Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" February 20, 2007Mardi Gras is always 47 days before Easter Sunday.

Time to make;

SIMPLE CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE GUMBO Perhaps the simplest of the gumbos, but a hearty one and a classic combination. If you can't find andouille, use a local smoked sausage or kielbasa or whatever smoked sausage you like. This one's easy to knock off quickly for a great evening's meal. · 1 cup oil · 1 cup flour · 2 large onions, chopped · 2 bell peppers, chopped · 4 ribs celery, chopped · 4 - 6 cloves garlic, minced · 4 quarts chicken stock · 2 bay leaves · 2 teaspoons Creole seasoning, or to taste · 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves · Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste · 1 large chicken (young hen preferred), cut into pieces · 2 pounds andouille or smoked sausage, cut into 1/2" pieces · 1 bunch scallions (green onions), tops only, chopped · 2/3 cup fresh chopped parsley · Filé powder to taste Season the chicken with salt, pepper and Creole seasoning and brown quickly.

Brown the sausage, pour off fat and reserve meats.

In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil and cook the flour in the oil over medium to high heat (depending on your roux-making skill), stirring constantly, until the roux reaches a dark reddish-brown color, almost the color of coffee or milk chocolate for a Cajun-style roux.

If you want to save time, or prefer a more New Orleans-style roux, cook it to a medium, peanut-butter color, over lower heat if you're nervous about burning it.

Add the vegetables and stir quickly. This cooks the vegetables and also stops the roux from cooking further. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 4 minutes.

Add the stock, seasonings, chicken and sausage. Bring to a boil, then cook for about one hour, skimming fat off the top as needed.

Add the chopped scallion tops and parsley, and heat for 5 minutes. Serve over rice in large shallow bowls. Accompany with a good beer and lots of hot, crispy French bread. YIELD: About 12 entrée sized servings.