Serena the Wanna-Be Vegetarian – The First Week

Do vegetarians eat animal crackers? ~ Author Unknown

We are adjusting to life without bacon. My thirteen-year-old has taken to wearing a t-shirt the says, “Everything is better with bacon.” I agree.

Breakfast has become the easiest meal though, especially now. It’s summer and there’s plenty of fruit to choose from. A slice of melon, with cereal, yogurt and a smoothie goes over quite well with the kids.

We’ve officially cut out red meat. So one of the recipes I’ll share that my “substantial” meal-loving husband comes from Cane River Cuisine. It’s Shrimp Creole, this recipe serves eight, I like leftovers.

• 3 lbs. of peeled, deveined shrimp
• 5 tablespoons of canola or cooking oil
• 5 tablespoons of flour
• 1 cup of chopped celery
• ½ large onion chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ chopped bell pepper
• 2 (8oz. cans of tomato sauce)
• 2 cups of water
• 3 teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

Make a roux of oil and flour, cooking and stirring over medium heat until golden brown. Be patient. This takes time. Do not burn roux. Add chopped celery, onions, garlic and bell pepper. Cook and stir until wilted. Add tomato sauce and water. Add remainder of seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer at least 1 hour. Add shrimp and cook for 15 minutes. Add chopped parsley just before serving. Serve over hot fluffy rice. For a more highly seasoned dish and Tabasco. Enjoy!

- Serena