What Makes Dirty Rice Dirty?

Have you ever wondered why dirty rice is called "Dirty"? It is because traditional, dirty rice will have chicken gizzards, liver and sometimes giblets in it as well. To some this is considered the dirty part of the bird. The liver and gizzards are mixed with ground pork and that is what gives the meat the dirty appearance.

You may have heard this delicacy referred to as Rice Dressing, or Cajun Rice, but here in the south we simple call it Dirty Rice.

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked quality long grain par-boiled rice (I like Uncle Ben's)
1 Savoie's Dressing Mix(this is our secret ingredient)
1 roll of spicy breakfast sausage and 1/2 roll of sage breakfast sausage
1 cup chicken broth
About 1/2 cup each chopped onion, celery, green bell pepper, green onion
3 chopped garlic cloves
1 chopped jalapeno
1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
season with Cajun seasoning and cayenne if you like it spicy

In a large skillet coated with oil, cook the chopped celery, onions and peppers until they get soft, once they are soft, add the garlic and parsley and let it cook for about 2 more minutes before adding in the meat. Season lightly at this point because you'll add more season at the end to taste. Once the meat is completely cooked, incorporate the Savoie's Dressing Mix. Let this cook for another 10 minutes before adding in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and the rice. Once everything is well mixed you can add more broth and seasonings as needed.

Hungraciously Yours,
MiMi J

I will be featured on Food Network's new show called Bobby's Dinner Battle, be sure to watch Jan. 23

Hi Friends,
Be sure to tune into Food Network's new show called "Bobby's Dinner Battle". The new show starts January 16th, I will be featured on the episode that aires January 23rd. I am super excited, so be sure to watch 9pm cst.

Premiering Wednesday, January 23rd at 10pmET/PT
“Battle Dallas”

Bobby Flay challenges three teams of the best home cooks in Dallas to throw a Wild West-themed dinner party. While cousins Meika and Crystal have to cook on the fly when they realize they have forgotten a key ingredient, best friends Susan and Grace-Anne attempt to make sorbet from scratch, and high school friends Alisa and Stephen “twist” their way through the kitchen. Who will be named the best home cooks in Dallas and take home the coveted Bobby’s Dinner Battle trophy?

 

 

3 Cabbage Stew Creation (Mission #2 Bok Choy)

I, like a lot of the world, am on a healthier eating kick right now. I'm not saying that I do not eat sweets and carbs, but I also and more frequently incorporate healthy items to my diet.

This soup was an experiment for me. I make cabbage stew frequently, but I normally only use green cabbage. One of my missions this year was to try Bok Choy, so from there birthed the 3 cabbage stew idea.

Vegetables include; bok choy, green cabbage, red cabbage, celery,garlic,  sweet onion, green onion, green chili peppers, Italian parsley and two cans of stewed sliced tomatoes.

Meat; ground turkey breakfast sausage, out of casing and formed into meatballs.

Seasonings; 2 packs of onion soup mix, black pepper, sea salt, Cajun seasoning, chili pepper, cayenne pepper, ground thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, marjoram leaves, green curry powder (Did you know spicy peppers boost your metabolism?)

Chop your vegetables and cut your cabbage in long shreds.

In a skillet cook the meatballs be sure to add a little EVOO to your pan. Remove your meatballs once they are done and add your celery and onions to the hot pan. Let it cook for about 10 minutes and then add in your garlic and peppers. Let this cook for another 10 minutes, but while this is going add the onion soup mix to 4 cups of hot water and mix well. Once your vegetables cook well add about 2 cups of the onion soup and water mix to your skillet and mix it around good. Transfer everything from your skillet to a large stock pot and then add the remaining soup mix. Add in everything else except the meatballs. The cabbage should be completely submerged, so you may need to add more water. Let everything cook for about 30 minutes and then add your meatballs. At this point you want to taste your broth, add more salt and pepper if needed. Once the cabbage is tender your soup is ready.



Hungraciously Yours,
MiMi J

Red Cabbage, Green Cabbage and Bok Choy

 I made and added turkey meatballs for protein.

 

Mission # 1 Never again have an undressed table.

I never realized how important a set table adds to the atmosphere of your home or dinner party until it was brought to my attention by someone who I respect greatly. So, one of my new missions is to never have my dinning room table unset and to change it up with the seasons. It doesn't have to be to fancy or extravagant, because that just isn't me. Fresh, simple and clean is my style.

Hungraciously Yours,
MiMi J

Whats' in the Glass? Juice because it's good for you.

This morning I pulled out my juicer. My trusty juicer has helped me lose 60 pound in the past, as well as help put my Crohn's disease in remission. I am a firm believer that there is a natural cure in fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants, all you have to do is read and consume.

Both my daughter and myself are suffering from a little winter time sniffle and cough, so I decided to juice a vitamin C pack refreshment. Not only will this juice help boost our immune system, but, if consumed regularly it can help fight cancer, boost the metabolism, help those bowels get to moving, and help hair and skin look it's best.

This juice is also great for those NY2013 diet resolutions. A glass of freshly juice fruit and veggies will help those pound drop by boosting your metabolism, regulating bowel movements (the more that comes out is less that stays in), and it will also give you the energy you need to workout.

Here is what is in the glass;
Kale- This is a superfood, so you know it's packed with good stuff including vitamins A, C & K. There is also a high amount of iron, calcium and fiber in kale.

Celery- Full of vitamin A, C, B1, B2 and B6. There is also plenty of fiber for a smooth move. Celery is also know to reduce blood pressure and relieve inflammation.

Cucumber- Are good for skin hair and nails. They are full of water so its an excellent source of hydration. In addition there are vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6 as well as a health dose of potassium.

Carrot- It's a well know fact that carrots are good for the vision, that is because it's full of vitamin a, which if consumed regularly may help reduce the risk of some cancers.

Apple- We all know the old saying about a apple a day, it's because apples are a great antioxidant, full of vitamins and are also good for the colon. A clean colon equals a clean body.

Orange- Interesting fact, a orange is actually a berry. Oranges are packed full of vitamin C and calcium. They are great for detoxing, the skin, the digestive system and more. Studies show that the right amount of vitamin C can help with stress and depression.

Pineapple- This too is high in vitamin C and is also know to sooth soar throats. In addition pineapples are an anti-inflammatory and are loaded with fiber.


Hungraciously Yours,
MiMi J