Creamy Cauliflower Gnocchi with Chicken, Peppers and Broccoli

Certainly one designated month of February is not nearly enough time to profile all the achievments and contributions of African Americans. But Maya Angelou certainly stands out for overcoming personal challenges, leaving her indelible mark on the literary and playwright world and her crusade for social activism.  

Angelou had a broad career as a singer, dancer, actress, composer, and Hollywood's first female black director, but became most famous as a writer, editor, essayist, playwright, and poet. As a civil rights activist, Angelou worked for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
An interesting reflective article on Angelou 

 https://sgscreed.com/news/2014/05/31/maya-angelou-a-life-of-struggle-and-

success/

Cauliflower Gnocchi is the star of this dish with less calories than traditional gnocchi. A gluten-free product that's versatile in many dishes. Green Giant and Trader Joe are two purveyors. Potato gnocchi can be substituted for cauliflower gnocchi for this dish.

Creamy Cauliflower Gnocchi with Chicken, Peppers and Broccoli

Cook's Notes: A delicious filling dish made with a creamy Parmesan sauce perfect warm up for a chilly winter's evening meal. And a huge bonus-all made in one large skillet. Red pepper flakes add a bit of kick that elevates the recipe's flavor. 

Recipe serves 3.

Cooking Tip: To reheat the next day add more chicken broth to sauce. 

Ingredients:

• 1-12 oz. Cauliflower Gnocchi
  
• 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 3/4 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced mini sweet red peppers
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups diced chicken (bite sized pieces) 
• 1/2 teaspoon each dried oregano and basil
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes

Cream Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• Dash red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine e.g sauvignon blanc
• 2 cups broccoli florets or several handfuls of torn spinach leaves

Directions: 

• Follow the gnocchi directions on the package for skillet cooking. Set gnocchi aside in a bowl. Cover to keep warm.
• In a large skillet heat olive oil and butter. Saute onions, peppers, chicken, garlic and spices, 4 minutes. Cover and reduce heat to low for 3-4 minutes.  
• Uncover and add in 1 tablespoon butter and flour. Whisk to blend with ingredients in pan. Cook 1 minute. 
• Stir in cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, wine,broccoli and cooked gnocchi. Gently mix together and cook on low heat until thickened (uncovered).   
• Serve immediately. 
  

Friday Lunch Special Tuna Wrap

FRIDAY

TUNA WRAPS 

A healthy and delicious lunch that will satisfy you right through the afternoon. I loved the crunch, flavor and several textures that elevated this sandwich to a whole new level.  Several tweaks were made to lower the calorie count. I used plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonaise, a multigrain wrap instead of bread, a healthier brand of chips and a tuna product with less oil. I fully intended to add a diced avocado to make wrap even better, unfortuntely the avocado was not quite ripe when I took this photo. Next time though:) Recipe makes 2 wraps

Products used to make the wrap featured.  The chips were from Costco. 

  

Tuna Wraps

Ingredients:

• 1 package Albaacore White Tuna
• 2 Flatout Multigrain Wraps
• 1/3 cup Greek plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/ 3 cup each diced celery and mini sweet red peppers
• 1 diced avocado 
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts 
• 2-3 tablespoons diced red onion
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Pinch of each Himalayan salt, freshly ground black pepper and red pepper flakes 
• A handful of fresh torn baby spinach leaves, stems removed

Directions:

• In a large bowl mix yogurt, mustard, celery, peppers, avocado, walnuts, red onions, parsley, pepper, salt and red pepper flakes.
• Refrigerate mixture one hour.
• Divide spinach torn leaves between 2 wraps. Place spinach leaves in center of wrap. Divide tuna mixture between 2 wraps.

• Roll the each wrap the short way and tuck in ends. Slice and serve. 
  

Indeed Kindness Does Matter-Today I received in the mail 2 cards. What a day brightener for me. Who doesn't like to get mail like this!! So appreciative of the thoughts sent my way. THANK YOU!

Double Kisses Chocolate Cupcakes

 Sweetness Spreading Joy

Share a cupcake today!

Double Kisses Cupcakes

Cook's Notes: This was one of these recipes where I thought "Now why didn't I think of that!" It was so simple making chocolate cupcake batter adding in a Hershey Kiss to batter, baking, frosting and then topping with another Hershey Kiss. The cupcakes are very moist with a deep rich choclate flavor. I substituted coffee for water at room temperature. Check out their company website  for recipes.  https://www.hersheys.com/en_us/recipes.html

You may be surprised at the abundance of recipes that use ingredients already in your pantry. A basic vanilla frosting can work for the cupcakes but I added my own Ever Ready spin for St. Patrick's Day with  the addition of Baileys Irish Cream.  And really in my book it's never to early to0 start planning for the next holiday. 

Recipe makes 18 cupcakes.

Ingredients: 

• 1 bag HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
• 3/4 cup butter or margarine (1-1/2 sticks), softened
• 1-2/3 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup DARK HERSHEY'S Cocoa
• 1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1-1/3 cups water or coffee at room temperature
• Vanilla Frosting (recipe follows)

Directions: 

• Remove wrappers from 36 chocolate pieces; set aside. Heat oven to 350°F. Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups.
• Combine butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla in large bowl. Beat on high speed of mixer 3 minutes. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt and baking powder; add alternately with water or coffee to butter mixture, beating just until blended. 
• Fill prepared muffin cups about 1/2 full with batter. Place chocolate piece in center of each. Add batter to cover candy kiss-so muffin cup now 3/4 full. 
• Bake 18 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly in center. Remove from cups to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost as desired. Place another chocolate piece on top of each frosted cupcake. 

Vanilla Frosting: Beat 2 tablespoons softened butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in large bowl. Add 1 cup powdered sugar; beat until creamy. Add 3 cups powdered sugar alternately with 3 to 4 tablespoons milk, beating to spreading consistency. About 2-1/3 cups frosting. 

Baileys Irish Cream (1/4 cup) can be substituted for some of the milk. 

The Long Winter

Winter had lasted so long that it seemed it would never really end.

Laura Ingalls Wilder from the book "The Long Winter."

Remember the Laura Ingalls Wilder's series "The Long Winter?" It's the sixth book in the collection. A lot of drama plays out in this book with a tale of a family near starvation, a town crippled by lack of food when blizzards keep the supply train from reaching the settlers. The story is told through the eyes of 13 year old Laura which takes place in the fall of 1880 and continues through May 1891 in De Smet SD. This story told turns out to be one of the worst winters in US history. At one point the snow depth was 12 feet and trains could not get through. By Christmas time the grocery store no longer had food and Laura's family runs out of coal and kerosene. Just remembering details from the story makes me think about all the winter woes many states have been facing, particulary in Texas. All the basic necessities we all take for granted can be in peril overnight. Even today like Laura's family many are waiting for supply trains to bring them relief.

The focus on food in "The Little House" books becomes a celebration for the Wilder family. They are grateful for what little food they have to help them survive the long winter. And a Christmas celebration in May brings them most joy. 

Some of the information above comes from an article that appeared in the Star Tribune paper The Long Winter February 9, 2014 by Lee Svitak Dean.

https://www.startribune.com/the-long-hungry-winter-of-laura-ingalls-wilder/244068281/

Yes indeed food can bring us together to share and celebrate common life experiences. Since we aren't quite ready to have in house gatherings consider sharing soup to brighten up someone's mealtime.

Try some of Ever Ready favorite soups

Cream Cheesy Potato Soup with Bacon
https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2020/02/cheesy-creamy-potato-soup-with-bacon.html

Chicken Pot Pie Soup with Homemade Crackers 

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2017/11/weekend-round-up_12.html

Slow Cooker Italian Wild Rice Soup

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2017/02/healthy-friday.html

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup with Noodles

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/10/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-noodle-soup.html

Italian Orzo Soup with Spinach andSausage

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/10/creamy-chicken-wild-rice-noodle-soup.html

Meatball Soup with Spinach and Cheese Ravoli

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2019/01/meatball-soup-with-spinach-and-cheese_15.html

Spreading some joy with some sweet treats

Enjoy a Meatless Monday

Roasted Butternut Squash, Corn and Bean Chili

A hearty, spicy and sweet chili made with roasted butternut squash, black and kidney beans and roasted corn. Some swaps include using chicken or beef broth or using both instead of vegetarian broth. Double the recipe for a crowd. This recipe serves 4-5. 

Roasting butternut squash was an extra step but added in sweetness to balance the chipotle flavors. Taste before increasing the spices. I used precut butternut squash as a timesaver and roasted it earlier in the day. Suggested toppings include: crunchy tortilla strips, avocado chunks, dollop  of plain yogurt.  

Like any chili or tomato based soups flavors need to meld and will taste better the second day. I did discover a new product which I really liked. I used part of the bag and put the rest in freezer for another use. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cubed butternut squash
• 1 tablespoon each olive oil and maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped sweet onions
• 3/4 cup diced red and yellow sweet mini peppers
• 3 gatlic cloves, minced 
• 2 cups vegetarian broth or 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup beef broth 
• 1-28 0z. can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon unsweetned cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup kidney beans, rinsed and drained 
• 1 cup frozen corn, no need to thaw 

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl mix butternut squash cubes with oil and syrup and spread evenly out on the baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.
• In a large soup pot heat olive oil. Saute onions and peppers with spices. Last 2 minutes add in garlic.
• Add to pot cocoa powder, sugar, diced tomatoes, corn and beans. Add in butternut cubes and simmer on a low heat 45-60 minutes.  

George Washington Carver 

He was an American agricultural scientist and inventor who promoted alternative crops to cotton and methods to prevent soil depletion. He was the most prominent black scientist of the early 20th century. To learn more about his scientific endeavors and inventions go to 

https://www.biography.com/scientist/george-washington-carver

Chocolate Cherry Crackles

George Washington February 22, 1732

Some fun DID YOU KNOW? trivia facts

Washington was the only president to be elected unanimously.

• Washington became known as "the father of his country."
• Washington was the only president inaugurated in 2 cities - New York and Philadelphia.
• Washington was the only president that did not live in the White House. He was involved in the planning of the Capitol.
• Washington did his own bookkeeping and recorded every penny of expense in a ledger that is still available today.
• His inaugural address was the shortest inaugural address in U.S. history: It was only 133 words long and took him just 90 seconds to deliver.
• He lost all of his teeth except for one by — according to second president John Adams — cracking Brazilian nuts between his jaws. He got dentures made out of a hippopotamus tusk, designed especially to fit over his one remaining real tooth. But the hippo dentures were constantly rubbing against that real tooth so that he was constantly in pain. He used opium to alleviate the pain.
• He snored very loudly, and instead of wearing a powdered wig like other fashionable people, he put powder on his own hair, which was naturally a reddish brown.
• He was not at good at spelling and had a speech impediment.

  

The cherry tree myth is the most well-known and longest enduring legend about George Washington. In the original story, when Washington was six years old he received a hatchet as a gift and damaged his father’s cherry tree. When his father discovered what he had done, he became angry and confronted him. Young George bravely said, “I cannot tell a lie…I did cut it with my hatchet.” Washington’s father embraced him and rejoiced that his son’s honesty was worth more than a thousand trees.

Chocolate Cherry Crackles
Cook's Notes: And I can not tell a lie either as chocolate and cherries are simply a "marriage made in heaven" and are super delicious together. And I  do believe  Washington would have enjoyed a plate of these cookies speckled with cherry bits and chocolate chunks.
Recipes makes 18 cookies and was adapted from Food Network December 2017 and December 2020. 

Ingredients:

• 1-3/4 cups flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 stick of butter, room temperature
• 1 cup of sugar, divided
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup cherry jam or preserves
• 5 drops food coloring, red
• 1/2 tsp. each vanilla and almond extract
• 1-4 oz. semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate bar, chopped small or 3/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips 
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup confectioners (powdered) sugar

Directions:

• Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• Beat butter, 1/2 cup sugar, brown sugar on medium high until light and fluffy. Add in egg, jam, food coloring and extracts. Mix well.
• Reduce speed to low and mix in flour mixture.
• Fold in chocolate and cherries.
• Chill dough in freezer about 45 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone pad. Lay a long sheet of wax paper on counter. Roll heaping tablespoons of dough into balls and place on wax paper.
• In two different small bowls; add 1/2 cup confectioners sugar in one and 1/2 cup granulated sugar in the other. Roll dough balls in granulated sugar first, then confectioners sugar. Shake off any excess. Place on baking sheet two inches apart.
• Bake 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and use a sifter to redust each cookie with confectioners sugar while warm.

Note-a cup of coffee or tea is a must with these cookies

More chocolate and cherry treats from Ever Ready include: 

Black Forest Trifle

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2018/11/black-forest-desserts.html

Roasted Cherries Dark Chocolate Brownies

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2014/07/caprese-salad-with-roasted-cherry-dark.html

Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies with Cherries and Toasted Coconut

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2014/07/caprese-salad-with-roasted-cherry-dark.html

Cherry Coke Float Chocolate Cupcakes

https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2017/06/cherry-coke-float-cupcakes.html

Fish Tostadas with Mango Slaw

Brighten up your next meal with healthy Mahi Mahi Tostadas and Mango Slaw. 

Cook's Notes: I used a Mahi Mahi fillet to create this tostada but any white firm textured fish would work. Mango slaw's bright colors and citrusy taste were the perfect accompaniment for the tostada. Frozen mango cubes thawed can substitute for fresh mangoes. Recipe serves 4.

Mango Slaw Ingredients:

• 1/2 bag coleslaw mix, about 4 cups
• 2 cups diced mangoes or 2 large fresh mangoes. peeled and diced
• 3/4 cup diced mini sweet red pepper
• 1/4 cup diced red onions
• Optional 2 tablespoons cilantro
• Optional 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, avocado or grapeseed oil
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

Mango Slaw Directions:

• In a large bowl add coleslaw mix, mangoes, peppers, onions, cilantro and jalapeno if using.
• In a separate bowl mix dressing ingredients well with a small whisk, add to salad mixture.
• Chill salad for one hour.

Fish Ingredients:

• 2 fish fillets e.g. Mahi Mahi, Cod or Walleye
• Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, paprika and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter, divided
• 1 package of small flour tortillas

Fish Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees and mix spices in a small bowl.
• Create 2 foil packets and divide butter between the two packets.
• Place a fillet in each packet and divide the spice mixture. Sprinkle over the top of each fillet. Encase the fillet making sure it is well sealed. Place on a baking sheet and bake 22-25 minutes or until fish is flaky. Will depend on the thickness of the fillet. Leave fish in foil on top of stove to keep warm.

Flour Tortillas

• Reduce heat to 350 and warm tortillas in foil for 12 minutes.
• Crumble fish fillets over each tostada. Top with avocado chunks and chopped grape tomatoes.

Selma Hortense Burke was an American sculptor and a member of the Harlem Renaissance movement. Burke is best known for a bas relief portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt that inspired the profile found on the obverse of the dime.
To learn more about the personal challenges Burke overcame in her career check out this link.

https://face2faceafrica.com/article/this-african-american-woman-got-no-credit-for-designing-the-image-of-roosevelt-on-the-u-s-dime-in-1944?fbclid=IwAR3lEHUpLY7gHUK3tiP62p2jRlb1TJ2X2NyH4lfGdIdHiWXacc95ezyachM

Lenten Special-Mahi Mahi with Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing

 

Mahi-Mahi Foil Packet Dinner with Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing 

Cook's Notes:

It has been awhile since I bought Mahi Mahi. But when I spied some at Trader Joes in the freezer case I knew it would be the perfect meal for an Ash Wednesday meal.
Mahi Mahi is the Hawaiian name for the species Coryphaena hippurus, also known in Spanish as the Dorado or the dolphin fish in English. It has a mild and sweet taste. The texture is moderately firm. In fact, I can say that Mahi Mahi is one of the best tasting fish I've had, so delicious. I did do some calling around and despite chilly temepratures and only being February this fish is available in larger grocery stores or fish markets. The fish was paired with a Spinach Orzo Salad with  Lemon Dressing. Another option is to bake fish fillets in foil but adding in small Yukon cubed potatoes and red peppers as pictured below and not serve an orzo salad.  Recipe serves 2. 

Mahi Mahi Ingredients:

• 2 Mahi Mahi fillets or any other fish with a meaty texture like swordfish or rock cod or bass
• Small Yukon potatoes about 4 for each packet. 
• Sliced red peppers
• Lemon Slices 
• 1 tablespoon butter, divided

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees and prepare 2 large sheets of foil by spraying with PAM. Add 1/2 tablespoon butter on each foil piece.
• Place fillets in center of each foil. Sprinkle with some spices e.g. thyme and Old Bay Seasoning. Cube potatoes and spread around fish with sliced red peppers.
• Lay two slices of lemon on top of each fillet. Bring sides up of foil to encase each fillet.
• Bake for 25 minutes. Remove Mahi Mahi and check on potatoes-they need to be fork tender so may ned a few minutes longer cooking time.

Spinach Orzo Salad with Lemon Dressing 

Cook's Notes: Salad serves 3-4 and allow one hour for chilling salad.

Orzo Salad Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry orzo
• 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter 
• 3 cups torn spinach leaves, stems removed
• 1/2 cup each diced grape tomatoes and cucumbers 
• 1 teaspoon each dill and parsley
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese or Parmesan cheese

Directions:

• In a saucepn bring salted water, broth, butter or olive oil with orzo to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low and cook 7 minutes uncovered.
• Drain and rinse orzo using a strainer, place in a large bowl. Stir in spinach leaves while orzo is still warm. Add in spices, tomatoes, pine nuts and cucumbers, set aside.

Lemon Dressing Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons virgin olive oil
• 4 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot chopped

Lemon Dressing Directions:

• In a blender place all ingredients and mix well. Taste test to balance ingredients. Mix in dressing just until orzo salad is moistened. Refrigerate 1 hour. Add more dressing if needed. Top with cheese.
• Optional zest lemon over top of salad.  

On December 1 I wrote about Purposeful Acts of Kindness
https://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2020/12/purposeful-acts-of-kindness.html with some ideas on how easy it is to Pay It Forward

February 17th is a day set aside nationwide to bring attention to the public of the need for kindness. We  are still in the midst of a COVID crisis. It's a time to focus on those things one can control and look at what one can do to help others. Find ways to brighten someone's day. Here are some ideas to jump start the day. 

• Tweet or send someone a FB message of thanks or compliment.
• Make a card at home and send it to a friend for no reason.
• Buy a lottery ticket for a stranger.
• Put some coins in someone else’s parking meter.
• Shovel your neighbor's sidewalk or driveway.
• Walk your friend’s dog.
• Give a compliment about your waiter / waitress to his / her manager.
• Send someone a small gift anonymously.
• Let someone go in front of you at the store or queue at the bank.
• Pay for the drinks on the next table at a café.
• Treat a friend to the movies for no reason.
• Give a generous tip to someone when they least expect it.
• Hold the door open for someone rushing to get in.
• Give up your seat for someone, not just an elderly person.
• Write a note of appreciation.
• Pick up some rubbish in the road or yard which would otherwise be lying around.
• Give another driver your parking spot.
• Be more courteous to merging traffic.
• Help an elderly neighbor put out their garbage cans curbside and/or shovel snow.
• Tell a family member how much your appreciate them.
• Leave a copy of an interesting book on a train / bus/airport.
• Buy an inspirational book for a friend.
• Send a thank you note to a person who has helped you in the past.
• Smile a lot. And a "thank you" goes a long way! 

Jambalaya a Mardi Gras Special

Mardi Gras also called "Fat Tuesday" refers to events of the Carnival celebrations. beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three King's Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.

Popular practices on Mardi Gras include wearing masks and costumes, dancing, sports competitions, parades, debauchery, etc. In many areas, the term "Mardi Gras" has come to mean the whole period of activity related to the celebratory events, beyond just the single day. This year all activites have been "dialed back." with no parades but residents have embraced creativity with yard and house floats.

Check out these 16 amazing photos. https://www.popsugar.com/home/photo-gallery/48145984/image/48145996/Thanking-Front-Line-Workers

An Ever Ready pre-Lenten dinner special is Jambalaya, a Louisiana Creole dish of Spanish and French influence. It originated in the Caribbean Islands.

Cook’s notes: You will need to add more chicken broth on the second day to serve the dish, since the rice absorbs some of the broth. Advance prep makes assembly easier. Rotisserie chicken is a good option. Recipe serves four  and shrimp can be substituted for chicken. Chicken apple sausage is a good substitute for Andouille sausage. Pair the meal with your favorite salad.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed 
• 2-3 cups diced Andouille sausage or chicken apple sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ¾ cup diced onion
• 3/4 cup mini red and yellow peppers, diced
• 3/4 cup celery, diced
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 box Zatarains's New Orleans style Jambalaya Mix
• 1 can low sodium chicken broth (14.5 oz.)
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (basil, oregano, garlic)
• 3 oz. tomato paste
• 2 cups of water
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning e.g. Tony Chachere's Original Creole Seasoning 
• 1/2 teaspoon ugar
• 1 teaspoon each dried parsley flakes and basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: substitute 2 cups cooked shrimp for chicken and add in last 15 minutes of cooking time. 

Directions:

• Saute chicken in 1 tablespoon olive oil medium low heat. Add in diced sausages last 10 minutes of cooking time. Remove from heat and set aside. 
• Add rest of olive oil to large skillet and sauté onions, celery, green pepper and garlic.
• Add in water, broth, spices, jambalaya rice mixture, sugar, tomato paste, canned tomatoes, bay leaf and diced meats.
• Simmer 45 minutes on low heat covered.
• Remove bay leaf before serving.