Etouffee - Louisiana Style

I've had several folks to ask me for this Etouffee recipe  and decided to make a blog post out of it as their may be others of you that would enjoy having this ULTRA easy and quick recipe for some yummy Louisiana eating.

A sweet friend gave me this recipe about 20 years ago and I've never made Etouffee any other way.  She served it at a club meeting and we all thought that she had slaved over the stove for hours making this.  But, I'm telling you from start to finish it takes about 30 minutes.  The hardest part is opening all the cans of soup. ~no joke~  You can thank me later.........

Etoufee

from the kitchen of Lea Culp

3 cans Golden Mushroom Soup

1 can diced Rotel Tomatoes

1/2 pkg. frozen Seasoning Blend

1/2 stick of butter

1 lb. boiled shrimp or 1/2 lb shrimp and 1 lb. of crayfish

Saute' Seasoning Blend in butter and then add all other ingredients and simmer

for 30 minutes.  If you do not use a non-stick pan then be very careful as

this will stick and burn and that would be real aggravating!  It is served over rice or some folks prefer angel hair pasta. Suit yourself!

My personal notes:  This is easily doubled or tripled and freezes like a dream. I always triple it and I use 2 pounds of shrimp and 1 pound of crayfish.  You can suit yourself on that.  All this dish needs is a salad and french bread and dinner is ready.  It is such a crowd pleaser!  And, if you want to thin it some, just add Chicken Broth to get the consistency you desire. 

Now, go copy and paste the recipe over into Word, run it off, and you'll have this for future use.  

I thought this was a very timely quote for this recipe and the times we are living in.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's Wednesday and that means it's Hodgepodge time.  Enjoy!

1. Five years ago this month hubs and I relocated from New Jersey to the Palmetto State. What were you doing five years ago this month?

On August 14, 2015 we moved in to this house.  We had been in our former house for 35 years and had spent a couple of years working on the plans for this house.  It was a HUGE move but we have so enjoyed these past 5 years.  We were still unpacking boxes, and getting settled when we got a phone call from our daughter that she had just gone into labor and that we needed to head that way. Coleman was due the first week of Oct. but decided to make his entrance on August 31, 2015.  So, off we went and believe it or not, they had just moved from Texas to OKC (like 2 days before), and they had boxes on top of boxes and they needed us to start unpacking and get their house in some kind of order.  I look back on it and cannot believe we survived all of it but we all know that's just what parents do.  It makes me tired just recalling it. ~chuckle~

2. What was the last 9-5 job you worked? Tell us about it.
Well, we are really digging up memories today for sure.  My last job was a bank teller, a job I had until I "retired" to enter Motherhood 43 years ago this month.  And, in those days, it was an 8-2 job.  It was the greatest job on earth and I so enjoyed my banking days.  

3. Plead the fifth, high five, take five, it's five o'clock somewhere, or the big 5-0...which number five phrase relates to your life in some way currently? Tell us how.

I think I would have to say "plea the fifth" and that's rare but there have been a few times in the past months that I have had to "plea the fifith" when things turned political. Now, that's mentally, not verbally.  I just choose to keep my mouth shut.

4. During this season of spending so much time at home, what distractions get in the way of being your most productive? Or have you been extra productive since this whole thing started?

I would have to say I feel I have been very productive.  The first few weeks I cleaned out, straightened up and reorganized things that were already organized. ~no joke~  I have baked and baked and baked some more and I picked up crocheting again.  I did get distracted with the Netflix series, Anne With An E at the very first of the pandemic.  But, I'm much happier with busy hands than idle hands. 

5. Give us a list here of your top five anything.

These were the first 5 things to come to my mind and I'm sure our country's current state of affairs had a lot to do with that. 

5 Day Makers

1 - Start your day with a quiet time with the Lord. It's a difference maker!

2 - Do something nice for someone everyday.

3 - Always be kind.

4 - Always be encouraging.

5 - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We were in Oklahoma last week and while we were there we celebrated this little guy's 1st birthday.  His actual birthday is this Friday but since we were there Bridget decided to go ahead and celebrate.  He had no reservations at all about digging into his smash cake.  He is the happiest little guy and totally mesmerized by his two older brothers.

The Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's another Wednesday and that means another Hodgepodge. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed answering.

1.  What's happening where you live in terms of schools opening? How do you feel about it?

Hummm......our local public schools are waiting until after Labor Day to even start, the district my DIL teaches in is doing an A/B schedule and the private school our Grangirls attend is going full steam ahead.  They are a smaller school and are making modifications to try and prevent any spread of the Covid.  It all remains to be seen and overall, it seems that the opening of schools is a most stressful situation for all concerned.

I really think that waiting to start school until after Labor Day is probably a very good idea. But since I did not get a vote in the matter, it doesn't appear that will be the case in most instances. 

2. What's something you still do 'old school'?

I still keep a wall calendar with all of mine and Hubby's activities and appointments on it.  I use my I-phone calendar for all the birthdays I remember.  But, I love looking at our wall calendar and seeing each week lined out for me and what is coming up.

3. August 4th is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Will you/did you celebrate by baking a batch? Eating a batch? Nuts or no nuts? Homemade or store bought? Soft and chewy or do you prefer your cookie to snap when you bite into it?

Well, I had no idea but believe it or not, I baked Chocolate Chip cookies yesterday.  Remember, I LOVE to bake.  My oldest Grandson loves them and I told him I would bring him a batch when we go this Saturday.  But, he prefers them without nuts.  I mean, really, who doesn't like nuts?  But, I caved and made them without, just for him.  They are somewhere between chewy and snapping.  I do not like a cookie that snaps when you eat it.  First, that causes crumbs and I'm all about neat and for me, a softer cookie is the best. 

4. What are you starved for?

Normalcy!!!!  Will it ever return?  I don't know that our lives will ever know normal again.  We'll likely have to find a new normal and I was quite content with the old normal.  Shucks!!!!

5. Anything new and interesting on your August calendar? What is one thing you're looking forward to this month?

Nothing new and interesting but we'll be leaving on Saturday headed to Oklahoma to help out our daughter and her family.  She heads back to school on Monday but the older boys do not go for 2 more weeks and the baby's sitter doesn't start until the following week.  So, the ox is sort of in the ditch and we're going to rescue them.  And, I'll try to do some bulk cooking for her too.  If Poppa can handle the older two then I think I can handle the baby and when he naps, I'll do some cooking.  We shall see how this all goes.  I'll let you know. ~smile~ 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

I am astounded at the bareness of the shelves of all the grocery stores in our area.  I mean, the soup aisle is practically non-existent, no green beans and of course, no antibacterial cleaners or sprays. Our toilet paper and paper towel section has replenished somewhat. I suppose it is just a domino effect of the Covid.  And, Amazon Prime is not really Prime anymore, and, while that is truly a small item, they have sure spoiled us to that 2 day delivery and now it can take up to a week. But, it is what it is and we will "carry on." 

And, do as this says.........

July's Prime Purchases

Can you believe it's already the first Tuesday of August?  I mean, time is flying by although there have certainly been some days in the past few months that it seemed to be moving so s-l-o-w-l-y.  Regardless, it's time for me to share a few of my Prime Purchases from July.  I think these are tops and you may well want to order some yourself.

HALLMARK   BLANK  NOTES

These are the greatest little note cards, and in such happy colors.  There are 20 of each color and I separated them out to 5 sets of 4 of each color in each set, wrapped them in raffia and now they are ready to give as a gift.  I kept one of the sets for myself and have already used some of mine.  It's a great deal considering, should you desire, get 5 gifts out of it.

Amazon

COCOON COOLMAX BLANKET 

This is the most amazing lightweight blanket.  I  use mine in the car if I get chilled and I've even been known to use it at a restaurant to cover my legs if I'm wearing shorts. And, they are great to take on an airplane with you.  I keep it in my vehicle and it's small enough to put in my purse if need be.  They are a bit costly but they are well made and wash up great. I bought each of our Grans one of them and they LOVE them!

Amazon

HOTOUCH  PAJAMA'S 

They call these pajama's but I call them lounging clothes because that's what I use them for.  These are soooo cute and so well made and very reasonably priced.  I like to put these on after dinner.  They are so comfortable and the perfect clothing for evening at home wear. 

Amazon

NYLON  LIGHTWEIGHT SHOPPING BAGS

These are the cutest  They are a nylon shopping bag but I use mine for carrying all sorts of things. And again, they come 6 to a package for such a GREAT price and and what a great little "happie" gift to share with a friend.  What woman out there doesn't love "another" bag!!

Amazon

FACE  MASKS 

Okay, if we have to wear masks, then I say wear a cute mask!  These have such bling and are so cute and they come 3 to a package for a really good price.  They come in lots of colors so go check them out and order you a package.

Amazon

BOUNTIFUL  BOARDS BOOK 

Okay, ladies, if you have a Charcuterie Board then you need to order this book.  It tells you you all about them and gives you ideas for creating one for any occasion.  I have so enjoyed browsing through it and can't wait to use mine.

AMAZON

20 ounce Insulated Tumbler

These insulated tumblers are "all that and a bag of chips."  No joke!  They are the perfect size, not too big but not to small.  I use mine for coffee and it keeps it good and hot for a while.  If you are into cold drinks, it will keep them cold for an even longer time.  They come in some great colors and if you want to really "jazz" them up, then add a name or a monogram to them.  They also make a great gift to yourself or someone else. 

 Amazon

Set of 3 Resin Candlesticks 

These are the prettiest candlesticks!  I saw a spot in our house that I thought needed these.  They are made of a resin but they look like wood.  I'm using the LED candles on them and they are beautiful.  

AMAZON

And, there you have it.  I thought these items were some of the best and I hope you saw something that "spoke" to you as well.  

Now, go have yourself a good rest of the week! 

A Moving Hodgepodge

1. Last time you moved house? Something you've learned in moving house?
Well, we are about to celebrate our 5 year anniversary of moving into this house.  It was August 11, 2015.
We had lived in our last house 36 years and that's way to long to live in the same house in my opinion. ~smile~  Stuff somehow seems to accumulate and I cannot tell you how much stuff I got rid of when we moved.  And, I'm really good at getting rid of stuff all the time but you would have never guessed that when we moved.  I've tried really hard to not let stuff accumulate in our new house but it remains to be seen how good of a job I've done.  I've learned "stuff just accumulates quickly."

2. Move mountains, move along, make a wrong move, moved to tears, get a move on, move up, move over, move out of the way, move the deck chairs on the Titanic, move it!...pick one and tell us how it fits your recent circumstances.
I have two and the first would be "move along."  I think that's what I've done and many others, during these pandemic days.  Just keep moving and hopefully it will end SOON.

Second would be "moved to tears."  That is the way that I often feel in these past weeks when I watch the news and see the hatred, disrespect, meanness, and destruction happening in our great nation.

3. What have you been doing to make yourself move (aka stay fit-active) during these strange times?
Really nothing any different than what I normally do.  I ride the elliptical every morning, M-F, for 30 minutes.  It's not a lot but I figure it's a whole lot better than nothing and I've been either walking or doing the elliptical for about 35 years.  I could and probably should do more, but............

4. This week's calendar includes celebrations for the following foods-

National Coffee Milkshake Day (Sunday), National Creme Brûlée Day (Monday), National Milk Chocolate Day (Tuesday), National Chicken Wing Day (Wednesday), National Lasagne Day (Wednesday), National Cheesecake Day (Thursday), and National Avocado Day (Friday)

Which one on the list would you be most inclined to celebrate? Which would you be most inclined to skip?
I had no idea about these but it just so happens that Lasagne is on our menu for tomorrow's dinner.  I know, it will be a day late, but, hey, it's close.  We'll have family here and Lasagne is always a good meal for a bigger group.  
I would have no trouble skipping National Chicken Wing Day. I've never had one so guess I might not know what I'm missing but I really don't care to find out. 

5. Next week's Hodgepodge lands in August! I know!! Raise your hand if you feel like July flew by in the blink of an eye? Now bid farewell to your July acrostic style. If you don't know what that means click here.

J - jeering by lots of very discontented folks
U -ugliness across our nation 
L - Lea's birthday month
Y - youth, a thing of the past for Lea ~chuckle~ 

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

These dear folks, my brother, his wife and daughter will be arriving this afternoon for a few days from Arizona and Iowa.  I'm so excited that they decided to arrive on my birthday and know that they did that intentionally. ~chuckle~ The only sad part of this visit will be that my brother, who has not seen our Daddy since last Nov., will only be able to have window visits with him.  But, other than that, we're going to try and have a good, good  time of being together.  The very best birthday present I could ask for!

What's Up?

Well, my dear readers have probably wondered if I fell off the face of the earth. But, I haven't, just haven't  been inspired to blog in recent weeks.  I've been busy with other things that I enjoy but didn't want you to completely forget about me, so thought an update was in order.

I LOVE to bake and I've baked more cookies than the law allows since the Covid pandemic.  I guess it has served as a type of therapy for me.  Week before last I made Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Sugar, and Pecan cookies plus a batch of Brownies.  My freezer is stocked and I've shared them with family and  friends and still have plenty more to share.  A dear friend gave me the cutest cookie platter for my upcoming birthday and I look forward to using it real soon.

We had dear friends come for a visit last week and it was such a nice break from all that surrounds us these days.

I hosted a dinner one evening while they were here for some of their friends from high school.  Both Diane and Dwight are from here and enjoyed visiting with these long time friends.  I had the men sit at one table and the gals at another and I had so much fun creating the table scape for the gals.

Remember seeing these on my Prime Purchases last month?  The vases come empty and I had my favorite local floral designer do these arrangements in them.  They were a big hit with the ladies and really cute and perfect for an informal setting.  It was also a fun diversion from all that surrounds us.

I received a call from the assisted living facility where my Dad lives one morning this past week.  They wanted to inform me that my sweet Dad's apartment had flooded and a lot of his ceiling had fallen in. A workman was in the attic doing some kind of work and accidently stepped on the sprinkler (a part of the sprinkler system) above my Dad's room.  It burst and a big MESS happened.  Daddy was fine and thankfully none of the ceiling fell on him.  It wasn't heavy ceiling but a lot of wet insulation fell with it and I'm afraid it might have literally scared him to death if it had fallen on him.  The administrator told me he would have to move to another room immediately as his room would have to be totally remodeled.  So, to make a real long story short, they granted me and my sweet daughter in law special permission to go in and assist with his move.  Goodness, it was overwhelming but we managed to get it done and they allowed me to go back in the next day and put the finishing touches on things.  He had to move across the hall so everything in his new apartment is opposite of what it was in his old room.  Bless his heart, he's handled it like a trooper and while it was a tough way to get to spend some time with him, we both enjoyed our time together.  I did nearly have a heat stroke with the mask, the plastic overlay and gloves on, but I survived.  It was a tad bit sad when I left as we both had no idea when we would get to be together again.  ~did I mention that I'm sick of this pandemic~

And, these precious girls,

and these cute boys are preparing to return to school.  And, no one knows exactly what that is going to look like.  Both of their schools have plans and we can only hope that their plans go as planned.  And, both our daughter and DIL are a bit anxious about their school year  as teachers.  There's still so much unknown.  Just one more reason for me to be much in prayer for this coming school year. 

As I mentioned above, I have an upcoming birthday, as in this Wednesday.  Diane started my birthday week with this beautifully wrapped gift.   She knows I love birds and this was the most beautiful bird gift wrap and inside was the cutest cookie platter.  She knows me well!



Another precious friend gave me a Charcuterie Board and I can hardly wait to "try my hand" with it.  I think the sky is the limit as to what you can create with them so I'll be sure and share with you my first creation.  I ordered a book of ideas  from Amazon and will let you know how it goes.

I already feel so celebrated and my birthday isn't until Wednesday.  At this stage of life I'm just thankful to be here and celebrating.  

These pandemic days have been so disheartening and my heart had been saddened by all of the ugliness, anger, and disrepect in addition to the Covid.  So, I am not attached to the news, trying to stay connected with those I love and remembering that God is still on His throne and none of this has caught Him by surprise. 



May you have a blessed week!

A Secret Hodgepodge

Another Wednesday, another Hodgepodge, I love having this consistency in a world that is anything but consistent.  Well, guess it is consistently insane, come to think about it.  But, for now, I'll enjoy answering the questions for the week.

1. The Hodgepodge lands this year on National Secret Keeping Day...on a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being I'm a blabbermouth and 10 being I'm a vault) how good are you at keeping secrets?
I am very good at keeping secrets and am thankful for having a few folks in my life that know the value of keeping secrets as well. 

I read here nine jobs for people who can keep a secret-cybersecurity worker, executive assistant, housekeeper, lawyer, nuclear plant technician, physician, private investigator, psychologist, security guard  Of the jobs listed, which one most interests you and why?
I have always thought that being a private investigator would be the MOST interesting job and have said, "in my next life I'm going to be a private investigator."  But, thankfully in my next life no one there will need PI's and we'll be enjoying a peace unlike anything we have ever known. PTL!!

2. What's the secret of life (or one of them anyway)?
Remember this acrostic everyday
J - Jesus first

                                                                        O - Others second

                                                                        Y - Yourself last

What a wonderful world it would be if we all lived with JOY!

3. Off the record, best-kept secret, a fly on the wall, top secret, my lips are sealed, secret shopper, as quiet as a mouse, poker face, spill the beans, open secret, bite your tongue...which secret idiom can you best relate to right now? Explain.
Oh, for sure, "bite my tongue."  There have been several instances in recent weeks where I have overheard conversations that I so wanted to get involved in.  But, it just wasn't worth it and I have bitten my tongue.  A very wise decision for sure! 

4. Spill here the secret ingredient in one of your favorite recipes?
Well, I had never heard of Garlic Pepper until about 5 years.  I've heard of Garlic Salt all my life but for some reason, had no idea about Garlic Pepper.  I was eating a Chicken Salad made by a friend of mine and I knew the minute I tasted it that there was something in it that was just extra good.  I ask her what she put in it and all the ingredients were familiar to me until she said, Garlic Pepper.  Needless to say, I've never made Chicken Salad again without the addition of Garlic Pepper and it can always be found in my spice drawer.

5. My mama celebrates a big birthday tomorrow. Share a favorite quote, song lyric, saying, or verse of scripture that will add some sunshine to her day (ours too!)
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1Peter 5:7

6.  Insert your own random thought here.

Okay, all together say, "Aweeeee."  Aren't they just the cutest little patriotic boys.  I thought their Momma did a super good job of dressing them on the 4th  and their just such happy fellas.

Put a smile on your face and be kind!!!