My roomie is from Louisiana so I have these moments in which I just want to sit down with a mason jar of sweet tea and eat some good old finger licking Cajun food. Now I would never dare attempt to make some crawfish or authentic creole cooking, but I wanted to do a quick weeknight homage to a girl from Houma, LA.

P/S I hate okra, but would love a kick a$$ gumbo or jambalaya recipe if any of you NOLA girls would like to hook a Philly girl up. Send to damndelish@gmail.com and the winner will get posted on the blog and will also be eligible to win a groceries tote!

• 1/3 cup of half and half (original calls for heavy cream but its healthier this way)
• 1-2 tbsp. butter (ok seems like a lot but, its delish!)
• 1 tbsp. flour
• 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
• 2 tsp. of smoked paprika
• 2 tsp. of cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp. of crushed garlic
• 1 tsp. of dried parsley flakes
• 1 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth (again do the healthier option-low sodium)

On medium to high heat in a non-stick sauté pan create a roux (fancy French word alert: butter & flour mixture). That will be the base and thickening agent for your sauce. Slowly add in the garlic and spices. Once dissolved in the roux, add the liquids (both the half & half, as well as, the chicken broth). Stir the liquids to combine with the roux. Lower heat and toss in diced chicken or shrimp (cooking times will vary but any protein of choice will work. I did 1lb. of shrimp for 2 people) Now add the lemon juice and parsley flakes. Continue stirring, if the sauce is too thin add more roux (make another flour/butter combo). However, once completely mixed & you lower the heat, it should be fairly creamy and not watery. I served over cappellini noodles, but this would be very good over some dirty rice. Oh and I sprinkled with some chopped green onion for a traditional touch!

Check out our Instagram for the yummy creation!

Happy Eating, XO.