Cheesy, Kielbasa Pasta

Cheesy, Kielbasa Pasta! Now say that title three times fast! The kids thought the title was quite the tongue twister. We had other titles but the kids liked this one the best. Well, my husband had to head up to Boston for the weekend. He spoils me by doing the majority of the grocery shopping for me. If I head to the grocery store, he is normally with me. It is part of our date Fridays. Since he was gone and it had snowed here, I didn't want to head to the store. This is the creation I made from the stuff in the kitchen. It was a big hit with the kids. They even ate the leftovers the next day which is always a good sign. Why carrots and not broccoli? Well, I had no broccoli in the frig but had some carrots so it was the vegetable of choice. I think it was a nice combination. My son licked his bowl.

Cheesy, Kielbasa Pasta
1 lb. large elbow pasta
2 tsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped fine
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 package of Kielbasa, chopped
1 Tbsp flour
1 cup milk
8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbsp parsley

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package. 
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and carrot. Saute for 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic cloves and the Kielbasa. Saute until the Kielbasa is browned.
5. Sprinkle the flour on top. Mix into the mixture and allow to cook for 1 minute.
6. Stir in the milk and continue to stir for a minute.
7. Stir in the cheese and black pepper. Allow to simmer until thicken and the pasta is done.
8. Drain the pasta and mix the sauce with the pasta.
9. Serve immediately and top with parsley.

Recipe created by Jen of Sweet Morris.

One year ago....................................I made Blueberry and Lemon Breakfast Rolls.
Two years ago..................................I made Macaroni and Cheese.
Three years ago................................I made Tiramisu with homemade ladyfingers.

Did you already know......................
-Kielbasa is smoked sausage.
-In America, kielbasa tends to be flavored with garlic, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
-Kielbasa originates from Poland.

Mardi Gras

I normally dance with my daughters. I hadn't realized I don't just dance with my son without his sisters involved. Since he will be eight years old soon, he should learn to dance with just two people. I felt like we were in a mosh pit. I may be bruised up and down my sides. I'm not sure who taught him to dance like this but I have a feeling it may have been my oldest. We need a lot more practice or he may not have a date for prom. Yes, I think it may take that long.

Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup all purpose flour
1 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1 lb. kielbasa, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3 bay leaves
7 cups chicken broth
1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1 inch chunks
1 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. In a large Dutch oven, combine the oil and flour over medium heat. 
2. Stir constantly for 20 minutes or until the roux is the color of chocolate.
3. Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Stir for 5 minutes.
4. Add the sausage, salt, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Stir for 5 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth and stir until well combined.
6. Bring the gumbo to a boil and reduce heat to medium low.
7. Cook, uncovered, for 1 hour. Stir occasionally. 
8. In a bowl, combine the paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper. 
9. Season the chicken breast with the spice rub.
10. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Stir to combine.
11. Simmer for 2 hours. Skim off any fat that surfaces.
12. Remove the gumbo from the heat. Remove the bay leaves.
13. Serve over rice.

Recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse.  
One year ago.......................I made Wild Mushroom Soup.

Did you already know.........
-In mosh pits, dancers slam dance normally at hard rock concerts.
-There are different types of pits to participate in moshing.
-Moshing is a form of dancing to let out energy/aggression but not to hurt others.

Enjoy Mardi Gras!

Cheesy, Corn and Kielbasa Chowder

My oldest daughter asked me to make her a corn chowder like the one I made before. The one I made with all the ingredients she liked. No wonder she was asking for that chowder. 

I asked my husband if he wanted soup for supper. He said sure but he wanted chicken noodle. I asked his if he wanted homemade. He said no. The can was just fine. I said alright and I would also make my oldest daughter's chowder. I think he is becoming suspicious of me because he asked what was in her chowder. I told him and he said fine. He didn't want me to make two soups. Opening a can and heating it up isn't hard but he said the corn chowder was fine. I think he likes the chowder too.

Cheesy, Corn and Kabassa Chowder
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 package of kielbasa
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, chopped
2 russet potatoes, cubed
1 package (16 oz) frozen sweet corn
4 oz. cream cheese
2 Tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 can (14 oz) cream corn
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup chives

Directions:

1. Heat a large pot with the olive oil.
2. Add the kielbasa and cook thoroughly.
3. Remove about 1/2 cup of the kielbasa and set aside on a plate covered with a paper towel.
4. Add the garlic, onion, and potatoes to the pot. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add the sweet corn and cook for about 2 minutes while stirring.
6. Add the cream cheese and stir constantly for about 1 minutes.
7. Evenly coat the mixture with the flour and stir for 1 minute.
8. Add the milk while stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
9. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
10. Add the cream corn and stir. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes.
11. Stir in 1/2 the cheese into the chowder and stir. Once the cheese is melted, serve.
12. Top each bowl with a little of the saved kielbasa, cheese, and chives.

Recipe from Jen of Sweet Morris.

Did you already know............
-Kielbasa means sausage in Polish.
-Kielbasa does not refer to a specific type of sausage.
-Kielbasa tends to be a sausage made from pork with the addition of spices and is often smoked.
-Other names for Kielbasa are: kolbasa, kobasa, kovbasa, kobasi, etc.