Mardi Gras Menu

When the cold winter wind is blowing through the Carolina’s and I have a batch of Gumbo simmering on the stove, just the smells from the Gumbo will remind me of a warm sultry night in the French Quarter of New Orleans, eating fresh steamed craw fish, Gumbo and listening to New Orleans style jazz.

The menu for the Mardi Gras party has been determined, the guests have confirmed, the music has been selected and Mardi Gras beads are ready for wearing or tossing.

We usually have 10 to 16 attend the Mardi Gras festivities’ and everyone offers to contribute to the feast. I usually make the Gumbo and Etouffee the guests bring the rest, if you have a smaller group create your own menu.

Mardi Gras Menu

Appetizers- Fresh vegetable platter with dip, smoked salmon spread with crackers

Mardi Gras Salad

Cool Cucumber Salad

Easy Gumbo in the slow cooker

Shrimp Etouffee

Fresh French bread Baguettes’

King Cake

King Cake is a pastry style cake decorated with frosting in the colors of Mardi Gras; purple, green and gold. In New Orleans traditionally a small baby Jesus or trinket is inserted in the cake and whoever finds the trinket in their slice of King Cake hosts the next Mardi Gras party or brings the

King Cake next year. I have had the good fortune of finding the baby Jesus two years in a row and I do love to plan a party!

I will post my Etouffee recipe this weekend. Even if you don’t host or attend a party plan a Mardi Gras themed dinner soon and don’t forget the music and beads! Just cook something! Cheers! Kary~