Big Easy Shrimp Etoufee

This is a recipe I found out of Family Fun magazine one day when I was down visiting my Mom. I never knew I liked Cajun food until I made this! It is so easy, quick, and Delicious! I have made it several times, and it just keeps getting better!

I didn't have a picture of when I actually made it, so I had to settle for the one out of the magazine. :)

Ingredients:
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup flour
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth *may need more
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
1/4 teaspoon salt *may need more
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
6 drops hot sauce *I use Siracha but Tabasco would also work
1 pound peeled, deveined shrimp (uncooked)
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley *optional, I've never used it
4 cups hot cooked rice, white or brown

-Serves 5-

1. In a large cast iron skillet (This is a MUST!), heat the butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic and saute until they are soft and tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Stir in the flour until it is heated through, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the broth in increments, stirring after each addition, until the mixture has thickened. Add the tomatoes, thyme, cayenne, salt, paprika, oregano, and hot sauce. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the shrimp and parsley and cook until the shrimp is no longer pink, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Serve over hot rice

I also like to serve mine with french bread sliced, buttered, and grilled in a cast iron skillet.

Enjoy!
Jessie

The Must Haves

So I decided that it might be important if my sister and I are telling all about things that we transform and make new, we might need to tell you some items you might want to always have on hand that will help you take something from drab to glam in just a few short steps. These are things that can be purchased at your local hardware stores and for really not very much money.

First, I think everyone should have several types of sandpaper on hand. I say types, because sandpaper comes in different levels of sandability (oh my...I made up a new word). I also like to have a sanding block that the sandpaper attaches to...this really saves your arm (and fingers).

Next, I think you should have a good water based primer. A water based paint of any type (primer included) gives you the ability to clean up easily. I typically keep white on hand. And while we are confessing, I honestly sometimes only use primer as my "paint" when transforming a piece.

I also believe that it is good to have a favorite stain on hand. I buy the smallest container of stain that I can in my favorite color. Stain goes far...a small container will last a long time. My favorite color at the moment is called ebony!

Chalkboard paint is also very essential to have on hand. Oh. My. Word. The things that can be changed with just a few brushstrokes of chalkboard paint. I will share some of those soon!

Finally, (although I know there are things that I am missing, but these are my essentials) have paint brushes, cotton rags and sponge brushes on hand. That way, when the urge to spice up your living room hits, you can hop to it!

What makes up your essentials list?