Want to liven up the winter doldrums? Well, New Orleanians will be more than happy to show you how to “pass a good time”. For decades, they have hosted one of the most celebrated parties in the country.
Their annual carnival culminates, in the fanfare of Mardi Gras, on the day preceding Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, aptly named because it’s the last opportunity to feast lavishly before fasting in observance of 40 weekdays of Lent.
Festivities are characterized by a pageantry of parades showcasing elaborately costumed celebrants aboard colorful floats. Lively strains of jazz resound through the streets and spicy aromas fill the air.
There’s no need to hop a flight to New Orleans. Celebrate this lively affair by hosting a party of your own! Most standards of Cajun fare are easy to prepare.
Simple appetizers include spiced nuts, sliced andouille sausage with honey mustard dipping sauce, boursin cheese with crudités, and fried catfish cakes. Serve traditional hurricane cocktails. Offer entrées of jambalaya and seafood gumbo, fry up beignets to serve with chicory coffee for dessert and don’t forget the king cake.
Deck the halls in Mardi Gras hues of purple, green and gold. Drape strings of beads over every surface and be sure to offer beads and masks to your guests. Jazz and zydeco tunes will keep the mood festive.
Hungry for good food and good times, your guests will do the rest. Whoever finds the baby in their slice of king’s cake will be dubbed king or queen for the day and, better still, host of the next big party.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
