Jambalaya!

Shrimp Jambalaya Recipe

6 bacon slices, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and chopped
2 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves or 1/3 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons salt
6 drops Tabasco Sauce or to taste*
1 teaspoon red (cayenne) pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 bay leaf
1 (15-ounce) can whole tomatoes, undrained and cup up**
1 (8-ounce) bottle clam juice
2 cups water
1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
1 1/2 to 2 pounds raw extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined (can also use frozen shrimp) ***
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

* Can substitute your favorite hot sauce.

** To easily prepare the tomatoes, use a sharp knife and cut the tomatoes while still in the can.

*** to add flavor, place the shells of the shrimp in a saucepan and cover with water. Simmer over low heat approximately 7 to 10 minutes. remove from heat and strain the broth; discarding shells. Substitute shrimp broth for the water in the recipe.

In a large heavy pot over medium heat, fry the bacon until it begins to turn brown. Add onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper; saute 8 to 10 minutes or until vegetable are soft. Stir in thyme, salt, Tabasco Sauce, cayenne pepper, cloves, bay leaf, and tomatoes.

Stir in clam juice and water; bring mixture to a boil. Add rice, cover, and turn heat to low; cook 30 minutes or until the rice has absorbed almost all of the liquid and is cooked through. Gently turn the jambalaya, then add shrimp and parsley, tossing lightly to distribute them evenly; cook 6 to 7 minutes until shrimp is opaque in center (cut to test). Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Oh yeah! With an ice cold beverage in a stryrofoam cup and a bowl of Jambalaya....let's watch some videos!

Betty Boop does Jambalaya

Hunter Hays and Hank Williams, Jr do Jambalaya

Creedence Clearwater Revival Does Jambalaya

The Carpenters do Jambalaya

Elvis does Jambalaya

YOung Brenda Lee does Jambalaya

Not so young Brenda Lee does Jambalaya

Brenda Lee and Dean Martin do Jambalaya

Old Brenda Lee does Jambalaya

Jerry Lee Lewis does Jambalaya

Polka Jambalaya!

Emmy Lou Harris does Jambalaya

Finnish Jambalaya

Leon Russell does Jambalaya with Glen Campbell on guitar

Jo Stafford does Jambalaya

Andy Kaufmann does Jambalaya

Audrey Williams does Jambalaya

Allen Jackson does Jambalaya

Bruce Springsteen does Born To Run