It’s that time of the year where “The Big Easy” turns into a big party! Planning to bring some of that Cajun celebration back home? Here are some tips for you to recreate one of the world’s biggest parties for you and your friends.
Purple, green and gold are the traditional Mardi Gras colors. No Mardi Gras party is complete without the use of these three special colors. Make sure you have purple, green and gold decorations around to make it look like you are in New Orleans. Research some Mardi Gras music and play it at your party to enhance the Fat Tuesday atmosphere.
Have beads for your guests. We all know that the beads are synonymous with Mardi Gras, so provide your guests with beads to wear as they walk in. Mardi Gras beads are inexpensive, so it will be a good investment for your party.
It’s not a real Mardi Gras party without food! With New Orleans located right by the water, seafood is a staple for almost every Cajun recipe created. Cook some seafood gumbo, jambalaya, etouffee or red beans and rice for your guests. Make sure you do not forget the King Cake for dessert! What is a true Mardi Gras party without one?
Here is a great crawfish etouffee recipe for you and your guests:
Crawfish Etouffee
Serves 6-8
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- 2 pounds crawfish tails
- 1 cup of crawfish fat , if available or 1 cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
Melt the ½ cup of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven and sauté green onions until tender; about 10 to 15 minutes. Add parsley, crawfish tails, crawfish fat (or butter), and salt and pepper to taste. Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes. If thicker gravy is desired, dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and add to sauce. Serve over steamed rice and enjoy your Cajun meal!
