Mardi Gras Jambalaya + Cajun Pooch Parade

Here are a few more Mardi Gras delights that I will be serving at my Mardi Gras party. This mouthwatering  jambalaya is out of this world and when I tell you that it's fabulous, then you know that I mean it, cher! Ca cest bon! Enjoy!

Mardi Gras Jambalaya

2 tbs.'s olive oil

1 lb. large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 links Andouille sausage, sliced
1 cup cooked ham, cubed
1 tbs. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup, each, of "the trinity", (onions, celery, and bell peppers), chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 cups seafood or chicken stock
1 can diced Rotel tomatoes w/ green chilies, drained (mild or hot)
1 small can tomato sauce
2 cups uncooked rice
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. to 1 tbs. Cajun seasoning (depending on how hot you like it)
Tabasco to taste

In a large heavy pot, saute the sausage and ham,  in the olive oil,  for 1o minutes. Add the seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, and trinity, and cook, while stirring, for 5 more minutes, scraping the bottom of the pot. Add the shrimp, tomatoes, parsley, and seafood stock and bring to a boil.  Add the rice and tomato sauce,  lower heat, stir, and simmer for 5 minutes, uncovered. Then cover and simmer on low, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Stir gently before serving. Serves 6 Bon Appetit!

Confetti Cornbread Muffins

1 3/4 cups yellow cornmeal

3/4 cup all purpose flour

4 tsp.'s baking powder

1/4 tsp.baking soda

1 tsp.salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 cups "no fat" or regular buttermilk

2 eggs

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 or 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped

1 (7 1/2 oz.) can Green Giant Mexi-Corn

Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In separate bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, eggs, and vegetable oil, and beat well. Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture and stir until just blended. Stir in the Mexi-Corn and jalapenos and blend well. Let batter rest for 5 minutes and pour into prepared muffin cups or paper liners. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Makes 2 dozen. Fab!

Pooch Parade

Mardi Gras parades began in Lafayette, on Saturday, with the Krewe de Chiens Parade,

(French for krewe of dogs), better known as the Pooch Parade. It was a glorious afternoon, 80 degrees and mostly sunny, and a record crowd turned out to watch this doggie bonanza. (click to enlarge)

Here were a few of my faves. Here is King Gumbo XIII, aka/Tug. He looks as though he could care less about the thousands of folks who are cheering as he passes by!

And there was an assortment of all different breeds, proudly walked by their owners, as they tossed beads to the crowd.

Next up was Fergus, riding in costume on the back of a vintage convertible on a royal cushion. At least he was smiling and seemed to be enjoying himself.

This next little Beagle seemed to be looking right at me, as I almost knocked two people down, trying to snap his photo. His owner had a bead rig and had a matching costume.

This little pup was loving every second of the applause and seemed to know that it was all for him or her. And a wagon fit for royalty. Only in Lafayette!

Hope that ya'll have a wonderful, happy week! Lots more fun to come, so stay tuned!

Merci beaucoup for coming by! Happy Mardi Gras!