Monday, February 28, 2011

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!

22 comments:

Kat said...

Love the doggie parade!! So much fun.

Rosaria Williams said...

Oh so much joy and good food are bound to lift all our spirits.

Joanne said...

So cute, what a doggie delight! Lots of good, heartfelt fun going on in that parade :)

Drick said...

beautiful jambalaya and always love a good mex corn muffin.... we have a similar dog parade but I have never participated... er, I mean, entered my little Max....

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Oh goodness why is it I always read your posts when I am so hungry??? Or maybe just seeing these recipes is what makes me so hungry?!!

Eddie Bluelights said...

Now look, I haven't had time to digest the last 'binge' yet LOL. Carry on like this and I'll have to have my jaws wired LOL. . . oh you think that's a good idea . . huh? Seriously, it all looks 'truly scrumptuous'. Love the menu, is there a place for moi? - McDonalds do not stand a chance! LOL
Have a good time, ma petite cher.
Eddie Blue

California Girl said...

who loves Mardi Gras? who?

Marguerite!

Every time you publish a Jambalaya or THE Jambalaya recipe, I think I'll try it. Then, I forget to print.

The Krewe des Chiens is a hoot. The doggies are so cute.

Pooch Purple Reign said...

haa... pooch, get it ?? that is ADORABLE
~laura xx

Marguerite said...

Kat- Thanks, it is hilarious and the Krewe de Chiens even have a Mardi Gras ball. For the owners, of course. lol

Rosaria- Thanks, it is all rather uplifting and fun, especially after the cold winter we had. Glad you enjoy it, cher!

Joanne- Thanks, the Lafayette Mardi Gras is very family friendly and this parade was a lot of fun!

Drick- Merci, for the sweet comment, cher! Glad you like the jambalaya and muffins and hope you try them! Both are very easy!

Karen- Either way, it's probably a good idea to have a snack first! lol Thanks for stopping by!

Eddie- You're such a trip! Merci beaucoup for your hilarious comment, cher! lol Of course, there's a place for you! Cheers!

Anonymous said...

A sample of something from your kitchen is going on my Bucket List. I torture myself every time I come here after work (in the wee hours of the a.m.)

Rae said...

You have a wonderful blog. I enjoyed reading your posts and seeing the photos. It was a fun visit. I have added myself to follow.

Marguerite said...

Cal. Girl- Yes, I do love Mardi Gras and so do millions of others! It's so much fun! I have five Jambalaya recipes on my blog and each one is different. Just type in jambalaya in the blog search bar, at the top of the page, and they should all come up. Enjoy! Thanks!

Pooch- I know, and I thought about you at that parade! lol Good to hear from you, cher! Thanks for coming by!

firstlightofdawn - Hi and welcome! Thanks so much for the nice compliment and for stopping by! So glad you enjoy it!

Sutapa said...

Hi Maguerite!
First time in your delicious blog!
Love your recipes and the way you celebrate life!
Scrumptious Mardi Gras Jambalaya!
Be Happy And Stay Healthy.

Magic of Spice said...

I love the dog parade, looks so fun!
And of course there is your beautiful food :)
I hope you are having an amazing week

Susanna Powers said...

Thanks for your parade photos-- my special favorite is the beagle who is looking at you! He's probably thinking, what in the world is going on? the moods of all came across. sp

Mary Bergfeld said...

Why not! Was there a scooper detail as well? It look like everyone was in the spirit of the thing. I hope you had a great time. Blessings...Mary

Jenny said...

Oh my, that jambalya looks out of this world. Next time shrimp goes on sale, this is on the menu. YUM!

A Kitchen Witch said...

Just realized that said "Pooch Parade"...love the dogs! Awesome : )

Miz Helen said...

Hi Marguerite,
I have me a big bowl of your wonderful Jambalaya and I am all kicked back. Just watching that precious Pooch Parade. I think that little Beagle has to be the winner, cute cute. Thank you so much for bringing us this wonderful taste of Mardi Gras at Full Plate Thursday! Hope you will be back next week.

Marguerite said...

Rae- Hi and welcome! Thanks so much for your lovely comment and for stopping by. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend!

alwayswinner786- Hi and welcome to Cajun country! Thanks for the nice compliments and for stopping by! Hope you'll come back soon!

Spice- It was a lot of fun! Merci for your sweet comment and for stopping by! Thanks, it has been an amazing week, and I wish you were here!

sussah- You're welcome, this parade is one of my faves. Thanks, they do have such distinct personalities. Happy Mardi Gras, cher!

Mary- I would imagine the scooper detail followed the parade. lol Thanks, this Krewe goes all out and everyone had a great time! Thanks for stopping by!

Jenny- Hi and welcome! Thanks, so glad that you like the jambalaya and hope that you try it! It's divine! Thanks for coming by!

kw- Leave it to the Cajuns to have a Pooch Parade! lol It was a riot! Thanks, glad you enjoyed it, cher! Have a wonderful weekend!

c. said...

I made the jambalaya for our office Irish Mardi Gras (with St. pat's so close to Mardi Gras). Everyone loved it! I left out the tomato sauce since I don't like a heavy-tomato taste. I also threw in the shrimp just as I was taking it off heat, and they stayed very tender, even when I re-heated the very small amount of left-overs.

I also made the Sinfully good crab dip. Lives up to it's name!

Both recipes will be made again and again.

walkererica said...

Mardi Gras parade is really fun. I love watching the cute dogs with their fancy dress. The foods are all special and delicious too.