Jambalaya anyone?
 

Made a batch today...

Bacon...must have bacon
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/z...Image012-1.jpg

And good smoked sausage
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/Image013.jpg

Add aromatics (bell pepper, celery, onion, garlic, poultry seasoning, thyme)
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/Image014.jpg

Add skinned and boned chicken thighs
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/Image015.jpg

Get 'em brown..
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/Image016.jpg

Let it all simmer together and marry
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/Image017.jpg

Add stock
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/Image019.jpg

I use this...it is a shortcut, but is real, reduced stock, not MSG and garbage
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/Image018.jpg

Bring to a boil...add rice. I use long grain enriched rice. When the rice and water reach the same level in the pan, drop the heat to low, and..

LEAVE IT ALONE DO NOT TOUCH FOR 40 MINUTES.

Then..
http://i812.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/Image020.jpg

Oh man, want to talk about good?

Mike, "more like a soup" is not jambalaya. I am not pouring "hate-o-rade" on your bud's concoction, just that such a thing is not jambalaya. What makes jambalaya "jambalaya" is the fact that all of the elements are melded together and the rich, salty, flavorful stock is used to bloom the rice completely.

Well I don't know what you call it but that sure looks good.

Gumbo is a soup, usually brown. It can be made with all sorts of meat(s), shellfish, and/or poultry, and may or may not contain okra or tomatoes. It is served with white rice.

I made some jambalaya in Michigan for a bunch of people a few years ago at this giant house I rented on some lake north of Kalamazoo. I laid off the spice and it was a big hit. I'm actually not so fond of jambalaya with shrimp or other water-creatures, it tends to get fishy to me...no matter what.

So when you coming back to Michigan? I'll buy the ingredients if you cook it. I've had different gumbo's before but don't believe I've ever tried jambalaya.

Since you mention it Hank, there's a chance I'll be up there for Christmas this year. My sister just bought a new place, and I'm thinking she'll try to have everyone there for the Holidays.