Mardi Gras party ideas

[Kelli Kerrigan]

Well my Chinese New Year party was a hit so I'll be hosting a Mardi Gras party with my SO. After looking at my cookbooks I realized I could use some ideas for a punch and hors d'oeuvres. The main meal won't be a problem unless my SO follows Paul Prudhomme's butter enriched recipes!

[hhcowgirl]

Do you have a recipe for hurricanes? If not, I can post one. But I would say these are a must-have at any mardi gras party and the mix can usually be purchased at larger grocery stores. I would also serve crawfish--they are quite tasty and extremely simple to make. You can serve this with drawn butter or a tangy yogurty-lemon dip.

[SusieO]

Mardi Gras is not Mardi Gras without King Cake! You might want to look into ordering one from a bakery in New Orleans. I'll also look to see if I have a recipe. Sounds like a great party. Will you have people dress in costume?

[Kelli Kerrigan]

Hurricane's sound real good. I do not have a recipe, so if you can post one that would be great. If I remember them correctly they are pretty sweet. (Something to contrast the spicy dishes) As for the King cake, I do have a recipe but will need to purchase a baby for it. Hopefully most people will be dressed as that is all the FUN. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Thanks for posting.

[kwormann]

basically alcohol, alcohol and more alcohol.....

[JanetB]

OK - I'm in my own little world - but when does Mardi Gras begin this year??

[SusieO]

The Mardi Gras season begins January 6 every year, and lasts until the day before Ash Wednesday (Fat Tuesday). This year Mardi Gras falls on February 27.

[emptyspool]

Hi, here are a couple of recipes I have used - from locals here in New Orleans.

Artichoke Balls
2 cloves garlic - minced extra fine
2 T. olive oil
16 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and minced
2 eggs slightly beaten
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs.

Saute garlic in oil. Add artichokes and eggs - cook over lowheat for 5 minutes stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add crumbs and cheese. Roll into 1" balls.
Roll in mixture of bread crumbs and parmesan. Chill until firm. 4 dozen.


Artichoke Bread
14 oz. can artichoke hears, drained and chopped
5 oz. parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. Good Seasons Italian dressing mix
garlic

Marinate above ingredients overnight

One loaf bread dough, thawed.


Divide dough lengthwise and roll flat. Stuff half the artichoke mixture in each piece of dough, down the center, pulling dough up around the side, pinching seam on TOP. Let rise 1 hr. Bake and 375 degrees 15-20 min.

Have fun!