Lyddia's Swamp-Style Creole Gumbo With Cured Skull Brains (short story & recipe) | LET'S MAKE A COLLAGE: ROUND #131

Another week for Let's Make a Collage ("LMAC"). In this round, members were entrusted with a mountainous scene among dark clouds. At first, the image looked bleak. How to utilize this scene in our collage themes? I anticipate awesome themes from members this week. It will be a challenge to add to those scenes. I'll do my best as I envision something a bit different in terms of transforming the image.

To create the setting, I started with the photograph provided by @shaka in his contest post: Let's Make a Collage - A Contest for All Creatives on Hive - Round 131 - ✨187 HIVE in the Prize Pool!

^{Image used with permission of contest owner for contest}

My collage theme this week is in the form of a celebratory recipe. I hope you enjoy. Maybe you'd like a copy to try for your next party!

I smiled broadly as Lyddia approached. An the Ancient Oak, I'm an expert in soil management. I couldn't wait to reveal the exquisitely cured brain she left in my care the month before. Aged to perfection, I carefully protected my mistress' fresh harvest. She'd expect no less. After all, Lyddia emerged last year as the most celebrated and knowledgeable priestess. "Mambo Lyddia" the swamp animals and nearby dwellers called her as they spoke in revered conversation.

The swamp stirred with excitement that Friday night as countdown to the annual celebration approached. I could also hear familiar sound of the animals as they gathered. Like everyone else, they desire to bear witness to this important event.

I waited, anticipating Lyddia's reaction. My part in the preparations was complete. The brain of the skull would be the centerpiece of the new secret recipe Mambo Lyddia had concocted.

I knew the skull well. Once a member of the high council, its owner in his foolishness and with false backing, dared to publicly denounce Mambo Lyddia.

For me, I had no choice but to keep secret the plans she'd laid before the skull's path. I knew the powers she possessed. The swamp surmised, if he hadn't, that the high priestess' power was sanctioned by two nearby clans. Mambo Lyddia's physical beauty was her greatest asset. She utilized it with skill. To be enthralled by any of her incantations was to be forever adrift in the swamps.

Mambo Lyddia willed the fire set. Then, she turned suddenly away from the fire as if expecting another.

Mambo Lyddia spoke in a language I didn't quite understand. With a swift motion, she beckoned Annalia, a local girl from her most trusted clan, to draw near. I could feel a bit of hesitancy as the young girl waited silently nearby off a bit in the mist. I also felt her excitement. Her orders this night would be to prepare the ingredients. However, I sense that not all was revealed to this young apprentice.

I released the cured brain to Mambo Lyddia. Its essence was captured during the curing process. She chuckled softly. The skull hung on one of my limbs. He'd be allowed to witness the preparations. Cruel? Perhaps.

However, swamp inhabitants and nearby land dwellers knew the punishment for betrayal. And, no second chances were allowed. He sealed his fate. He would become famous in the aftermath. But I don't believe this would have been the "famous" he was sought.

I watched as Annalia stepped to the table. She awaited her mistress' instructions. Mambo Lyddia handed her the large pot she had brought with her. It contained the vegetables of the nearby forest.

As sous chef, Annalia nodded. She emptied the pot of vegetables onto the table and grabbed the cutting board. The reflection from the sharp knife glistened in the moonlight. It didn't take the sous chef but several minutes to complete her task.

Mambo Lyddia instructed Annalia to record her instructions.

The ingredients sat anxiously awaiting Mambo Lyddia instructions. To be named as an additive to what would become the most famous recipe in the swamp was a source of pride and fulfillment many longed for. Besides being a privilege, their names would be written in the book.

One by one, the meat delicacies crossed the small bayou as Mambo Lyddia called out their names. Annalia prepared each, skinned and chopped.

Mambo Lyddia's Swamp-Style Creole Gumbo With Cured Skull Brains

Meats / Veggies (skinned and chopped into bite-sized pieces)
1 Cured Skull Brain (Ancient Oak curing process and secret ingredient)
5 Cups Swamp Vegetables
1 Bunch Green Onions (if not available, then sour seaweed)
10 Large Caterpillars (preferably pink in color)
2 large Snakes (Cottonmouth aka Water Moccasin)
1 Large Eyeball (Dark Blue colored pupil)
1 Large Black Beetle (Whole)
2 Large Octopus Tails (if not in season, then Scorpions)

Seasonings:
1 2-lb. Sack Filtered Shelf Floor Soil (for roux)
1 Cup White Chalk
1 Cup Gumbo File
1 Cup Peppercorns
1/2 Cup Swamp Salt
1/4 Cup Garlic Powder and Oregano
5 Whole Tree Leaves (free of debris)
3 Tblsp. Dry Mustard and Cayenne Pepper
Louisiana Hot Sauce (optional)

10 Gallons Swamp Water
1 Cup Imported Olive Oil

COOKING DIRECTIONS
Ready the cauldron with fire and oak splinters. Add olive oil and chopped vegetables. Saute until translucent.

Add shelf floor soil and white chalk. Stir until thickened. Objective is to make a thick sauce (called roux).

Add all meats. Eyeball should be left whole as this will be the surprise in one's dish (sort of like who gets the baby in the King Cake). So much fun. Add seasonings and stir until well blended.

Next, add the 10 gallons of swamp water. Stir until no lumps remain in the roux.

COOK on medium, boiling gently for two hours until all meats and veggies are blended and the sauce is a golden brown.

Finally, reduce heat and add the CURED BRAIN. Continue to cook on low heat for another 30 minutes until the brain breaks away from its core. Discard any membranes. Don't want negative memories floating around!

Distinguish fire. Allow to cool for 30 minutes. Remove from cauldron and place in a tightly sealed bucket. Any old bucket will do as long it's rinsed with water from the swamp.

Taste to ensure enough heat (pepper) was added. If not, douse with extra hot sauce.

Place bucket in cooler overnight. This will allow the brain to absorb all seasonings and emit positive vibes.

NOTE: May be eaten with cajun or white rice, and garlic infused Pumpernickle or multigrain bread, prepared separately.

ENJOY.

Mambo Lyddia's guests at the celebration certainly did. None of the land dwellers inquired about the secret ingredient. As the skull looked on, he could only wish that he would have used his brain wisely. He thought about asking for a second chance. Then he remembered, NO SECOND CHANCES. And after the feast, no one in their mind would dare use their brain to plot against Mambo Lyddia!

To create the collage, I uploaded the contest photo and all images into Canva. I utilize my Annual Pro Membership Subscription to take advantage of the numerous features afford me.

The background image I located was perfect as the setting in the swamp with the large tree. The other image set the stage for the swamp cooking.

Other images added were are below:

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I appreciate your visit and hope you like my collage theme and unique Recipe.