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Celebrate Mardi Gras by Making Your Own King Cakes & Creole Food

Written by Chelsea Triola  |  28. February 2014

Mardi Gras is quickly approaching and party plans are underway! The celebration of rich eating and partying by tradition is on March 4th and is also known as “Fat Tuesday” or “Carnival season.” Party goers will be dressed up in unique costumes and fun, decorative masks with colorful beads dangling from their necks to help celebrate Mardi Gras.
 
One thing these parties would not be the same without, is the delicious food. The main reason these tasty foods are a huge tradition is because people want to indulge as much as they can before they give up certain foods for Lent. So, whether you’re hosting a party or attending one this Fat Tuesday, take a look at these recipes we have listed that are sure to be the best on the block!
 
King Cake
Along with the decorative costumes and beads, King Cake is a famous symbol for Mardi Gras and is a popular treat at the celebrations. Inside the cake is a plastic or ceramic baby doll that represents Baby Jesus. The person who receives the piece of cake with the doll in it has different obligations and privileges, including providing the next cake!
 
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for bowl & baking sheet
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ ounce active-dry yeast
  • ½ cup warm water
  • 5 cups of all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Sanding sugar, for garnish
Instructions:

1. Combine milk, butter and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until incorporated.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla once cooled. Set aside.
3. Stir 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar into warm water.
4. Mix eggs and milk mixture together (use an electric mixer if you have one) on medium speed.
5. Add yeast mixture and mix until well combined.
6. Add the flour gradually, beating until mixed well.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface, knead until smooth.
8. Place in prepared bowl, turning several times to coat. Let rise, covered with wax paper and a clean damp towel, in a warm place until doubled in size. About 1 hour.
9. Once the dough has doubled, punch down with your first and knead a few times in the bowl. Turn out onto a floured work surface and divide evenly into six pieces.
10. Roll each piece into a log; about 24 inches long then braid the 3 logs together. Shape each braid into an oval, pressing the ends together to seal. Transfer to two buttered baking sheets; cover with wax paper and let sit in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size. About 1 hour.
11. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Once the dough has doubled in size, get rid of the wax paper and bake until golden. (About 25-30 minutes) Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
12. Stir the confectioners’ sugar with remaining ¼ cup of milk into a medium size bowl to form a smooth, thick glaze. Add more milk or sugar if needed. Coat the cakes with glaze and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Serve warm.

Catfish Tacos
For all the seafood lovers, enjoy these tasty tacos with a twist. Use catfish or any other type of white fish and sprinkle toppings of your choice on top.
 
Ingredients:
  • 1 pound catfish or other white fish
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons creole seasoning
  • 8 tortillas
  • 2 cups of lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup pico de gallo
  • ¼ cup remoulade sauce
  • Hot sauce for taste
Instructions:
1. Heat an iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Dip fish into butter and sprinkle on seasoning.
3. Place the fish in the skillet and cook until it is a bit blackened, not burned. (About 2 minutes)
4. Flip it and do the same for the other side.
5. Assemble tacos using toppings of your choice (cheese, lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, hot sauce, etc.)
 
Fried Green Tomatoes
This yummy dish will sure to be a favorite at any Mardi Gras celebration and will have your friends begging for the recipe!
 
Ingredients:
  • 2 green tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¼ cup masa harina (corn flour) or flour
  • ¼ cup cornmeal
  • Salt and pepper for taste
  • Oil or bacon grease for frying
Instructions:
1. Soak tomatoes in butter milk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix the cornmeal, flour, salt and pepper.
3. Take tomatoes out of butter milk and place them in the cornmeal mixture.
4. Fry the tomato slices in oil over medium heat until they are golden brown on both sides. (About 3-4 minutes on each side.)
5. Serve warm and enjoy!
 
Crab Dip
An appetizer that is simple to make and cooks in less than an hour! This dip is perfect for friends to eat while mingling around the party.
 
Ingredients:
  • ½ pound of jumbo lump crabmeat
  • 1 package cream cheese (8 oz.)
  • 1.2 cup mayo
  • ¼ cup of grated Parmesan
  • 3 tbl. Minced green onions
  • 2 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbl. Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. hot sauce
  • Salt and pepper for taste
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients into a large casserole-type dish
2. Stir slowly until mixed well
3. Adjust the seasoning to taste, depending on how you like it.
4. Bake at 325 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until lightly golden on top.
5. Serve hot with crackers.
 
Cajun Potato Wedges
Instead of the classic potato wedges or french fries, give your taste buds a surprise with these Cajun style wedges.
 
Ingredients:
  • ¼ cup of milk
  • ¼ cup mayo
  • 4-1/2 teaspoons ranch salad dressing mix
  • 2/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided
  • ¾ cup of crushed cornflakes
  • 2 medium russet potatoes
Instructions:
1. Combine the milk, mayo, dressing mix and ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning into a shallow bowl.
2. In another shallow bowl, combine the cornflakes and remaining Cajun seasoning.
3. Cut each potato into eight wedges then dip into the mayo mixture.
4. Coat with crumbs.
5. Using a baking pan coated with cooking spray, arrange in a single layer.
6. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned and tender, turning once.
 
These recipes don’t only have to be made around the Mardi Gras season, indulge in them for any other celebrations all throughout the year! 
 
If you have a Mardi Gras recipe you would like to share, comment below!

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