As we already know, Halloween just passed on October 31st and maybe you did or did not know that Dia De Los Muertos which is the Mexican holiday that focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died was on November 1st…Well my grandma’s birthday is on November 3rd, how convenient! lol. However, she is no longer with us so I wanted to honor her memory on her birthday. I was on the phone with my BFF and mentioned I was cooking a dish tonight in honor of my grandma’s birthday (even though it’s just me)…and he said I should blog about it and mention the recipe. OMG! So simple, yet awesome and thoughtful idea that resonated with me so much that I am not sure why I did not think of it myself! I decided to do my postings once a week on Fridays so I guess I got a little stuck on that but a little extra sharing never hurt. Hey, a life in style never stops right, you just have to be aware of these moments and pass them on.
So my grandma is from Louisiana and of Creole descent so I decided to make an easy yet filling dish that is delish and can feed several. It is shrimp and chicken creole with cornbread which is a great dish for fall, not to mention it is my fave and always makes me think of her when I make it. I am no cook but I enjoy it from time to time, so I am sharing the recipe and a few pics.
Ingredients
recipe makes about 4-6 servings
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional, adds some zing)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 4 chicken thighs (or 3-4 cooked andouille sausage, cut up)
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen cut okra, thawed
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 pounds peeled medium shrimp
Directions
- Heat the canola oil in the pot over medium heat. I brown the chicken first about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the chopped up onion; cook and stir until the onion has softened. Simmer for about 10 minutes, then add the okra, sausage (if you use it), Cajun seasoning, and salt. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Stir in the shrimp and cook until they are bright pink on the outside about 10 minutes.
Bon Appetit!!
I would love to know what traditions you have to honor the people in your life and/or those that have passed away, either on your own or with friends and family…
Live life in style.
XO, Lysandra
Esthetician & Beauty Expert 
This looks yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe and I love that it’s in honor of your grandmother! Great post!
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Thank you Vicki!
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I definitely need to start learning how to cook and this looks like a great recipe to try! I love family recipes and the memories that we have surrounding holidays 🙂
xox Liz
http://www.4evermysweetpea.blogspot.com
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Thanks Liz! Let it be one of your first recipes!
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I absolutely ADORE this recipe and the memory it is tied to. So lovely! I am definitely going to try this!
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Thank you Jennifer I adore it as much as I do!
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What a great idea! I think I’d like to put something like this together in honor of my grandmother. She was a huge part of my life, and I love honoring and celebrating her still, this is such a great way. Such a great recipe!
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Yes do, especially if she was a major part of your life. I think it’s self nuturing. I’d love to hear about it when you do.
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It’s lovely that you’ve made this dish in honour of your Grandma! ❤ I haven't had creole food such a long time. This recipe looks so easy to follow and good for the cold days ahead.
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Thanks Sue Ann, it’s a good one and not difficult at all yet tastes so good!
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I am certainly no cook either, but this looks easy enough for me to try! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Arica, xxo
http://www.varnakandlollies.com
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Thanks Arica! It is super easy!
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