo shrimp. Her dad owns a shrimping boat and her parents still live just south of New Orleans! Think Forrest Gump in a cajun way.

The first time I ever ate Cajun cooking was at Jenny and Ramsey's wedding. Her mamma can cook!!! Got me hooked big time! I have always tinkered with recipes, some from a box and some not, such as Jambalaya, Etouffe, and seasoned chicken. Tonight, I got adventurous and attempted Shrimp Creole from scratch. I had to put this shrimp to use!

I have a wife who mainly eats chicken. I have tried to show her the benefits of those lovable crustaceans, but with no success. I mean Mr. Jimmy Buffett even named an album after those pink crustaceans!!!! Back on topic, I substituted chicken in hers for Chicken Creole.

This is Steph's dinner cooking on the stove. I started with the same roux before I separated her chicken and my shrimp.

Here is my Shrimp Creole cooking on the stove. You can see that I am not the cleanest cook in the world.

Steph's dinner is finished and on the table. Chicken Creole served over steamed brown rice with some garlic toast.

Here is my masterpiece! Shrimp Creole served the same way. I like mine hot and have some Tabasco on the side!

I have the recipe if anyone wants to try it. It turned out to be an excellent dinner!