I have mixed feelings about Mardi Gras this year. I love Mardi Gras, mostly because I have the biggest crush on New Orleans that a human can have on a city…but also because I just plain love to eat and what could be a better day to eat than FAT TUESDAY?!? Alas, I just started a round of the 21 Day Fix Extreme, so there will be no fatness had by me this year. The 21 Day Fix Extreme is focused on hard core nutrition for 21 days straight, no cheats, no jokes, no Mardi Gras. (If those egg whites I chowed for breakfast have anything to do with effort…I should already get an A.) So, in lieu of delicious beignets, king cake, macaroons and all the sugary sweet drinks you can imagine, I will take you on a trip down memory lane to my past visit to New Orleans and share some great recipes to bring Mardi Gras and New Orleans to your own kitchen!
New Orleans in September (when I visited) was hot and humid and everything about that sounds awesome right now (can you tell we got a few inches of snow this morning?). While it made for some sticky strolls while I was there, the city was alive and vibrant. From Jackson Square, to the swamps, to riding the street car to the garden district, everything was beautiful and comfortable. The city has an ease to it that makes you want to slow down and stick around.
And while you stick around, you should probably have a snack. Or two. Or as many as you can until you need to lie down. The food in New Orleans was so tasty and unique, and you can really find any sort of joint you are looking for. From upscale cajun, to a bar with arcade games, to waiting in the street for fresh oysters, we tasted as much as we could while saving room for a hurricane to wash it all down.
But naturally, no trip to New Orleans or night out on Frenchman Street can end without a stop (or multiple) to Café Du Monde. It is iconic and deservedly so. Some places get hyped and turn into something that you can’t even imagine why they ever got the glory in the first place, but Café Du Monde maintains its local flair while still being an obvious tourist stop. It is simple and fun and you owe yourself a stop if you’re in the city. I definitely enjoyed sitting, sipping and doing some people watching in the heart of the city.
So, now that I’m staring out a snowy window in Pennsylvania, how do I want to remember New Orleans? Beignets, of course! I love this recipe from the Food Network, it is simple and the results are delicious. Be warned though, it makes a TON of beignets, so unless you are prepared to eat them for days straight (no judgment passed, only jealousy), I recommend either cutting the recipe in half or making the whole thing and freezing half of the dough. I’ve had success freezing the dough, just thaw overnight and fry the next day.
Some other great recipes that remind me of NOLA:
This recipe from Return to Sunday Supper makes me want to grab the nearest baguette and get to mopping up that spicy sauce! Looks so delicious!
Who better to give us a recipe for boudin sausage balls than Emeril himself? I had these tasty treats at Cochon (which, ironically, is down the street from Emeril’s joint…) and I still have dreams about them. Hot and crispy, topped with a spicy mustard; excuse me while I find a napkin.
For a little Cajun flair without over indulging, try this recipe from Skinnytaste. Tender chicken and spicy sausage bring Cajun flavors without ALL of the guilt. Still super yummy!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy Mardi Gras! Cheers!
Create Your Joy 
