In the kitchen today

This afternoon I had a craving for vodka sodas. You know I'm usually a Irish whiskey/rocks woman, but with this crazy summer heat, I wanted a refreshing beverage. Something light and citrusy. While at the shop I picked up a bottle of Russian vodka, soda water (actually it was a low-mineral, sparkling water which is close enough) and a lime.

The guy at the register asked, "Are you 21?"  
Yes.
"Well that's good enough for me. I don't know many teenagers that would buy Stoli."
Yeah, I was once carded at a bar after ordering a Jameson rocks. That's a real teenybopper drink.
[cashier laughs]

***

In the evening, I figured it was about time I transform a package of andouille sausage into a pot of jambalaya. Good thing I didn't have vodka soda tunnel vision and remembered to pick up some fresh vegetables and shrimp while at the shop. I'd never made jambalaya before. And I haven't eaten it too many times. And I think every single time has been at Disneyland—not exactly known for authenticity. In anything.

I'm pretty sure I mentioned sometime that I like to listen to music while I work in the kitchen. My iPod wasn't charged so I plugged in an old radio and found a station playing "When the Levee Breaks." Perfect. I dug out the old Zeppelin cds and started browning the andouille.

I'm beginning to wean myself off cooking with corn or vegetable oil. Extra virgin olive oil—I'm still scared to cook with it. You know, low smoke point and other fears. However, I did buy an expensive (actually it was more affordable than most) bottle of "evoo" first cold press or what have you and I figured this is as good a time as any to really start getting into it. Soon I'm adding bell peppers and garlic, celery and onions. Okay, this doesn't seem so bad. I didn't add enough tomatoes. That was apparent and stupid because I have tons on the kitchen counter. Medium shrimp. Long grain rice. Seasonings and chicken broth in lieu of seafood stock or water. The pot filled up quickly with ingredients. Thoughts going through my mind...

1. I don't think that's enough tomato.
2. I don't think that's enough liquid.
3. I like bell peppers, next time I'll put additional.
4. If I really add all the additional stuff, this pot will be too small. I need to buy a bigger stockpot. A heavier one. Will I ever really buy one?
5. Jeez, how much did I spend on these ingredients? If I have to throw it all away as I did with the cake last week, I'm going to be absolutely livid.
6. Pray for success... To who? To what? I am an athiest.

Well, it came out alright. Certainly no more authentic than the Disneyland versions. I'd try this again but with more tomato and cooking liquids; it was a little on the dry side. What else was it missing? I'll have to think about that. It felt good to have a success in the kitchen again after so many fails. And it felt good to have a hot meal. Leftovers for lunch this week!