Zatarain's: Its What's for Dinner, N'Awlin's Style

A few weeks back, I was one of the "chosen" to write a review of Zatarain's products, of which Gather offered to send me. When the box arrived, I was dumbstruck. There was no way in the world I would be able to review every one of those products  by February 28, the deadline. So, dear readers, I will have to pick and choose the products for your approval.

The variety of products I received was wonderful. Zatarain's Dirty Rice was a staple in my home when my kids were teenagers. I would make it according to the box directions, adding only a small sauteed onion and about 1/2 a bell pepper of whichever color I had in the fridge.I would top the finished product with chopped tomato and sour cream to tone the heat down a bit.If you prepare it as directed, it has a moderate amount of heat, but the tomato and cream tones it down to each person's tolerance.  It remains one of my daughter's favorite meals. Yes, she got the box that was sent.

Unfortunately, I had to remove the Dirty Rice from my menu, as Bill and I don't tolerate MSG the way we used to. I found that several of the boxed products contain MSG. Damn!

I can attest the products are worthy of your time and effort, if you're looking for a product that is ready lickety split, and tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen. Hell, dab a little Zatarain's Blackened Seasoning behind your ears and the hubby and kids will think you spent the day slaving over a hot stove to prepare them a meal of Gumbo or Jambalaya, when in fact, you spent most of it on the couch eating chocoalte and watching soaps and Dr. Phil.

Last night, I decided to include some Zatarain's Yellow rice into the dinner menu, as it does not contain MSG. I prepared it as the box directed, and added a little of the Creole Seasoning for an extra kick. It was light and fluffy, savory and delicious.

Bill raved. I will be buying this one again.

To accompany the rice, I roasted a couple chicken breasts, and finished them off with Robert Rothchild's "Aunt Mae's Smoky Sweet Grill Sauce", a lovely alternative to your run of the mill barbeque sauce. It is sweet and spicy, with a hint of mustard. We found it at a general Store while visiting a historic village a few weeks ago.

I finally completed the meal with a simple steamed asparagus topped with butter ,a bit of lemon zest, and a squeeze of juice.

Later this week, I will be incorporating other Zatarain's products into the menu, and will offer up the finished products for your approval.