Victoria Murphy ~ Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe has been blustery for over a month now and many of are exhausted by it - however there is a good side. The wind is blowing in buyers like one would not believe. With 3 under contract and 6 more buyers looking. I have to believe that as blustery as we have been it is worse elsewhere. So I will keep taking my allergy pills, keep those tissues handy, and keep driving those beautiful buyers around town.

Have we done enough? Have we let those close to us know we love them? Have we told them we care. Or have we taken for granted that they know. I ask each of you to make that call. Don't take it for granted that your mother, your father, your child, or your friend know. Tell them now, tell them you love them and tell them how much they influenced your life. Don't wait and wonder later if they knew.

Peaceful Northern New Mexico at its upmost charm will inspire the artist and gardener within you. Enter into fields of wildflowers and lavender while the multi-fruited orchard beckons you to come enjoy the sounds of the river. This home is calling you to her. Grow your mind as you watch your harvests of vegetables and fruit mature. Take them into this special home and feast upon them while watching the sun set on the mountain view from your living areas.

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Your chance to showcase your artwork and those you admire. Wonderful Gallery opportunity on the famed Canyon Road. Located a block away from Geronimo and El Farol restaurants. With a wonderful separation of spaces, and private office with a full kitchen There is storage and dedicated parking along with being conviently located across from the city's public parking. Owner financing or lease to purchase available.

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Yes - Let the good times roll! 2010 looks to be a wonderful and exciting year. In honor of that, and the Saints winning (even if you were a Colts fan), and the fact that tomorrow - Tuesday, February 16th is Mardi Gras here is my favorite Gumbo recipe.

Enjoy!

Cajun Seafood and Chicken Gumbo with Andouille Sausage. Serves 10 main or 20 appetizer servings

2 cups chopped onions

1 1/2 cups chopped green bell peppers

1 cup chopped celery

1 Tablespoon minced garlic

5 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 pound andouille sausage or Kielbasa, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces

1pound peeled medium shrimp

2 1/2 cups cooked rice

SEASONING MIX:

2 whole bay leaves

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves

1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves

ROUX

3/4 cup vegetable oil

3/4 cup flour

Combine the onions, bell peppers and celery in a medium bowl and set aside. In a small bowl combine the seasonings ingredients and set aside

Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven over high heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly with a long-handled wooden spoon or wooden spatula. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until roux is dark red-brown to black, about 2-4 minutes, being careful not to let it scorch. Immediately add the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Add the seasoning mix and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and mix well. Add the chicken and sausage and boil for 15 minutes. Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Add shrimp and return to a boil for 5 minutes.

To serve mound rice in the middle of a bowl and spoon gumbo over.