Heat vegetable oil in a large, wide pot. Add chicken and sausage. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Creole seasoning. Saute on medium-high heat on all sides until chicken is 90% done. Remove chicken and sausage from pot.

Add a pinch of vegetable oil. Add celery, onion, and bell pepper. Season with dried spices, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sweat on low heat for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic. Sweat until garlic is fragrant.

Add vodka. CAUTION. The vodka may flame up. Don't do this over a closed stove, or one with a hood above it. Don't freak out. Don't throw water on it!!

Reduce vodka by 1/2. Add chicken stock, bay leaves, chicken, and sausage. Bring to a simmer. Cover.

Cook approximately 15-20 minutes or until rice has absorbed the liquid and meat is thoroughly cooked. Remove bay leaves.

Fold in scallions and basil. Sprinkle scallions and basil on top.

* Fry the bay leaves and serve to a guest you don't like for a good laugh!

Variations: Fresh oregano, fresno peppers, habaneros, parsley, parmesan, shallots, eggplant, sweet potatoes, crawfish, shrimp, lobster, zucchini, squash, mustard