Originally Posted by Tracym (Post 6685623)

It can take up to an hour just to make the roux.

I usually make shrimp & andouille, although you can add any sort of seafood.

First, I have to order shrimps with heads. Use the heads and shells to make shrimp broth. Then the roux... then...

Hours. But MMMMMmmmmmm....

oh yeah - there is okra and other veggies in there, of course.

Originally Posted by ugacrew (Post 6685560)

What you've described is pretty much the South. Where the OP is it's very different from where you are. You'd probably fit in more with Seattlites and West Coasters more than you do currently with the Southerners. There is a more progressive vibe there. Most of the West coast feels that way. It has a more liberal approach to things which is quite refreshing. Having said that she will still run into the stereotypical American but not too many of them.

Oh Emma M, PLEASE try Gumbo before you go back to the UK. Gumbo served over rice is heaven. You can't really duplicate the Cajun taste that well outside of the South. Plus it's what I call a definitive soul food dish. Just one bowl will do you.

Originally Posted by ugacrew (Post 6685560)

What you've described is pretty much the South. Where the OP is it's very different from where you are. You'd probably fit in more with Seattlites and West Coasters more than you do currently with the Southerners. There is a more progressive vibe there. Most of the West coast feels that way. It has a more liberal approach to things which is quite refreshing. Having said that she will still run into the stereotypical American but not too many of them.

Oh Emma M, PLEASE try Gumbo before you go back to the UK. Gumbo served over rice is heaven. You can't really duplicate the Cajun taste that well outside of the South. Plus it's what I call a definitive soul food dish. Just one bowl will do you.

Originally Posted by ugacrew (Post 6685637)

It shouldn't take but a few minutes for the roux. That's the flour and fat mixture base that you brown first before adding liquid in sauce making.:p

BTW, that sounds heavenly. To bad I can't be arsed to make it. I did it twice just to add some techniques to my repertoire. I'll most likely order it at a restaurant or get it already made at the market and add a bit more heat to it myself.

Originally Posted by Emma M (Post 6685670)

Yeah, admittedly a lot of my experience here has been to do with where I am in the US rather than a problem with the US as a whole, plus personal circumstances (and we all know how those affect judgement of EVERYTHING in your life).
If I had been fortunate enough to have lived elsewhere in the US, I reckon I would have had a much more positive experience, but I wasn't meant to stay here. This was all a huge life lesson, I know that.
I will be returning to the UK a much stronger person than I left as, and I believe I needed to be right here in the south to learn that. Anywhere else, and it might have been so good that I would have stayed ;)

Originally Posted by Poppy girl (Post 6685653)

LOL yes it does sound like the deep south I lived there, but believe me it also accounts for the midwest alot of places I lived just outside Peoria and its red neck everything the OP discribed lol..

Originally Posted by ugacrew (Post 6685678)

The Midwest is a whole other beast entirely. That's why I wanna move.:D It's too laid back to the point where ideas are too. There isn't any progression. Don't get me wrong, there are a few pockets of progressive thought but you have to be close to the city center to experience that. That's where more of a transient population resides.

Originally Posted by Poppy girl (Post 6685736)

Found it BARF URGHH this is revolting..

Originally Posted by Poppy girl (Post 6685736)

Found it BARF URGHH this is revolting..

Originally Posted by Poppy girl (Post 6685653)

LOL yes it does sound like the deep south I lived there, but believe me it also accounts for the midwest alot of places I lived just outside Peoria and its red neck everything the OP discribed lol..

What is that deep fried stuff that looks like loads of sqwigels and is sweet I believe, tastes vile the yanks love it :)

Originally Posted by Tracym (Post 6686006)

Mmmm funnel cakes.

About once a year - and must be just out of the fryer.

Originally Posted by goteamrosie (Post 6684807)

i'm not going to be allowed to re-enter america for another 90 days minimum. thanks for the encouragement. i think it's just a tough time right now. i miss my friends and having control over my life. i'm sure i'll make friends here and regain control via getting my licence and working. i think the real issue is that i'm still not sure this is the right decision, and i guess thats something only i can figure out. thanks for all the help.

Originally Posted by goteamrosie (Post 6686660)

dude it's so hot right now ... i like the grim weather best! don't know why, i guess it's cause i'm a mancunian!