LITTLE MONTH WITH BIG HAPPENINGS!

Good Morning Foodies! I was just thinking with all that is going on this month, this would have been a grand time for LEAP YEAR! Could really use the extra day!
This weekend we have a big family event—GRAND PEEP GABRIELLE’S  CHRISTENING! So looking forward to having the clan join me at home! Always a crazy but fun time!

This month will include VALENTINE’S DAY, MARDI GRAS, ASH WEDNESDAY AND THE BEGINNING OF LENT!

I will try to squeeze as much as possible in the next two weeks to cover these events.
Even though VALENTINE’S DAY comes first—it is pretty much a one day deal whereas, MARDI GRAS began a couple of weeks ago. I will address that today!
For those of you who have experienced the MARDI GRAS SEASON, this will all make sense to you! I am not so sure about those who have only heard stories and seen pictures, but will give it my best shot!

We all know that throughout LOUISIANA, the CARNIVAL SEASON is chock-a-block with PARADES OF WONDERFUL FLOATS WITH ROYALTY ABOUND, MASQUERADE BALLS THAT COVER FROM SIMPLE TO GRAND EXTRAVAGANCE, WILD AND CRAZY REVELLIERS, LOTS OF BEADS AND OTHER THROWS, KING CAKES WITH THE HIDDEN BABIES AND TOO MUCH FOOD TO EVEN LIST! Then let us not forget the CRAZY HORSEBACK RIDING AND CHICKEN CHASING EVENTS IN THE COUNTRY SIDE TO GATHER THE GOODS FOR THAT FAMOUS MARDI GRAS GUMBO!

Growing up around the NEW ORLEANS AREA, I have experienced quite a few of the parades and parties. It was not until I moved to this area that I was exposed to the CHICKEN CHASING CRAZIES OF MARDI GRAS! This is something you have to see with your own eyes—WORDS DO NOT DO IT JUSTICE!

The bottom line is that REVELRY comes from every direction, but the most magnificent thing is that what you enjoy comes from the people you share it with. The gatherings cans be simple impromptu gatherings to the most elegant of events.

I encourage any of you to have this on your BUCKET LIST! If you want the ultimate—DO NEW ORLEANS; if you want smaller scale but still fascinating-DO LAFAYETTE; if you want simple and crazy-DO MAMOU! I know there are celebrations all over the state. Try and enjoy one of them that is near you!

No matter how you celebrate MARDI GRAS and all the weeks leading up to the BIG DAY—surround yourself with plenty of GOOD FOOD AND GREAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
Practice the following: “THROW ME SOMETHING, MISTER!”

THE KITCHEN WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY DUE TO THE FAMILY GATHERING THIS WEEKEND FOR THE CHRISTENING! Will be back on Tuesday, February 10th!
Have a safe and productive weekend!