Mardi Gras, which is french for “Fat Tuesday,” and also known as “Pancake Day” and “Shrove Tuesday” is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It is celebrated by festive merrymaking, feasting, dancing, parades & masquerade parties. All of the above involve wearing lots of beads, enjoying king cake, cajun food and zydeco music.
The colors of Mardi Gras featuring green for faith, gold for power and purple for justice are seen in most all the decorations and costumes. Although this holiday is celebrated in many places, in New Orleans it is a tremendous holiday.
Since my birthday is in early February many of my celebrations have centered around a Mardi Gras theme featuring gumbo for dinner. One of my most memorable occasions occurred in Marco Island, Florida when my husband and I had invited about forty friends who also happened to be Aquarians over for a collective birthday party. I promised to serve a Fat Tuesday menu, feeling confidant after making a roux once previously for a large crowd for the beloved Up the Creek Art & Seafood Fest in Naples, Florida where I lived for many years cooking for others in my own business.
While at work that day as a massage therapist at a local physician’s office I mentioned to a colleague of mine about it being my birthday and the plans I had for the dinner party that very night. He immediately started making out a shopping list for me to pick up the necessary items for a very large pot of chicken and andouille sausage gumbo. We continued to excitedly share our love for cajun food and culture and before long he announced that he would come to my house at four o’ clock to prepare the gumbo alongside me. What I didn’t know, was that he was a part of the Prudhomme family and a cousin to the late New Orleans chef and restaurateur, Paul Prudhomme. He was the real deal and what a pleasure it was to assist him in my kitchen.
Our guests arrived to find a delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen and my friend, Ken was a big hit. Although he is no longer with us, the memories and kindness of that day will last forever.
What’s not to love about a fresh beignet and a steaming hot mug of chicory coffee at the end of a delicious meal.
“Laissez les bons temps rouler” is a Cajun expression meaning “Let the good times roll.” It passionately conveys the “joie de vivre” (“joy of living”) sentiment and attitude which I definitely appreciate.
Live happy. inspired. colorfully,
Nancy
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