My First Crack at Guest Blogging

I would like to start off by thanking Phyliss and Terry for opening up their home to me. They’ve been a tremendous influence in my life since God brought me to Philly in 2001. I’m good friends with both of their chil’rens, Brittany (B-Dub), and Benjamin (Benji), so I’ve spent many moments over at their house.

Terry and Phyliss invited me over to eat some of Mike Henderson’s Red Beans & Rice, which I’ve heard is a legendary dish. Needless to say, I was not about to turn down a chance at trying some legendary food. I’ve put plenty of weird food in my mouth (drank a happy meal, raisin bagel w/ green bean baby food, etc.), so I figured that this would be no problem.

I showed up totally unprepared. I was unaware of anything related to the contents of Mr. Mike’s recipe, minus the main ingredients. Apparently, there is some heat to this meal. Fortunately, I scored some generic Tums—thanks P & T—and the feast was on! Two helpings later, the Tums were a blessing.

Tasty and delicious were two words I used to describe the meal. Mr. Mike would be proud. I even got to get a slice of that cheesecake deluxe Phyliss made. Yummmmm!!!!

And that’s all I have to say about that…

Mike's Red Beans and Rice

2 med. yellow onions, finely chopped 1/2 t oregano

1/2 c celery leaves, finely chopped 1 T salt

1/2 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 T sugar

1 t olive oil 1/2 c ketchup

1lbs smoked sausage 1 T Worcestershire

1 T chili powder 3 dashes or so Tabasco sauce

4 cans light red kidney beans

Saute onion, celery tops and garlic in olive oil. Cut sausage into 1/4 inch pieces and add to onion mixture. Add all the chili powder, oregano, salt, sugar and Tabasco (include a little red pepper or Cajun seasoning when your wife is out of the room). Stir in ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Wash and drain beans; add to the mix. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer all day. To thicken, if necessary, remove 1 cup of beans smash them and put back in pan. Serve over rice with Tabasco or favorite hot sauce. Feeds an army!