While Esme was inspired by the Princess, I took the opportunity to teach her some French words and the difference between solid and liquid measuring cups. It was necessary to incorporate these lessons into the cooking session while I was doing the slicing and boiling so she would stay interested even when she couldn’t actively participate.
But the biggest thrill was that we were cooking something that wasn’t a dessert. This never happens with my girl! And she tried something new although she demanded that she only eat the “hot dogs,” the rice and the celery. (We can thank Wonder Pets for the celery-love.)
Regardless, this was not a difficult dinner to make and we all enjoyed Tiana’s recipe.
Jammin’ Jambalaya
Makes 6 to 8
(pages 26-27 in The Princess and the Frog: Tiana’s Cookbook)
Reprinted from the book DISNEY’S THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG TIANA’S COOKBOOK RECIPES FOR KIDS. Copyright © 2009 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Published by Disney Press, an imprint of Disney Book Group.
INGREDIENTS:2 tablespoons olive oil2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks1/2 pound Andouille sausage, cooked and thinly sliced1 medium onion, chopped2 large celery stalks, chopped1 small bell pepper, seeded and chopped2 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped1/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper1 cup canned chopped tomatoes, undrained2 cups uncooked white rice4 cups chicken broth2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
DIRECTIONS:1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan or pot over medium-high heat. Sauté thechicken until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium.
2. Stir in the sausage, onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic. Sprinkle on the salt andground black pepper, and stir again. Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the uncooked rice. Then stir in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Simmer the jambalaya until the rice istender, about 20 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire and hot pepper sauces.
The Princess and the Frog: Tiana’s Cookbook ($10.99) — Disney
