I have something deep inside me, retching at my soul. I'm missing Mardi Gras this year. Mardi Gras in New Orleans are some of the best memories I've ever had in my life, hands down. The no sleeping, daiquiri drinking, parade float bead catching, dancing in the street, not a care in the world type of fun.
Since I can't be there this year (and I'm assuming some others might not be able to) here's my guide on how to get through it, without being in New Orleans.
1. Food
You're going to need to eat the right kinds of things in order to celebrate Fat Tuesday properly. Anything with crawfish or shrimp will work- jambalya, gumbo, etc. One of my favorite dishes to make for parties is called “French Quarter Dip” and it's super easy.
Here's what you need:
1 Package of cream cheese (softended)
1 tsp of grated onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup packaged dark brown sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 prepared mustard (Sometimes I just use regular mustard)
1 cup finely chopped pecans
Crackers to spread it on
Here's what you do:
I leave the cream cheese out for about 20 minutes, but if I forget I zap it in the microwave for a few minutes. Then add the grated onion and minced garlic clove to the cream cheese and stir that together. Arrange it on a plate, like this:
Heat the butter in a nonstick skillet and add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Once melted, add the pecans and heat up for a couple minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for a couple minutes. Then pour over the cream cheese.
I'm telling you, this is delicious. Promise. You should probably pin this:
Okay now everyone's favorite: dessert. You can of course opt for a king cake but recently Blue Bell came out with “Mardi Gras King Cake” flavor that is basically the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. Take my word for it.
2. Drinks
This part is easy. New Orleans is known for their signature drinks like Hurricanes and Daquirirs. I like to go to Sonic, buy a slush, and add my desired alcohol.
3. Party
If you can't be there I suggest going to a party or throwing your own. We threw one (aka Dallas Gras) and the hit of the party was the New Orleans backdrop. People on instagram kept asking if we went to a party somewhere. Nope, just my house.
Laissez Les Bons Temps Roule, y'all!
One last thing, Sarah and I are hosting a Valentine's themed link up next Friday (February 13th, also, Friday the 13th) so link up! You can link up pretty much anything but I will be talking about an interesting Valentine's day from years past.
Grab the button below:
