Jambalaya Made Easy

Photo: Kiss 99.9 FM
Let me begin by saying I love spicy food and one-day will visit New Orleans where I aim to eat my way across the city and meet the warm, wonderful people. Of course, I will take in the culture, music and history too. To be sure, it's on my bucket list!

Meanwhile, I'm delighted by a chance to make an authentic pot of Jambalaya and King Cake Cupcakes at home in New York City. Zatarain's, the food and spice company, as well as, a New Orleans' tradition since 1889, sent me the food items I need to make real Cajun/Creole cuisine from scratch! As I write, it's cooking on the stove and baking in the oven, and I can't wait to eat dinner tonight!! Smells delicious! 

Here's what I received in my box: 


1) Rice Dinner Mix; 2) Creole Seasoning; 3) Cajun Hot Sauce; 4) Creole Mustard
5) Crab Boil Complete Mix; 6) Root Beer Concentrate -- Available at Walmart, Amazon and many supermarkets. Tasty and inexpensive, spices are also healthy!

Did you know that Zatarain's is famous for their root beer? Root beer concentrate is used as an ingredient to make King Cake frosting. By tradition, a tiny figurine of a baby is baked into a King Cake. The person who finds the baby in their piece of cake provides the King Cake next time. I bet it brings luck too!

Here's a Zatarain's tutorial on all things Jambalaya. After serving tonight's dinner, I plan to make the many other recipes found on Zatarain's website, a handy resource. The Creole seasoning is a convenient mix to add zest to stews, soups and vegetables. A scroll through this blog demonstrates just how up THE SAVVY SHOPPER'S alley this opportunity to cook Cajun/Creole dishes is.

Eating real food, plus cooking and baking at home can be simple. I love the ease of one-pot, yet delicious and nutritious dinners as well as, the spirit of gathering family and friends together over a meal. Gabbing and catching up. What better way to celebrate?

Thank you, Zatarains's for sending the flavor of New Orleans into my home. My first attempt at preparing Jambalaya and King Cake in my own kitchen made easy. The cupcake idea is brilliant!

Happy Mardi Gras ... y'all! Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler.

You may also enjoy:
Down-Home Succulent Meatloaf
What Do You Stock In Your Freezer?    
Homemade Creole And Cajun Seasoning
Salmon Cakes With Spicy Remoulade Sauce

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