Yakezie Challenge

So after putting in the time for the last year, mostly focusing on this blog as an experiment of sorts as well as dabbling in social media; Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ I’ve decided to step it up a bit. I’d seen the website before but had been slightly intimidated by the 2-4 posts per week recommendations and the whole idea of the Yakezie Challenge and it’s 6 month duration.

But here I am, about to start off for the next 6 months trying to further boost the ranking of my blog, build awareness and go from just another hobby to a bit more of a side gig.

Just warning all of you readers that I will be writing more content, helping you more and focusing on what you want to hear most. Doesn’t sound like to bad of a deal to me.

So here we go, February 8, 2013 is when I start the Yakezie Challenge. You saw it here first.

Crock Pot Jambalaya

So no I’m not starting a foodie blog…yet. But here’s the most recent crock pot recipe for crock pot jambalaya that I decided to try out. I have on occasion bought Jambalaya in restaurants but I’ve never made it myself.

The recipe I used was from Women’s Health from way back and its a healthy version so do what you want. You can switch up the brown rice from white, turkey sausage for pork, you know the deal.

Makes 6 Servings. Cook time approximately 8-9 hours (on low)

large onion, peeled and diced (yes, these will make you cry)
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 medium size sweet red peppers
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 C long grain brown rice
1 package of spicy italian turkey or chicken sausage
1 tsp hot sauce
2 tbsp fresh thyme, minced (or 2 tsp dried)
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 C water
3 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (I didn’t use any)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (aka skinless and the tails are off)

Directions
  1. Place onion, garlic, celery, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, rice, and sausage in the crockpot in that order.
  2. Add hot sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and water.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 9 hours.
  4. One hour before it’s finished cooking, toss in parsley and shrimp. Stir until well combined, adding more water if needed.
Check out the full recipe here

Overall it was not too bad. I was at work for the whole day and may have left it on too long. I’m not a chef here. The taste was good anyways and I ended up with a bunch of leftovers.
I would definitely suggest trying this one out, it’s got a nice kick to it (you can add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you want).

Also if you didn’t see my previous crock pot post check out Crock Pot Meals-Mac and Cheese