Because it's STILL snowing

Is is sad that I get excited when I am actually able to have quality time with my magazines, recipe search, meal plan, AND grocery shop all before Monday rolls around?

Yes, I thought so.

 I also get excited by a clean bathroom, fresh linens, and sitting on the couch watching the Olympics with a bag of M&Ms in my lap. It's an exciting life I lead.

But let's be honest, it makes life so much easier when I get home and don't have to think about dinner. Its just all there ready and waiting to be made. No quick trips to the grocery store. No blank stares into my refrigerator wondering what I can make with peach preserves and A1 Sauce.

Especially when its been snowing and below freezing for what, how many weeks are we at now?

I think my toes are permanently stuck between numb and tingly.


So last night on the menu was something I thought would warm us up a bit. Turned out too good not to share!

Shrimp & Andouille Stew (Rachael Ray)

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
One 12-ounce package andouille sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced crosswise 1 inch thick
1 onion, chopped
Salt and pepper
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
One 28-ounce can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
One 16-ounce bag frozen sliced okra
2 cups chicken broth ( I used 3 cups)
1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined ( I used 1 lb)
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions:

In a medium pot (cast iron if you have one), heat the olive oil over medium heat; add the sausage and cook until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a bowl.


Add the onion to the pot, season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, then stir in the cooked sausage, the tomatoes, okra and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, stirring often, then lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 30 to 35 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the shrimp and cook until opaque. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in the parsley.

I tossed in about 2 cups of cooked pasta right before serving to hearty it up a bit.
 
xo dae