Carol’s easy way of Cooking:

When I lived in Louisiana I use to cook everything from scratch. I made my crust from scratch for homemade pies and spent time over the stove making Roux for that famous gumbo of mine. I am not sure if I just like taking the easy way out as I have gotten older or I just like my life a lot less complicated. Maybe i just like my time to do other things either way i still cook great just easier.

Like tonight, I decided to make chicken and sausage gumbo, rice, baked yams, and dutch apple pie.

Here is my easy way of cooking:

For gumbo I brought a baked chicken from Publix, took all the meat off the bones, and threw it in a large pot that I added chicken stock, fresh celery, white onion, and green onion that I cut up, but you can buy frozen cut up onions and bell peppers instead for an even easier way. I used Tony Chacheres Instant Roux, I know you can’t believe it, but I promise it is as good as making it from scratch. You don’t have to tell anyone! I then added minced garlic, you can buy in a jar, and fresh parsley. I sliced smoked sausage and added to pot.  Oh yeah can’t forget to add gumbo File. Now all I have to do is add a little Tony’s seasoning and let it slow cook. Easy as pie.

Speaking of pie. I just got an Marie Callender’s Dutch apple pie and baked it in the oven while gumbo was simmering.  I also put some sweet potatoes in the microwave. When ready cut them open add butter, cinnamon and sugar and they are ready.  Just don’t forget the rice. You can’t have gumbo without rice.

Serve in your best china and everyone will think you spent all day cooking. It will be our little secret.