Looking back at all of the amazing events that I have attended in my life, Mardi Gras in New Orleans ranks somewhere near the top. It's a celebration that I would encourage everyone to try and experience at least once. And honestly, it's not all about Bourbon Street or the debauchery you may have seen on TV. Far from it, actually.
Mardi Gras is more about celebrating with family and friends through food, music, parades, costumes and traditions. It's about letting the good times roll, or as they say in NOLA, Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Unfortunately, I won't be attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year— But, I do plan to have my own mini-celebration at home with my family, full of some of our favorite takeaways from our trip to the Big Easy.
Here are 5 must-haves for a Mardi Gras Celebration at Home
King Cake — If there's one must have for the Mardi Gras season it's King Cake— a twisted ring of pastry filled with cinnamon, cream cheese, or fruit that's topped with icing and Mardi Gras colored sprinkles (Purple, green and gold). A little plastic baby is tucked inside, and tradition says, whoever gets the piece of cake with the baby should buy next year's King Cake. There's a huge debate over who makes the best King Cake, but my favorite is hands-down from Sucre. You can still order one of these beauties to be shipped in time for Fat Tuesday— if not, make a note to order in advance next year ... I promise it will be worth it!
Beignets — No trip to New Orleans would be complete with out a stop at Cafe du Monde for some beignets and chicory coffee... the same goes for Mardi Gras! We're starting Fat Tuesday with a breakfast of french doughnuts made from Cafe du Monde's Beignet Mix. Luckily, this mix can easily be found at The Fresh Market or Amazon, along with cans of Cafe du Monde's Chicory Coffee.
Jambalaya — Another NOLA stable is a big ole' bowl of Cajun Jambalaya. During the parades of Mardi Gras, family and friends tailgate along the parade route while cooking up pots of Jambalaya made with chicken, shrimp and sausage. If you don't have all day to make your own stock like the locals, pick up a box of Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix to get that French Quarter taste you crave, without all the prep work.
Gumbo — Different than Jambalaya, Gumbo is more of soup or stew made with a roux and served over rice. It's equally delicious and just as much a staple of Louisiana Cajun cuisine. Tony Chachere's is a line of Creole seasonings available in almost every supermarket that adds the flavor you need for the perfect pot of gumbo.
Pat O'Briens Hurricane — Let's be honest. We need something yummy to wash down all of this delicious New Orleans-style fare. If there's one beverage that's synonymous with Mardi Gras, it's the Pat O'Briens Hurricane. I've had this fruity red concoction straight from the source, and it is mighty tasty. Made with light and dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice and grenadine, and topped with an orange slice and a cherry— you don't have to travel all the way to St. Peter Street to get the flavor at home. Pat O'Briens sells their Hurricane Mix in grocery stores, including Publix, and specialty liquor stores, like Total Wine.
Add in a few masks and beads from the Dollar Tree, and you've got your own Mardi Gras party at home... Laissez les bons temps rouler!
Amy
We did have fun, didn't we? Was very happy to be able to go last weekend and enjoy some parades and great food and drinks!