Jambalaya

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 pound andouille sausage, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
3 cups chopped yellow onions
1 cup chopped green bell peppers
1 cup chopped red bell peppers
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Essence, recipe follows
1/2 teaspoon cayenne, plus 1/2 teaspoon if you want it hotter
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1/2 pound ham, cubed
3 bay leaves
3 cups medium-grain white rice
6 cups chicken broth
1 pound shelled shrimp
1 cup chopped green onions, green tops only
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Heat the oil in a large cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook. Add the onions, bell peppers, 1 teaspoon of the salt, the Essence, and the cayenne. Stirring often, brown the vegetables and sausage until they are caramelized, about 15 minutes. Scrape the bottom and sides of the pot to loosen any browned particles.
Add the garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Add the ham and the bay leaves to the pot. Add the rice and stir for 2 to 3 minutes to coat evenly. Add the chicken broth, stir to combine, and cover. Cook over medium heat for 30 to 35 minutes, without stirring, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Add the shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking and cook until just pink. Remove the pot from the heat and let stand, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the green onions and parsley, and serve.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.