Cajun Mardi Gras Favorites

It's time for Mardi Gras, cher, and time for some of the best eats of the year. King cake parties, before and after parade parties, lavish Mardi Gras balls, BBQ, crawfish boils, and the list goes on and on! Just one big party! Here are a few of my favorite Mardi Gras "must haves". Out of this world! Enjoy!

  (click on titles to view recipes)

Spicy Cajun Crab Dip

 Mardi Gras Jambalaya

  Fried Catfish Bites 

 Creole Shrimp Pasta Salad

 Spicy Cajun Crawfish Cakes

1 lb. fresh crawfish tails

2 tbs.'s mayo

1 tbs. Creole or Dijon mustard

1/2  tsp. Tabasco sauce

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp. or more, Cajun seasoning

1 cup saltine cracker crumbs

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

2 tbs.'s olive oil

In large bowl, combine all ingredients, except oil and breadcrumbs and mix well. Roll in breadcrumbs, shape into 8 patties, and chill for 30 minutes. Heat oil, in large nonstick skillet, and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with my Creole Tartar Sauce. (recipe below)

Creole Tartar Sauce

1 cup light mayo
1 tbs. Creole mustard
1 tbsp. each, green onions and fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tbs. sweet pickle relish
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Few shakes Tabasco

Combine all ingredients in bowl and chill. Fab!
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And by popular demand.

Mini Muffalettas

Creole Potato Salad

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Cajun BBQ Shrimp

Mardi Gras Slaw w/ Cajun Hush Puppies

King Cake Bread Pudding

Have a safe and Happy Mardi Gras, Ya'll! Merci for passing by!

Cajun Party Dip Faves

With two of my favorite parties coming up in the same week, I've been busy making dips for either my own parties or other parties that I'm going to. Here are a few more of my favorite dips that are Cajun "must haves" for your Super Bowl or Mardi Gras parties. Cest bon, cher! Bon Appetit!

Spicy Creole Guacamole

3 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1 small (8 ounce) can, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, drained
1 small onion, minced
1 tbs. chopped cilantro
1 tbs. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. sea salt

Mash avocados in a medium bowl. Stir in tomatoes, onions, lemon juice, salt, and mix well. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

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Creamy Crawfish Dip

1/2 lb. peeled crawfish tails
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped pickled jalapenos
1 small red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup green onions, sliced thin
1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, grated
2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbs.'s white wine
1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
8 oz.'s cream cheese, softened


Combine all ingredients except the Parmesan cheese in  large bowl. Mix gently and spoon into a medium sized, buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over top and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Fab with mini croissants!

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Baked Muffaletta Dip

1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 cup cooked ham, cubed
1 cup provolone or mozarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 cup red bell peppers, chopped
1 6 oz. jar Spanish olives, chopped and drained
1 small can sliced black olives, drained
1 or 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbs. fresh parsley, chopped

Combine all ingredients in large mixing bowl. Spoon into a 9 inch pie plate and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with crackers or toasted baguettes. (recipe below)

Toasted Baguettes

1 French baguette
4 tbs.'s butter, melted
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tbs. chopped fresh parsley

Slice baguette diagonally into 1/2 inch slices. Combine melted butter, garlic, and parsley, and brush mixture on top side of bread. Bake @ 325 degrees for 5 minutes. Turn and brush other side and bake for 3 more minutes.







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For my Super Bowl Menu, click here.

For more of my Super Bowl recipes, click here.

And don't forget the King Cake. 

Happy Super Bowl Sunday, ya'll!

And if it's Super Bowl Sunday, can Mardi Gras be far behind? Stay tuned for my Mardi Gras faves. Merci beaucoup for stopping by!

Cajun Mardi Gras Faves

Mardi Gras is in full swing here in Cajun country and we've been having a blast and it's  time to eat, drink, and be merry, and let the good times roll, cher! Here are a few of my favorite Mardi Gras party recipes that are guaranteed to please your family and guests. They are all sinfully good and what Mardi Gras party would be complete without these fabulous Cajun faves. Cest' bon!

Spicy Cajun Crawfish Cakes

1 lb. fresh crawfish tails

2 tbs.'s mayo

1 tbs. Creole or Dijon mustard

1/2  tsp. Tabasco sauce

1 bunch green onions, chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp. or more, Cajun seasoning

1 cup saltine cracker crumbs

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

2 tbs.'s olive oil

In large bowl, combine all ingredients, except oil and breadcrumbs and mix well. Roll in breadcrumbs, shape into 8 patties, and chill for 30 minutes. Heat oil, in large nonstick skillet, and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve with my Creole Tartar Sauce. (recipe below)

Creole Tartar Sauce

1 cup light mayo
1 tbs. Creole mustard
1 tbsp. each, green onions and fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tbs. sweet pickle relish
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Few shakes Tabasco

Combine all ingredients in bowl and chill. Fab!

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And by popular demand.

Mini Muffalettas

Creole Potato Salad

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice

Cajun BBQ Shrimp

Mardi Gras Slaw w/ Cajun Hush Puppies

King Cake Bread Pudding

Cajun Beer-Garitas

Cheers and Happy Mardi Gras, Ya'll! Merci beaucoup for stopping by!

King Cake Bread Pudding + More Mardi Gras Faves

It's time for some serious Mardi Grawin', ya'll, and I've been tweaking my menu for a little "after the parade" party that I'm having on Lundi Gras. Of course, I'll be serving a lot of traditional Mardi Gras dishes, but will also be adding a decadent new dessert. This King Cake Bread Pudding is just heavenly and is a perfect blend of decadent King Cake, and a "to die for" Bourbon-Cream Cheese Frosting. (recipe below) Sinfully delicious. cher! Bon Appetit!

King Cake Bread Pudding

1  small "day old" King Cake, cubed
2 large eggs
2 cups half and half
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tsp.'s cinnamon
1 tsp. almond extract
Purple, green, and yellow, sugar crystals

Place the cake cubes in a lightly greased, 13x9 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, combine eggs, half and half, milk, sugars, and almond extract. Whisk until well blended and spoon mixture evenly over cake cubes and press down to evenly coat.

Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 35 to 40 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

Cool and then frost with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting. (recipe below) Sprinkle with colored sugars. Fab!

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Bourbon - Cream Cheese Frosting
 

1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened

4 tbs.'s butter, softened

3 cups confectioners sugar

1 shot bourbon 

Combine cream cheese and butter in mixing bowl. Microwave on high for 15 seconds. Stir in bourbon and beat in sugar until well combined. Divine!

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For more of my Mardi Gras desserts, click here.

For my Mardi Gras Menu, click here.

For my Mardi Gras drinks, click here.

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Wishing you all a safe,  fun filled, and HAPPY MARDI GRAS!!! Have a blast, cher! Merci beaucoup for stopping by!

Cajun Mardi Gras Treats

With Mardi Gras in full swing in Cajun country, we've been having lots of fun and there is still lots of fun to be had! Parades are rolling, and Mardi Gras beads are flying, and there is live music on every corner. Time to eat, drink, and be merry and especially to eat! Here is a fabulous, sinfully delicious menu that is guaranteed to please your family and guests. Bon appetit!

(click on titles to view recipes)

Crawfish-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms * Crawfish-Spinach Bread Bowl

Mini Creole Shrimp Cakes w/ Jalapeno Cream Sauce 

 Mardi Gras Jambalaya * Fried Catfish Bites 

 Creole Shrimp Pasta Salad * Remoulade Potato Salad * Confetti Cornbread Muffins
 

Cream Cheese Filled King Cake 

 And here are a few more Cajun Mardi Gras dessert faves!

Lemon Pie Cupcakes

1 box yellow or lemon cake mix

2 large eggs

1/2 cup water

1 can lemon pie filling

In large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, water, and pie filling. Mix with electric mixer until well blended. Spoon into festive paper muffin cups, and bake in a 325 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool and frost.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8 ounce pkg. cream cheese, softened)

1 tbs.milk

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 cups confectioners sugar

In large bowl, mix the cream cheese, milk, vanilla, and confectioners sugar, until smooth. Add a little more milk, if needed. Spread on cooled cupcakes and top with sprinkles. Enjoy!

Decadent Bourbon Brownies w /Praline Icing

 HAPPY MARDI GRAS, YA'LL! Merci beaucoup for stopping by!

Cajun Mardi Gras Menu

It's that time of year again for that wonderful big party called Mardi Gras. Elaborate balls, fun parades, king cake parties, and decadent food are all the norm right now. I love everything about Mardi Gras, but especially the food, and I like to have friends and family over for a casual buffet to celebrate the Carnival season. Here are a few of my family's favorite Mardi Gras eats that I will be serving my guests.Happy Mardi Gras!

Nanny's Creole Crab Cakes 

1 lb. lump crab meat, picked over
3 tbs.'s mayo
1 tsp. Creole mustard
1 large egg, beaten
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
Few drops of Tabasco
2 tsp.'s Creole seasoning
1/2 sleeve of saltine crackers, crushed
2 green onions, sliced thin

1/2 cup bread crumbs
Butter for frying

Combine all ingredients, except crab meat, in large bowl. Fold in crab meat and toss gently, until blended. Shape into cakes, roll in breadcrumbs, and fry in butter, in a cast iron skillet, until browned. Makes 6 Divine!

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(click on title to view recipe)

Seafood Gumbo

Mardi Gras Jambalaya

Fried Catfish Bites

Crab and Shrimp Enchiladas

BBQ Shrimp a la Marguerite

Crawfish Spinach Bread Bowl

Creole Stuffed Mushrooms

Muffaletta Poboys

And for my Mardi Gras desserts, click here.

Click here for a schedule of Mardi Gras events in Lafayette and Acadiana.

And here for a schedule of Mardi Gras events in New Orleans.



Hope you all have a wonderful week! Merci beaucoup for passing by!

Mardi Gras Party Preview + Time for Parades !

It's time for Mardi Gras and time to put the finishing touches on my seafood buffet menu and purchase the wine and spirits. This is my favorite party of the year and it is so much fun! Guests will be coming in costumes and the party food, drinks, decorations, and favors will all have a Mardi Gras theme. This is what my menu looks like, so far, and I'll be sharing more of these Mardi Gras delights with you soon, so stay tuned!
Le bon mange, cher'! Enjoy!

Click on titles in black to view recipes.

Crawfish-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms *Spicy Crab-Stuffed Jalapenos * Mini Creole Shrimp Cakes w/ Jalapeno Cream Sauce * Mardi Gras Jambalaya * Fried Catfish Bites * Crawfish-Spinach Bread Bowl * Creole Shrimp Pasta Salad * Remoulade Potato Salad * Confetti Cornbread Muffins *

Cream Cheese Filled King Cake * Pecan Pie Brownies *  Lemon Pie Cupcakes *

New Orleans Hurricanes  *

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Crawfish-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

 2 tbs's. olive oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

8 oz. crawfish tails, chopped

2/3 cup fresh bread crumbs

1/2  cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup light mayo

1 tbs. Cajun seasoning, (divided)

Few shakes of Tabasco

Salt to taste

8 portobello mushrooms, gills removed

In large, heavy skillet, on medium heat, saute the onion and garlic, for 5 minutes. Add the crawfish, parsley, hot sauce, and half of the Cajun seasoning to the pan, and saute for 10 minutes and set aside.. In large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, mayo, other half of the Cajun seasoning, and add the crawfish mixture. Place mushrooms, top side down, on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Fill the mushrooms with the prepared filling, packing it down. Sprinkle with a little more cheddar cheese. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, in a preheated 350 degree oven. Sinfully good! Serves 8.

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Remoulade Potato Salad

 3 lb.'s red potatoes, peeled and diced

1 tsp.salt

2 ribs celery,diced

1/2 cup green onions, sliced thin

3/4 cup light mayo

1/8 cup Creole or Dijon mustard

1/8 cup yellow mustard

3 tbs.'s ketchup

1 tbs. prepared horseradish

1 tbs. sweet pickle relish w /juice

1 tsp. hot sauce

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Spanish olives for garnish

In large pot, cover potatoes with water and bring to a boil. Boil for 12 minutes and drain in colander. Transfer potatoes to a large bowl and season with salt. Combine the next 10 ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended. Add to the potatoes and mix well, or until desired consistency is reached. Sprinkle top with Cajun seasoning and garnish with more green onions and Spanish olives. Chill until ready to serve. Serves 6  Divine!

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Time for Parades

It's going to be such a fun weekend in Cajun country! Parades will be rolling in Lafayette, beginning on Saturday, at 2:00 pm, with the Krewe de Cheins parade, and the fabulous Krewe of Rio parade on Saturday night. And don't forget about the pre-parade celebration in Parc Sans Souci! For a complete schedule of Mardi Gras events and parade times, click here. Gonna catch some beads, ya'll!

Let the good times roll, cher!

Wishing all of you a fun weekend! Wish ya'll were here! Merci beaucoup for stopping by!

Crawfish-Spinach Bread Bowl + Mardi Gras Fun !

It's that time of the year, again! Crawfish Time!
Time for crawfish and time for more crawfish! And coinciding with the Mardi Gras season makes these spicy, succulent, boiled Louisiana crawfish even better! Mardi Gras and crawfish, what a fabulous combination! I'd like to share one of my favorite crawfish appetizers with ya'll that is sure to be a hit on your Mardi Gras party buffet. I have also made it with small shrimp and it is out of this world, too. Cest bon, cher! Enjoy! Bon Appetit!

Crawfish Spinach Bread Bowl

1 lb.peeled, cleaned crawfish tails
1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1 can cream of celery soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
3/4 cup butter
1 (8 0z.) carton sour cream
1 small can Rotel tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tbs.'s fresh parsley
Salt to taste

Saute the onion in the butter until tender. Add the tomatoes w/ liquid and salt and cook for 10 minutes on medium heat. Add the crawfish and cook for 10 more minutes. Add the soups and a little water, to desired consistency, and cook on low heat for 30 minutes. Add the spinach, sour cream and parsley and cook for 10 minutes more  Scoop mixture into a large bread bowl and serve with mini toasts or tortilla chips.

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And here's a little clip of the Lafayette Queen's parade, that I took last year, on Lundi Gras or better known as Mardi Gras Eve.We were in front of Stan's Downtown, a great place to catch beads. You can feel the excitement when parade goers are trying to catch some beads! Beads, beads, beads! That's what it's all about! Let the good times roll, cher and have a great week, ya'll!

And after the parade, we headed over to the Blue Moon Saloon for a little Lundi
Gras party. Balfa Toujour, a popular Cajun band, was rockin' the house! Enjoy!