Great questions, everyone!
What consistency am I looking for in the potatoes? We need to give them enough time to fully boil, right? I thought that was like 45 minutes for some reason.
Like HE, I was thinking small little potatoes that boil up just right in about 20 minutes. But whatever you got. Just put those in first, and then time everything else so that they all finish at the same time.
Are we meant to drink the broth-like substance that results?
You are meant to drain that off, never to be seen again! Bye bye, broth!
which explains why you add Old Bay to it
I do not "add Old Bay to it". Old Bay (and shrimp) are the entire point of this dish. If you don't like andouille, substitute your favorite pork patty, or leave it out entirely!
Old Bay is the "unofficial spice of Maryland,"
I have looked through the entire archives of this BBS and everywhere else you've ever had a presence, and this is the single true statement on your record.
for those that want to try this recipe, how difficult is it to buy andouille sausage?
For the
ambulatory, I have never seen a grocery store that didn't have it, right next to the hot dog section. For you, it is impossible.