Mardi Gras is celebrated throughout Louisiana and over in the Gulf states of Mississippi and Texas with devotion. Carnivals and parades abound during Mardi Gras season, from January 6th (Epiphany) until (Mardi Gras) Fat Tuesday. Seas of purple, gold, and green (symbolizing justice, power, and faith) can be seen everywhere. Mardi Gras Parade Krewes select their own kings of Mardi Gras and put on elaborate float parades in their communities. No celebration would be complete without food and drink, though, and Mardi Gras is no exception. New Orleans is known for both Creole and Cajun cuisine, so it makes perfect sense that some of the most popular Mardi Gras festivities feature recipes from those cultures. Partygoers usually have a cocktail in hand, and boozy, fruity Hurricanes are notorious New Orleans favorites. End the season with a powdery, pillowy Beignet and transport yourself to Café du Monde, or evoke the spirit of Leah’s with a buttery sweet pecan praline. You might not get a strand of beads thrown at you this year, but you won’t miss the French Quarter with these delicious recipes. Robin Shreeves joins Marta Rivera in compiling this list.
