DIRTY RICE

I received a request for dirty rice. Dirty rice is a tasty, meaty side dish frequently served at Thanksgiving and other special occasions. What makes my dirty rice special is I use yellow rice.

1 (15 oz.) can chicken broth, 1/4 pound chicken gizzards, 2 bay leaves, 1 1/2 cups yellow rice, 1 tablespoon butter flavored shortening, 1/2 pound sage pork breakfast sausage, 3/4 cup white onion, chopped, 3 celery stalks, chopped, 1/8 cup red bell pepper, seeded and chopped, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne1/4 pound chicken livers.

Get out the dutch oven. Add the broth and gizzards, bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer and cook for 12-15minutes or until the gizzards are tender. Remove the gizzards from the pot chop, set aside. Pour the broth into a bowl. Add the sausage to the pot cook until browned, make sure there is no pink. Add the shortening, when the shortening melts add the onions, celery, bell pepper, and the garlic stir for approximately 5 minutes. Add the rice, chicken bouillon, thyme, cayenne, and broth to the pot stir and bring to a boil. Cover the pot reduce heat to a simmer cook for 15-17 minutes. Turn off the fire. Do not remove the lid for at least 10 minutes. Get out a skillet add 2 tablespoons of butter add the liver cook for about 3-4 minutes. Take the lid off the rice add the liver, fluff the rice and mix in the liver. Taste add salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.