When taking away bad habits, no matter what they are nor the reason, it’s difficult. Your good habits might not stick unless you really want them too. What better way to do so than having a good time with them! Laissez les bons temps rouler!” is a Cajun expression meaning, “Let the good times roll!”

My family is not from Louisiana, nor are we from any of the surrounding states. Even with that said, we do have quite the New Orleans culture in us! Gumbo, Jambalaya, Big Band jazz, Blues, that’s all good stuff that you’ll find in our house hold. Some of my favorite things to eat are fried okra, I love fried pickles, too! Actually, I love everything and anything fried… It’s one of my bad habits. Oh, and my mom makes a killer bread pudding with praline liquor! Oh my goodness!

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Anyways, doing this fast from processed food and all meats and dairy, I’ve found that it’s very difficult to say no to these delicious meals! Just yesterday my dad made chicken and sausage jambalaya. Oh man, did I want some!! While he prepared his ingredients, so did I, for veggie jambalaya! Pretty good!
Try it for yourself!

1 small sweet onion (diced)
1 large bell pepper (diced)
3 sticks of celery (diced)
1 small diced tomato
1 teaspoon thyme
1 skinny yellow squash (half inch slices)
5 dense baby Bella mushrooms (large slices)
3 cloves of garlic (smashed and minced)
1 jalapeño (cut to your liking)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Chachere’s Bold Creole seasoning (to taste)
1 cup brown rice
2 cups water

In a deep pan, with a lid, put your oil, onions, bell pepper, celery, tomato and thyme. Sauté the veggies on high heat until they are cooked how you like. Then, bring it down to a low fire, throw in your squash, mushrooms, garlic, and jalapeño. Mix everything together and add your creole seasoning.

Put your rice in, mix the pot so everything is mixed well, then poor the two cups of water over it. Place the lid on and leave it for about 45 minutes. Do not remove the lid or you’ll release all the steam. After 45 minutes, take off the lid, mix very little and taste. Add more seasoning, salt or pepper if needed. If the rice isn’t done put the lid on for a little longer more until tender. Remove the lid and enjoy!