Kick Off Mardi Gras with a Fun-Filled Party!

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Pretend you’re in New Orleans as you prepare for this carnival-like party. That’ll help you get in the mood to cook some of the best Southern-style favorites on this menu, like jambalaya, shrimp and fried rice.

Mardi Gras actually means fat Tuesday, and it marks the middle point between Christmas and Lent. Mardi Gras falls on the first day of Lent, and it’s the last day for Christians to celebrate and eat meat, before the fasting period begins. Host the party of the year, and make sure to use some of these delicious recipes.

Sophia
Your RSVP Editor

Appetizers
Begin your party with some festive appetizers, like fritters and oysters!

Cajun Cheese Dip
Avocado-Studded Mardi Gras Fritters with Creole Mustard-Apricot Sauce
Cajun Pretzels
New Orleans Peel and Eat Shrimp
Oysters Rockefeller

Main Courses
Whether it’s Cajun or Creole, make sure your dinner has a Southern flair.

Juicy Jambalaya
Creole Lasagna
Cajun Barbecued Chicken
New Orleans-Style Chicken Breasts
Shrimp Creole

Side Dishes
Cajun Fried Rice
Hot Creole Vegetables
Spinach New Orleans
Cajun Style Baked Sweet Potato
Cajun Crawfish Cornbread

Desserts
If you only have time for one dessert, make it a King Cake.

King Cake
Southern Toffee
Cornbread Cake
Southern Peach Pie
King Cake

Beverages
Sweet teas or raging cocktails fit the bill for this party.

Mardi Gras Madness Punch
Bill’s Bloody Mary
Raspberry Sweet Tea
Margarita Sorbet
Southern Sweet Iced Tea

Presentation Pointers:

The one must-have at any Mardi Gras party is a King Cake. Make sure someone is baking one. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a King Cake.
Not everyone wants to go crazy and get completely decked out in costumes and outrageous outfits, so don’t force your guests to do it. Ask that they do bring a mask, but make sure to add that other “more-elaborate” costumes are optional.
Since Mardi Gras is the kick-off of Lent, ask your guests to bring a copy of their favorite Lenten recipe. That will give all the guests a bunch of ideas on what to cook for the next 40 days or so until Easter.

More Parties Like This:
Make Mardi Gras Memorable With A Fat Tuesday Feast
Hosting A Masquerade Party for Mardi Gras Creole and Cajun Cooking
Top 10 Mardi Gras Recipes

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