NOLA Notes

So far, my three day weekend has been very nice. Saturday I actually started on the task of going through my things in the attic–something I haven’t done since moving in over five years ago. Plus I hemmed two curtains with my sewing machine that’s been stored away for about three years. Then I napped. Then my friend Pete came over and he wanted to cook gumbo. So off we went to the Westbank to get the good andouille sausage from the Gourmet Butcher Block. We Eastbankers are quite snobbish about our preferred side of the river. Truth is, the Westbank is fine but doesn’t offer much that you can’t get on the Eastbank. There are a few exceptions to this rule, and the Gourmet Butcher Block is one. They are home of the famous turducken–a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken stuffed with rice stuffing–not for the faint of heart. We really like all of their sausages and their stuffed chickens and briskets.

Driving back over the Mississippi River Bridge, the rain turned to ice–sleet in April in New Orleans! It was 45 degrees outside. We’ve been running the a/c for crying out load! This city has crazy weather! Between the weather and driving from the Westbank, I took a wrong turn on our way to pick up Pete’s sister from her French Quarter apartment and ended up in Central City. Making a U-turn to get back on track we came across this little gem. Here’s a closer shot of Lady Liberty. It’s things like this that make any random drive in the city interesting.

Once we had sis and groceries, we came back to the house. I again took on the role of the sous chef while Pete took the lead in the kitchen. He is far braver than me–I always push my roux to be as dark as I can get it but I never get it as dark as I’d like it–I always chicken out thinking I’ll burn it. Each time, I get a little further. But never as far as Pete goes with his. Look as this fabulous pot of gumbo with a rich, dark roux. It had chicken, andouille, ham, and oysters. It was delicious and will only taste better as the days pass and the flavors have time to relax and blend together. Oh, happy leftovers this week!

We finished off dinner with 1/2-price Easter cupcakes. The cat enjoyed some ham, and the dogs each got a ham bone–it was a bonanza for all!! Another nice relaxing day. I will miss these once Baby comes.

HAPPY EASTER!!