Voodoo Rice and Beans Recipe

That's right.  Voodoo rice.  I had the pleasure to visit New Orleans earlier this year.  As most of us know, New Orleans is famous for it's history, spiritualism, parties and, of course, food.  I remember that everything I had to eat there was so good that I was sad to leave. I was lucky enough to have this spicy, exotic dish on my visit there.  The locals are very open and friendly and they like to share some of their culinary secrets.   Here is what they shared with me.

Voodoo Rice and Beans 


Ingredients
1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning
1/8 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 cup rice
1/4 cup red pepper, chopped
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup of vegetable stock
1/2 cup of water
1/2 cup of corn
Hot pepper sauce to taste

Saute' onions & seasonings until onions are soft.  Add remaining ingredients.  Bring to a boil and then cover and simmer about 20 minutes.  Stir occasionally.  Eat!

Some of you will want meat with this.  That's perfectly reasonable and very easy to do.  You can replace the vegetable stock with chicken stock and add some meat pieces of your choice.  For the siren clan, the best thing to put in is shrimp.  The locals at New Orleans swear that shrimp is the best meat to have with this meal.  However, for all you shape-shifters out there (especially werewolves), get yourselves a fresh cut steak and cook it rare.  The last time I checked, that is how you prefer it. 

This dish is great for a casual night at home when you feel the need for a little adventure.  I recommend having this dish with a lovely chilled rose' wine and a fresh garden salad.  The cold wine and the crisp salad are nice counterpoints to the heat of this dish.  Every mystic knows that a great meal is all about balance.  That is the secret to a magical meal. 

For more on my New Orleans experience, See:

http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/02/new-orleans-post-1-food.html
http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/02/new-orleans-post-2-shopping.html
http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/03/new-orleans-post-3-museums-and-culture.html
http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/03/new-orleans-post-4-tours.html
http://earthrealmguide.blogspot.ca/2015/03/new-orleans-post-5-mardi-gras.html

Shouting Out to the Shape-shifter Clan

Well this is my latest shout out!  And I want to say a friendly "Hi there and Hello!" to the Shape-Shifting Clan.  Love you guys!  And no not just because I know that you guys can rip all of my extremeities off of my body.  But because you guys are one of the biggest builders, helpers and defenders of all those who really need your help. 
Yes, I am talking about the werewolves, werecats and the many weres out there.  You guys are the greatest!  Thanks to you guys, we have good homes, safe streets, and food on the table (even though that food is mostly meat).  These friendly, outdoorsy folks have always come through in a time of trouble.  Without them, I don't think any of the clans would be here today.  I know I wouldn't be.

I remember being a small child wandering through a meadow when this dark ominous shadow appeared before me.  It tried to reach out to me with these large pointy claws.  I was so scared that I froze right then and there, completely unable to move.  All of a sudden this large grey dog-like creature jumped out of the long grass and clawed at it.  The shadow let out a screech and vanished.  Just as it did, this beast looked at me for a few moments, sniffed me (for any injury I think) and then ran away.  I never did get to meet him (I don't think).  But I have met several others and they have been nothing but nice.

Now don't get me wrong.  These guys have an angry streak.  If you cause them harm or to anyone they care about, they get into a rage and destroy everything in sight.  To say that they make an awful mess is an understatement.  I haven't seen it personally but I heard many a tale about homes being in shambles and... well people dying (not so fun to talk about that).
Still, they are real party animals.  They are fun and have some amazing stories to share.  If you ever find yourself sitting across from a shape-shifter at a dinner party, don't walk away.  Stay there because you will hear some of the most interesting and intriguing stories.  For example; the werecat I was talking to at my friend's party.  She actually went through a whole building in this realm (Earth) with noone seeing her.  She went in and out of vents and noone noticed.  Not even the video cameras. 

This could be a good spy movie, right?  Before I finish flattering you guys, I will say one thing.  You guys have got to stop shreading all over my furniture.  And as for the werecat that scratched up my couch.  You are paying for it!  Anyway, lots of love to you guys and thank you for all you do.