Chicken Jumbalaya

Cousin Steve told us that he is going to have the best 25th Birthday Party. The plan was to get together at Steve’s place and we all were to cook the meal, which made that birthday party really special. It was not only the meal but we also had to fix everything for his birthday from party decorations, meals to games.

1 lb chicken meat (I get a package of boned, skinned breasts)
3/4 lb smoked sausage
2 cans chicken broth
1 med onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 med green pepper, chopped
cayenne pepper, to taste
(1-2 Tablespoons, depending how hot you like it. I use 3!)
16 oz bag white rice
1 small can tomato paste
4-5 green onions, chopped
1 med tomato, chopped
optional: shrimp, seafood

Cut the chicken and sausage into small or smaller than bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper (I do this rather generously: 1 t pepper, 2 t salt, possibly more). Using a Dutch oven on the stovetop, Cook chicken and sausage in small amount of oil or lard (some authentics swear it must be in lard) until the chicken is done; about 15 minutes. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.

Saute the onion, celery and green pepper until tender crisp. Add the chicken broth, rice and cayenne pepper. Heat until the broth starts to bubble, then stir the meat back in. Turn the heat down low and simmer with the lid on for 30 minutes. DO NOT STIR during this time or some of the rice will rise to the top out of the liquid and you'll get crunchy jambalaya.

After the 30 minutes are up, stir in the tomato paste. Then stir in the green onions and tomatoes. Serves a family or more.It was a festive evening and we all enjoyed the party at best.