Gonna be researching some recipes. Been way too long since I've have jambalaya, and my crew would go for it if I substitute beef sausage for the pork and don't make it too hot.
I know what you mean about getting the right kick to it without going overboard.
Subversive intent: This will probably be the gateway to shrimp for my kids, as it probably was for me when I was young. I think the first time I had it I was like 9-10 and my dad I drove down to NOLA to help some friends move. Everyone spent the first night peeling and deveining fresh shrimp and the send day cooking jambalaya. It was exotic stuff for a Missouri boy!