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It's National Gumbo Day?  

Platosgames 102M
2244 posts
11/10/2018 4:11 pm
It's National Gumbo Day?

Ok...well maybe that's not true. I just wanted to sound as well informed and smart as the wonderful Pocogato. But since I pale in comparison to our "little kitty", let me just say it was Gumbo day at my house.

I love Seafood Gumbo and have spent years tweaking and mastering the dish. It started with a recipe and lesson I got from a girlfriends mom, during a stint I spent in Louisiana. She was a wonderful, friendly, Cajun lady, who made us dinner more than once. As she explained it to me, making great Gumbo is a lot like life.

If you don't fill your life with good stuff, it can never be as good as it should be. Try to fill it with poor choices and half ass stuff, and it's gonna turn out the same. So we only use the highest quality ingredients when making Gumbo. All organic fresh vegetables...better if they were grown in your garden.



Patience is needed. And the attention to the little details. Too many people rush through life. But life is not a race. It's a journey. When making Roux, you have to take your time and cook it to the right color. Has to reach that chocolate brown, or it's just not gumbo roux. Patience is needed to cook it slow, and steady. Never, ever stop stirring. If the house catches on fire, keep stirring and let the fireman just fight it around you. It takes a good 45 minutes. (hint, she said her mom used to cook a roux that took 4 hours or better). Damn.



Don't stop caring halfway through. Many people she told me, just give up half way through. Sorta like life. "I'm tired of this, just dump the okra in." Show some tenacity and stick with it...the okra needs to be cooked in a pan with a little oil. Till the "strings" are no longer there. If you just dump it in...you might as well never started in the first place.



Then learn to relax, and let life run it's course. Simmer it for a bit. Let it "rest" for two or three hours, before you finish it out with the seafood. She said, two many times we're so much in a hurry to get somewhere, we forget to notice the stuff that is all around us. Stop, relax and enjoy your journey.



Finally, you hit the conclusion. If you followed everything, exactly, you are rewarded with success and happiness. And in this case, fantastic Shrimp and Crab Gumbo.



I remember the girlfriend was a lot of fun and seemed so easy going. And this is when we were in our early 20's. But I'll never forget her mom. She was an intense lady, could be quick to anger, but if she liked you, you couldn't have a better friend. She was fun to be around and made me some great dinners. Jambalaya, Red Beans and Rice, great Boiled Crawfish, and of course, Seafood Gumbo. One of my all time favorites.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 4:13 pm

I've tweaked the spices a bit, but follow her "process" to the tee. Unbelievable Gumbo. Sometimes I go crazy and it's loaded with crab, shrimp, scallops, crawfish, and any other seafood that has the misfortune to be anywhere near me at the moment.

It was a great day, and a great Gumbo.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


redrockrascal 65M
23580 posts
11/10/2018 4:41 pm

So you're saying life is just a bowl of gumbo. Not cherries or chocolates?

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.


mufdiver69er2 63M  
1953 posts
11/10/2018 4:43 pm

the first time i had boudin..i said wtf? that looks like a dogturd in a condom..but the spicy tasting sausage? oooweee..dat cajun spice..and that gumbo looks just the ticket as the nights get colder..

woop woop


lonlyforlove2 81M
32704 posts
11/10/2018 4:58 pm

You cant beat gumbo, the okra gives it it's flavor...seafood or chicken, on a cold day it will fix you right up , and it is a time consuming process, but worth the wait...

Stop by at lonlyforlove2
also see Lunch with Lonly , we get snow tomorrow
Check my blog on New Community, "A photo of my big Pecker"
also, " My Sunday afternoon with the kids'


bitchkitty2017 71F

11/10/2018 5:02 pm

never had that dish before but looks like it may be good..I make big pots of home made chili but its just me here to eat it so by times it doesn't seem like I want to take the time or effort.


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 5:39 pm

    Quoting redrockrascal:
    So you're saying life is just a bowl of gumbo. Not cherries or chocolates?
Cherries...meh....

Now chocolate. That's it's own food group.

Without chocolate, life isn't worth living.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 5:40 pm

    Quoting mufdiver69er2:
    the first time i had boudin..i said wtf? that looks like a dogturd in a condom..but the spicy tasting sausage? oooweee..dat cajun spice..and that gumbo looks just the ticket as the nights get colder..
Yeah, there is little cajun cooking I don't enjoy.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 5:41 pm

    Quoting lonlyforlove2:
    You cant beat gumbo, the okra gives it it's flavor...seafood or chicken, on a cold day it will fix you right up , and it is a time consuming process, but worth the wait...
Really insteresting how it originated, if you've never read about it. Sorta like stew, they just made it with what the had access to ...besides what's become known as the holy trinity. Celery, Bell Pepper and Onion.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 5:43 pm

    Quoting bitchkitty2017:
    never had that dish before but looks like it may be good..I make big pots of home made chili but its just me here to eat it so by times it doesn't seem like I want to take the time or effort.
Oh.. girl. Don't get me started on chili. But it has to be Texas Chile. LOL

There are rules to perfect chile, and around here, we take them real serious.

And you're right ..good chile is time consuming.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 5:45 pm

    Quoting  :

You know...speaking as someone who learned to BBQ from my grandfather, it's amazing how many recipes down here start off with "one beer". LOL

Turtle soup is pretty good. I like it best with soft shell turtle though. That's really pretty awesome, haven't heard anyone mention Gopher Stew in a very long time.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 7:03 pm

    Quoting  :

It was good...Funny it's one of those things that come out better in big batches. This was a 1/4 batch.

Usually I make it and the whole family, neighbors and anyone lost in the area come by for a bowl of Pappy's Gumbo.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 7:05 pm

    Quoting  :

If you say it any other way, than Nawlins...you're probably a tourist. LOL.

Thanks...I really liked that lady. And her points were valid. And damn that woman could cook.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


pagancountrygirl 66F
6466 posts
11/10/2018 7:41 pm

I'll pass on the gumbo. Yeah, I know I probably just got banned. lol
But I make some awesome chili!

Pagan
Hmmmm....I know I left that wand around here somewhere!


Paulxx001 66M
22642 posts
11/10/2018 7:52 pm

Great analogy! And while you were cooking the gumbo, I was cooking an industrial sized batch of spaghetti sauce... Nowhere near the same level of complexity... I'll have to cook gumbo one day.


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 7:58 pm

    Quoting  :

No, it's me drinking wine and being obtuse... I've eaten at Mother's more than once.

I was just projecting. ..maybe...or just drinking wine. You pick

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 7:59 pm

    Quoting  :

Thanks bubba.

Gumbo is great...but there's nothing wrong with a good pizza.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/10/2018 8:00 pm

    Quoting pagancountrygirl:
    I'll pass on the gumbo. Yeah, I know I probably just got banned. lol
    But I make some awesome chili!
haha...no but here's the million dollar question...

Do you put beans in your chile?

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Livin_my_Life14 53F

11/10/2018 8:26 pm

Yum, looks delicious!! A plus for pictures. I am a picture kinda cook. I’ll be making some chili next week.


pocogato12 71F  
37235 posts
11/10/2018 8:55 pm

Thank me for making you talk about this!! ROUX is the entire key. Great food porn, my friend. I had Gumbo two weeks ago at a place called EAUX in Portland- check it out on Trip Advisor where I am a happy traveler.

(Virtual Symposium Group) use Virtual Symposium Group


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/11/2018 5:41 am

    Quoting Paulxx001:
    Great analogy! And while you were cooking the gumbo, I was cooking an industrial sized batch of spaghetti sauce... Nowhere near the same level of complexity... I'll have to cook gumbo one day.
Maybe not..but a good spaghetti sauce is a work of art.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/11/2018 5:44 am

    Quoting Livin_my_Life14:
    Yum, looks delicious!! A plus for pictures. I am a picture kinda cook. I’ll be making some chili next week.
It was good.. I make two versions, as I was taught it was a matter of taste. This is the one without any tomato in it.

To be honest, I was just gonna do the pictures. But then got thinking about the ex girlfriend and her mom, and decided to post some of her wisdom

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/11/2018 5:48 am

    Quoting pocogato12:
    Thank me for making you talk about this!! ROUX is the entire key. Great food porn, my friend. I had Gumbo two weeks ago at a place called EAUX in Portland- check it out on Trip Advisor where I am a happy traveler.
It really is the most important aspect. I've taught friends how to make this gumbo, and they say it never turns out as good. I'm sure they're either cooking the Roux too fast, or not long enough.

Make sure you notify us when it really is National Gumbo Day. LOL

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


sexysixties2 106F
39750 posts
11/11/2018 8:39 am

My Mum taught me to make a roux....it's the basis for so many good dishes and as you say, patience is required, I would be using meat or chicken in mine....I don't eat seafood.

"Age does not protect you from love, but love, to some extent, protects you from age."

~~Anais Nin~~


Tmptrzz 61F  
107039 posts
11/11/2018 9:19 am

I hope you enjoy your Gumbo and have a Blessed Sunday..

Seduce the mind and see what a wonderful adventure the body will take you on..


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/11/2018 9:38 am

    Quoting sexysixties2:
    My Mum taught me to make a roux....it's the basis for so many good dishes and as you say, patience is required, I would be using meat or chicken in mine....I don't eat seafood.
Chicken Gumbo is good. I've seen it made with just sausage too.

And yeah, a good Roux is great in a lot of stuff. I make a chicken stew that calls for Roux. Just not as dark.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/11/2018 9:39 am

    Quoting Tmptrzz:
    I hope you enjoy your Gumbo and have a Blessed Sunday..
We had it yesterday, and it was great. Thanks Trzzz, hope you have a great Sunday as well.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


SeaGirlFL 60F
9220 posts
11/11/2018 1:50 pm

    Quoting Platosgames:
    Cherries...meh....

    Now chocolate. That's it's own food group.

    Without chocolate, life isn't worth living.
Chocolate is only worth eating if it's high quality dark chocolate.

"Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax." – Mark Black


SeaGirlFL 60F
9220 posts
11/11/2018 1:57 pm

That does look delicious.

I clearly have never cooked a proper roux...it gets that dark but it's not burnt?

And...I've never made gumbo. My go to "soup" dish used to be a spicy chili. I haven't made it in a long while. I'll have to make it when I'm in Seattle next month...my boys love it.

"Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax." – Mark Black


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/11/2018 2:21 pm

    Quoting SeaGirlFL:
    That does look delicious.

    I clearly have never cooked a proper roux...it gets that dark but it's not burnt?

    And...I've never made gumbo. My go to "soup" dish used to be a spicy chili. I haven't made it in a long while. I'll have to make it when I'm in Seattle next month...my boys love it.
First off...I agree great dark chocolate is my go to. But I try not to discriminate when it comes to chocolate.

No, it's not burnt. That's the tricky part...and boring part. It goes from white to a tan, to peanut butter color, to milk chocolate..to dark. But it has to go real slow to get there, so you don't burn it. Time consuming , but well worth it.

I love spicy chili, I think we should declare next weekend Chili weekend and all make chili.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


pagancountrygirl 66F
6466 posts
11/11/2018 3:59 pm

    Quoting Platosgames:
    haha...no but here's the million dollar question...

    Do you put beans in your chile?
Nope There are no beans in my chili. But if someone wanted them, they would be provided.

Pagan
Hmmmm....I know I left that wand around here somewhere!


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/11/2018 4:17 pm

    Quoting pagancountrygirl:
    Nope There are no beans in my chili. But if someone wanted them, they would be provided.
Perfect!! I knew I liked you.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


SeaGirlFL 60F
9220 posts
11/11/2018 7:06 pm

    Quoting Platosgames:
    First off...I agree great dark chocolate is my go to. But I try not to discriminate when it comes to chocolate.

    No, it's not burnt. That's the tricky part...and boring part. It goes from white to a tan, to peanut butter color, to milk chocolate..to dark. But it has to go real slow to get there, so you don't burn it. Time consuming , but well worth it.

    I love spicy chili, I think we should declare next weekend Chili weekend and all make chili.
The only way milk chocolate is acceptable is if it's in a peanut m'n'm.

The best meals are the ones that take time...and you put your heart into when you make them. 'Cuz you gotta love your family if you'll spend 4 hours on roux!

A chili weekend sounds like fun...though, it would be even more fun if it was a cook off and we could taste all the entries. (I have to warn you, though...mine has beans. Sorry. Lol.)

"Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax." – Mark Black


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/11/2018 8:46 pm

    Quoting SeaGirlFL:
    The only way milk chocolate is acceptable is if it's in a peanut m'n'm.

    The best meals are the ones that take time...and you put your heart into when you make them. 'Cuz you gotta love your family if you'll spend 4 hours on roux!

    A chili weekend sounds like fun...though, it would be even more fun if it was a cook off and we could taste all the entries. (I have to warn you, though...mine has beans. Sorry. Lol.)
Well, as long as you don't call it Texas Chili, it can have beans. LOL That's a big argument down here. I'm in the no beans camp, but my daughter would probably like yours better.

But since you're speaking my language with Peanut M&M's, we're gonna give you some leeway.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/12/2018 6:10 am

    Quoting  :

Well you may have to make chili again. SeaGirl and I have been discussing a chili weekend, though I think she's right. It's gonna be hard to figure out how to taste everyone's chili.

They need a scratch and "eat" function on here...But you know where that would lead.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/12/2018 12:38 pm

    Quoting  :

You know I read that comment and figured out one of the reasons I probably like the way your mind works.

Mine instantly jumped to the thought of you and I sitting around drinking some wine. And wondering where the hell that conversation would end up. LOL We'd probably solve half of the worlds problems in a evening. Or at least we'd think we did, till we woke up the next day.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/12/2018 1:55 pm

    Quoting  :

Well maybe we could just concentrate on solve problems closer to home.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/12/2018 4:34 pm

    Quoting  :

LOL..you're funny. And no..I'm sure PITA has some rule on that.

It was a great meal. As for the wisdom, I've been blessed to have met some great people in my life. I try to learn from them all.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


SeaGirlFL 60F
9220 posts
11/12/2018 6:04 pm

    Quoting Platosgames:
    Well, as long as you don't call it Texas Chili, it can have beans. LOL That's a big argument down here. I'm in the no beans camp, but my daughter would probably like yours better.

    But since you're speaking my language with Peanut M&M's, we're gonna give you some leeway.
*cross my heart* I will never call it "Texas" chili

This chili might change your mind about no beans...

Thanks for the heads up to be wary of you sneaking my peanut m'n'm's when I'm not looking.

"Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax." – Mark Black


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/12/2018 7:58 pm

    Quoting SeaGirlFL:
    *cross my heart* I will never call it "Texas" chili

    This chili might change your mind about no beans...

    Thanks for the heads up to be wary of you sneaking my peanut m'n'm's when I'm not looking.
Well, you know. I've been told that a lot. Like, mine will make you like it.

That said I'm never above two things.

Trying anyone's chili, beans or no beans..

Snitching Peanut M&M's. you have to watch me like a hawk.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


FMAOPLS 70F
27112 posts
11/13/2018 10:51 pm

I've only ever had Gumbo once, at a catered weekend Swinger's Campout, where the theme was Mardi Gras.

It was great, EXCEPT for the Okra. I don't know if they didn't fry it first - but it was this gelatinous, fresh from hell, horrible, gawdawful, made you want to throw up, stuff that was totally unpalatable.

If I ever have Gumbo again, you can be damn sure I will strain out all the Okra first.

Yours looks delicious, by the way. But then, that's not all that looks delicious, about you.

Check out my profile or and become a "watcher" of my blog FMAOPLS,to learn more about me, and for intelligent, lively, smartassy and fun discussion, with a little irreverence thrown in. "Like" or comment on my photos, and I promise I'll add more. Thanks.


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
11/14/2018 5:22 am

    Quoting FMAOPLS:
    I've only ever had Gumbo once, at a catered weekend Swinger's Campout, where the theme was Mardi Gras.

    It was great, EXCEPT for the Okra. I don't know if they didn't fry it first - but it was this gelatinous, fresh from hell, horrible, gawdawful, made you want to throw up, stuff that was totally unpalatable.

    If I ever have Gumbo again, you can be damn sure I will strain out all the Okra first.

    Yours looks delicious, by the way. But then, that's not all that looks delicious, about you.
Yeah, it sounds like they didn't pan saute it first in some oil . It can be really gummy and stringy if you don't. Ruins the Gumbo.

And thanks for the compliment.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


bigmask4u3 30M

12/1/2018 5:48 am

Jealous. I've never had gumbo and I'm planning on going to Louisiana to visit friends somerime next year, it also involves hitting all of the awesome local places to try everything.


Platosgames 102M
3189 posts
12/1/2018 9:32 am

    Quoting bigmask4u3:
    Jealous. I've never had gumbo and I'm planning on going to Louisiana to visit friends somerime next year, it also involves hitting all of the awesome local places to try everything.
There's a lot of good Gumbo floating around Louisiana. And look for a fresh Crawfish boil.

" I refuse to belong to any organization that would accept me as a member" Groucho Marx


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