Let's Celebrate Mardi Gras

Although I've never been to New Orleans, we celebrate Mardi Gras each year with a nod to this majestic city and its resilient people by having a Mardi Gras feast of Jambalaya and King Cake.  

I really can't tell you whether this menu is traditional or not, but on Lafayette Street it is traditional Mardi Gras fare.  Would you like to join us?  

Let's start with Jambalaya.  My recipe was given to me by my wonderful friend in Alabama, Carrie (Snoopy) Richey.  I love you Snoopy ~ Woodstock.  

Carrie's Jambalaya 

2 Onions, chopped

4 Tablespoons Butter

1 Can Tomatoes

1/2 Can Tomato Paste

4 Garlic Cloves, chopped

2 Ribs Celery, chopped

1/4 Green Pepper, chopped

1 Teaspoon Parsley

1 Pound Cajun Sausage or Smoked Sausage, diced

1 Pound Peeled and Deveined Shrimp

3 Cups Cooked Rice

Salt, Black and Red Pepper

Saute onions in butter for 5 minutes.  Add tomatoes, tomato paste and cook 5 minutes more.  Add all the veggies and seasonings.  Cook 25 minutes, stirring frequently.  

Stir in the sausage and cook 5 minutes.  Add the shrimp and rice.  Adjust your seasoning.  Simmer 25 minutes, stirring frequently.  

This is such a delicious recipe that I think you will enjoy. 

For dessert, I made a traditional King Cake.  I bought the mix at World Market.  If you don't have a World Market in your area, you can also buy the mix online.  They are deliciously sweet.  Hidden in the cake is a toy baby.  Whoever gets the piece with the baby has to provide the King Cake for next year's celebration. 

Jordan got the piece with the baby.  You know what that means, don't you?  Yep...Mom gets to make next year's King Cake, too.  

I will be linking this recipe to Foodie Friday.  Do you love food?  You'll LOVE Foodie Friday.  Have a fantastic weekend! 

 

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!