Its Never too Hot for Hot Boiled Peanuts!

Whew! The hectic part of my week has finally ended. I can now focus on some new paintings since I now have watercolor paper again and I am full of ideas. Hooray! It seems my creative block is over for now.

Referencing my previous post, elephants have been good luck for my friend Sam and I. I thought I'd pay tribute to them with one sitting quite carefree on a breezy afternoon in the country flying a kite. 

(Forgive the photo taken with my cell phone. I haven't scanned it just yet!)

Quite a happy guy, indeed! <3

In other news, I worked this week in Islamorada. My view from the office:

I am seriously obsessed with the anchor so casually reclining in the waves. And how adorable are the buoys and the little boat? It looks like a castaway's island! 

When I arrived home I went for a bicycle ride and saw THIS guy! He is probably the prettiest rooster I have ever seen and I cannot wait to paint him. I think it is going to be my next project. I love how the tip of his tail feathers are white. He has the most lovely golden flecks all throughout his feathers and a beautiful aquamarine in his tail as well. I just had to share him!

Tonight I am having a few friends over for some white wine and Cajun Boiled Peanuts. They're a southern favorite and one of my serious weaknesses. I made them for the first time last night and might I say - they're DELICIOUS!

I have been asked for the recipe, so here it is!

Ingredients:

1 bag RAW peanuts (not roasted)

3 oz. Zataran's Crab Boil

1 small can Jalapenos in juice

1/2 cup sea salt (or more to taste)
A dash of Cayenne pepper

2 Tbsp. Cajun spices

1 Tbsp. Paprika

1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a large pot and cover peanuts in water. Boil on Medium High for 45 minutes to an hour.

Transfer to a slow cooker/crock pot (I preheated mine while they were boiling since it takes awhile). Put the lid on, crank it up to High and let the magic happen! Don't forget to check once in awhile for water level. 

In about 10-15 hours they are soft and incredible. 

Mmm, tada! Enjoy!

Most Affectionately Yours,

Rae