Louisiana

has the best food, the best weather, the best events, the best people in this already terrific country. I hate to say it, but comparatively speaking, we got it ALL. Plus, we have sense of humor about it. And we like to share our bounty and blessings with the rest of the country.

While much of the US is about to go under wraps due to cold weather, we are walking shirts off and sandals and shorts, enjoying a lengthy autumnal splendor display and deep blue skies overhead. It's a joy to be outdoors!

This has been a most splendid week of fine weather wit the 3 Rivers Art Festival in Covington (this has to be the Supreme collection of craftsmen gathered along a 6 block stretch of downtown Smalltown, America.) To top it off, it starts on a Saturday and they keep the weekly Farmers Market open as well, so we are able to enjoy both things simultaneously. How great is that?

But enough gloating on our great good fortune. On top topical stuff like what's growing.

We have in the garden a vast number of different greens; 4 types of kale, onions, broccoli, raab, rutabagas, beets, carrots, arugula, collards, peas, much more. A friend had asked what all was out there and when I rattled off the list, she said, "Oooohh you have the makings of green gumbo!" which was news to me! I have never heard of this so I looked up the recipe online and made it last night.

Green Gumbo (Gumbo Z’Herbes)

4 ounces thick cut bacon chopped up 12 ounces andouille sausage sliced 1/4″ thick 3 tablespoons flour 8 cloves garlic finely minced 1 large onion minced 2-3 jalapeno chilis seeds removed and minced (add less if you want it mild) 1 pound greens ( 1 bunch of lacinato kale, 1 bunch beet greens, mustard greens, and some carrot and celery leaves) and Chris added to this arugula, more kale, collars, raab, oniontops, shallots, everything growing out there went into that pot! 8 ounces clam juice (Chris did not use this. I used instead fish stock) 2 cups vegetable stock 6 ounces okra trimmed and roughly chopped

1 teaspoon celery seed 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Cooked brown rice

AWESOME!!!!!!!! I am thankful I made such a large pot of too, because I want it again and fast.

But today, I am itching to make meatballs and sauce. Working our way thru the pantry stocks.