I've been on the search for Mardi Gras things for my tiered tray -that I VOWED I would not change from my winterscape until after my birthday. Third world problems here, but Andrea knows how I've struggled the last two years with, do I do a Valentine's tray or a Mardi Gras tray? Well, for this Louisiana Girl, it finally hit me and it was a no brainer. Mardi Gras it is!
Now let me just clarify that I don't get into all the debauchery and total crazy chaos that is the New Orleans style Mardi Gras. Been there, done that back in the college days. We do not even attend our local parade because after seeing the floats and revelry in the Big Easy, our parade just does not compare. But what i DO love is having something to celebrate as a Louisiananian and all the things that make carnival season so fun.
So this week, in my search for tray stuff, I found this beautiful door display of all the glitz of Mardi Gras! It was even more stunning in person.
If by chance you are from Louisiana - or love all the themes of Mardi Gras and New Orleans, I highly suggest following David Nola on Instagram. Some of his pictures are absolutely breath taking. Check him out!
A few years ago, I posted some South Louisiana recipes on my blog. This Creole Shrimp and Cheese Grits recipe was pretty amazing. I mean, you can't go wrong with cheese grits! One of our favorite restaurants in New Orleans is Mister's B's and they have the absolute BEST Bar-be-que Shrimp. We also love this jambalaya recipe, which tastes just like the real jambalaya I bought from a NOLA street vendor in college. But my best friend from childhood's mom made the BEST Crawfish Etouffee and that's the recipe I always make and we love a great, dark gumbo, too. Mom and I ate some pretty amazing food this week!
Speaking of New Orleans cuisine, last Friday, I was craving King Cake so I made a quick trip to the grocery store on the way home to pick one up to carry to a friend's house later that evening. Now, you have to understand that North Louisiana King Cakes do not even compare to South Louisiana king cakes, so this one did not knock anybody's socks off.
Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of the cake I picked up this week in South Louisiana because two vultures met me at the door upon my arrival home and whisked said cake out of my hand and began to devour it. True story. I have a recipe for King Cake that I plan on making for a Super Bowl party in a few weeks!
I also picked up this fleur de lis for our front door. It wasn't quite what I was looking for, but I didn't want to wait on a custom order and they were so reasonably priced that they were selling fast. I snatched one up and I love it!
Let the good times roll!
