Laissez le bon temps rouler!
(Let the good times roll!)
ABOUT
MARDI GRAS:Mardi Gras is an annual celebration that takes place each February in Louisiana for a two and a half week period ending with Fat Tuesday and the beginning of Lent. The Mardi Gras season begins on January 6 and continues until Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras is set 46 days prior to Easter. All across Louisiana, Mardi Gras traditions are celebrated differently depending on one’s location and background. In New Orleans, Mardi Gras social clubs (Krewes) host a number of lavish costume balls and lead grand parades with massive floats throughout the city. In Cajun country, bands of costumed revelers on horseback ride through the countryside chasing chickens and gathering ingredients for a community gumbo to be served at the Mardi Gras fais-do-do.
WHY
HELP?
Years since Katrina & Rita hit, yet thousands upon thousands
of people are still displaced.
School districts are closed and entire cities are shut down.
People are still living in FEMA trailers. People are being plowed by
insurance bureaucracy.
It's not in the news everyday, but these people still
need our help.
I've always had an affinity for New Orleans. I've never been there, so it's like a "fantasy" town to me, a style, a culture, an atmosphere, a land at disneyland, rather than an actual urban city. I love the architecture, the music, and the local customs. My husband and I, for years, have talked about spending Christmas in New Orleans. I've learned so much about the area since the storm. I've had New Orleans themed decor in my kitchen, mugs and art, for ages - I still want to visit someday. I hope and pray that this wonderful historic city gets back on its feet very soon. ~ God Bless ~ Nancy
READ MORE: Hurricane Katrina: Killer, Destroyer of Cities and Homes and Lives A photo narrative by Linda Saxon Nix Biloxi, MS
WHO
TO HELP:|
By contacting the charity
that you choose to benefit - before the party - They may
be able to send you brochures or a video about their work.
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*You can choose your charity
before the party, or you could hold a raffle, where the winners
get to choose the recipients of your donation. Be sure to
include charity information in your invitations - so that even those
who cannot attend, can still make donations.
I like to use small locally-based organizations, such as churches and community projects. The big, national, organizations tend to spend my small donations for junk-mailing. >:( |
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INVITATIONS
& CLIP ART:
I
cannot stress enough the importance of including
the charity information on the invitation.
Your guests will be happily prepared for donating,
if they know in advance of the party.
Alternate Party Titles & Phrases:
"Mercy-Gras"
"Party with a Purpose"
"Beads for Needs"
"Hearty-Gras" - use hearts for decoration - sell
hearts pins, etc.
"Mission: Mardi-Gras"
"Pardi-Gras" - a term that Disneyland used for a
parade, its cute.
... or spelled "Party Gras"
Sample fundraising wording for your invitations:
"All proceeds from the nights event will be donated to New Orleans
recovery organizations"
"You are cordially invited to attend The Women's Club Mardi Gras
Fundraiser, benefiting Gulf Coast Charities"
"The Hometown Corporation cordially invites you and a guest to
attend its annual
Mardi Gras fundraiser to benefit The Katrina Rebuilding Foundation"
Mardi Gras Clip Art & Printables:
Find the perfect
invitation or announcement for any occasion.
Personalize, preview, and order right on the spot to be delivered in
days.
FUNDRAISING:
You can either charge for tickets to your party, or,
collect donations at the party itself with raffles or other party games.
Ticket prices vary greatly by the formality of your party. For a casual
party, I might not charge admission, but for a catered affair, I would
charge at least three or four times the price of the individual meals,
or you can give a slight discount for the purchase of an entire table.
Again, make sure the invitation is clear - this is a fundraising event.
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"Beads for Needs" - sell
Mardi Gras Beads
at your party for $2 or $3 a strand, depending on the income level of
your guests, you may consider charging up to $10 or $50 for beads! (It's
for charity, people!!) The item cost on these beads is very reasonable,
and this has become a very popular fund raising tool for organizations
all over the country since the hurricanes.
If you are celebrating someone's birthday, you might
suggest that guests make donations in lieu of gifts, and let the birthday-honoree
choose the charity.
Auction - Offer New Orleans themed gifts,
trips, and baskets - either a silent auction or traditional style - and
if you can get these auction items donated, all the better.
Bead Toss - For a donation, player gets to try to toss
a strand of beads around the prize they want
Guess the # - Fill a large jar with strands of
beads, or colorful coins, and charge $1 per guess, the closest guess wins
a prize
Many other carnival style games can be themed to Mardi Gras.
Use plastic gold doubloons instead of tickets!!
50/50 raffle - after selling raffle tickets, half the
money goes to the winner of the raffle, and the other half goes to the
charity.
Before the party, decorate several postal envelopes with
stamps & addresses of charities, and attach them to festive party
favors. This allows the guests to make additional donations at their
own convenience, after the party as well....
Several schools around the US have held fundraisers of all types -
lots more ideas
RECIPES:
A
typical Mardi Gras menu includes a variety of cajun and traditional southern
dishes.
Drinks
Hurricanes,
Mint Julep
Cocktails and Libations of New Orleans
Appetizers, Sides, & Salads
New Orleans Rice Salad
New Orleans Style Olive Salad
CAJUN
DIRTY RICE
1 pound ground beef
1 pound beef sausage
1 (8-ounce) package dirty rice mix
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green Chile peppers
1 onion, finely diced
2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
2 cups water
salt and pepper to taste
In a skillet, brown the sausage, onion, and ground beef; drain. In a 2
quart saucepan, combine rice mix and 2 cups water.
Add diced tomatoes and chilies. Stir in the kidney beans. Bring to a boil,
then add meat mixture.
Bring back to boil, reduce heat and cover, stirring occasionally. Cook
for 20 minutes. Serve. Makes: 8 servings
Main Course
Mardi
Gras Stuffed Pork Roast
Jambalaya
Cajun Prime Rib
4 lb Prime rib roast (10-1/2 lbs)
1/4 c Garlic powder
2 Onions, thinly sliced
1/4 c Black pepper
1/4 c Salt
SEASONING MIX (OPTIONAL)
1 tb Plus 1 tsp, salt
1 tb Plus 2 tsp, fennel seeds
2 1/2 ts Dry mustard
1 tb Plus 2 tsp, white pepper
1 tb Plus 3/4 tsp, black pepper
2 1/2 ts Ground cayenne pepper
Remove fat cap off top of meat (butcher can do this for you) and save.
Place the roast, standing on the rib bones, in a very large roasting pan.
Then with a knife make several dozen punctures through the silver skin
so seasoning can permeate meat. Pour a very generous, even layer of black
pepper over the top of the meat (the pepper should completely cover it);
repeat with the garlic powder, then the salt, totally covering the preceding
layer. Carefully arrange the onions in an even layer on top so as not
to knock off the seasoning. Place the fat cap back on top. Refrigerate
24 hours. Bake ribs in a 550F oven until the fat is dark brown and crispy
on top, about 35 minutes. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Refrigerate
until well chilled, about 3 hours. (this is done so the juices will solidify
and the steaks can be cooked rare.) Remove fat cap and discard. With the
blade of a large knife, scrape off the onions and as much of the seasonings
as possible and discard. Then with a long knife, slice between ribs into
6 steaks (4 will have bones); trim the cooked surface of meat from the
2 pieces that were on the outside of the roast. Season and cook in your
favorite way for steaks.
TO BLACKEN THE STEAKS: Combine the ingredients of the seasoning mix thoroughly
in a small bowl; you will have about 8 tablespoons. Sprinkle the steaks
generously and evenly on both sides with the mix. using about 4 teaspoons
on each steak and pressing it in with your hands. Heat a cast iron skillet
over very high heat until it is beyond the smoking stage and you see white
ash on the skillet bottom--at least 10 minutes. (The skillet cannot be
too hot for this method.) Place one steak in the hot skillet (cook only
one side at a time) and cook over a very high heat until the underside
starts to develop a heavy, black crust, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the
steak over and cook until the underside is crusted like the first, about
2 to 3 minutes more. Repeat with the remaining steaks. Serve each steak
while piping hot.
Desserts
Beignets
Pralines
Bananas Foster
King
Cake
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Today, a plastic baby is served inside the cake, and the tradition is that whoever gets the baby has to bring in the next king cake, or throw the next party. Eating king cakes is the main Carnival activity between Twelfth Night and the start of parades more king cake lore This is an excellent way to give away a door prize at your party - whoever gets the baby in their slice of cake wins a prize!! |
Here's an excellent King Cake recipe, provided courtesy
of Chef Emeril Lagasse.
* 2 envelopes active dry yeast
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
* 5 large egg yolks, at room temperature
* 4 1/2 cups bleached all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
* 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
* 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
* 1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
* 4 cups confectioner's sugar
* 1 plastic king cake baby
* 5 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
* 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* Purple-, green-, and gold-tinted sugar sprinkles
Combine the yeast and granulated sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the melted butter and warm milk. Beat at low speed for 1 minute.
With the mixer running, add the egg yolks, then beat for 1 minute at medium-low speed. Add the flour, salt, nutmeg, and lemon zest and beat until everything is incorporated. Increase the speed to high and beat until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl, forms a ball, and starts to climb up the dough hook.
Remove the dough from the bowl. Using your hands, form the dough into a smooth ball. Lightly oil a bowl with the vegetable oil.
Place the dough in the bowl and turn it to oil all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 2 hours.
Meanwhile, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and 1 cup of the confectioner's sugar. Blend by hand or with an electric mixer on low speed.
Set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Using your fingers, pat it out into a rectangle about 30 inches long and 6 inches wide. Spread the filling lengthwise over the bottom half of the dough, then flip the top half of the dough over the filling.
Seal the edges, pinching the dough together. Shape the dough into a cylinder and place it on the prepared baking sheet seam side down. Shape the dough into a ring and pinch the ends together so there isn't a seam. Insert the king cake baby or pecan half into the ring from the bottom so that it is completely hidden by the dough.
Cover the ring with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and place in a warm, draft-free place. Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush the top of the risen cake with 2 tablespoons of the milk. Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Make the icing. Combine the remaining 3 tablespoons milk, the lemon juice, and the remaining 3 cups confectioner's sugar in medium-size mixing bowl. Stir to blend well. With a rubber spatula, spread the icing evenly over the top of the cake.
Sprinkle with the sugar crystals, alternating colors around the cake. The cake is traditionally cut into 2-inch-thick slices with all the guests in attendance.
YIELD: 20 to 22 servings
More Recipes:
RECIPES FROM THE CITY
OF EUNICE, LOUISIANA
A blog dedicated to New
Orleans & Louisiana cooking
Tabasco.com
has recipes, party ideas, and a free Mardi Gras screen saver!
Mardi Gras Madness!. ..A full menu of Trim & Terrific recipes
including: Barbecue Shrimp, Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya,
Mardi Gras Punch, Mardi Gras Salad, Pineapple Bread Pudding With Lemon
Apricot Sauce, King Cake
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BAYOU
FISH FRY
BEIGNETS CAJUN POPCORN (CRAWFISH) CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE JAMBALAYA CRAWFISH CORNBREAD DAWN'S QUICK SHRIMP CREOLE EASY BANANAS FOSTER EASY CUBAN SANDWICHES FRIED ALLIGATOR HURRICANE EASY KING CAKE MARDI GRAS SPARKLER |
MINT
JULEP
PRALINE COOKIES RED BEANS AND RICE DRESSED SEAFOOD PO'BOYS GREEN MUFFALETTAS CHICKEN, PORK, AND SMOKED JAMBALAYA NEW ORLEANS SHRIMP DIP BEER BOILED SHRIMP WITH COCKTAIL SAUCE MARDI GRAS BACARDI HURRICANE® BAKED GRITS AND CHEESE HUSH PUPPIES |
Mint Juleps
The Mint Julep is a powerful and refreshing drink that is
often enjoyed during the hot summer months of New Orleans.
* 3 oz. Bourbon
* 1 tsp. simple syrup or 1 tsp. refined sugar
* 10-15 large fresh mint leaves
* Crushed ice
I n a Collins glass, put in all but 2 of the mint leaves. Then add the
simple syrup. (If you choose to use refined sugar, add a splash of water
in the glass as well.) Next, muddle the sugar and mint leaves in the bottom
of the glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice and then add the bourbon.
Gently stir the drink and then garnish with the left over mint leaves.
Serves 1.
COSTUMES: Sparkle Jester, Mardi Gras - $ 22.99 Jester-style hat with a shimmering green, purple and gold design From: Costume-Party-Shop.com |
 Sparkle Mardi Gras Mad Hatter - $ 22.99 Sparkle Mardi Gras Style Hat in Green, Gold, and Purple From: Costume-Party-Shop.com |
 Mardi Gras Lame Jester - $ 33.99 Shiny Lame' fabric Jester hat with three points in Green, Purple, and Gold From: Costume-Party-Shop.com |
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CRAFTS
& DECORATIONS:
The traditional Mardi Gras colors represent
JUSTICE (purple),
FAITH (green),
and
POWER (gold).
Use metallic streamers, mylar balloons,
and confetti in these colors to create a festive carnival atmosphere.
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PlumParty
is more than a party supplies online catalog. It’s a great source
of inspiration, a home site for entertaining, a truly user-friendly
place for learning and perfecting "the art of celebration."
Actual products may vary - Visit website for current selection. |
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Click here for
instructions to make this MARDI GRAS FEATHER MASK
(sorry about the annoying advertising on that
page, it's not mine)
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French Quarter Soiree Kit --Rendezvous On Bourbon Street Kit-- Midnight
Masquerade Kit Components --A Night on Bourbon Street Kit --Masquerade
Kit --t Mardi Gras Mask--2' x 4' --Bourbon Street Giant Mask--5' x 5
1/2' -- Calypso Island Kit Components -- Lighted Masquerade Arch Lighted
Masquerade Arch Masquerade Columns --Masquerade Masks -- Lighted Masquerade
Mask -- Comedy / Tragedy 3D Glitter Masks -- -- Mardi Gras Mambo Kit
Wall Graphics and many more Mardi Gras decor items at Stumps
Prom & Party
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Mardi
Gras Crafts & Directions|
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Amazing Designs 2056 Mardi Gras! I Embroidery Disk
Amazing Designs 2056 Mardi Gras! I Embroidery Disk Multi-formatted disk will work with all machines as long as you have a reader/writer box or have a machine that takes a floppy disk. |
MARDI
GRAS MUSIC:
Consider hiring a Dixieland Band - Click
here to find one in your area
or perhaps you are looking to hire a Zydeco
Band in your region?
 Dancing To New Orleans - $ 19.96 Retail Price: 24.95 You Save: $4.99 From: Things From Another World, Inc. |
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Instant Downloads also available at BUY.COM |
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NEW
ORLEANS THEMED DOOR PRIZES & GIFTS:
 B-Native.com is dedicated to bringing together select items that are created in New Orleans, by New Orleanians, or items that bring awareness to our city. 
The New Orleans Craft Mafia consists of several independent artists in a variety of media: jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, and more. |
NewOrleansMask.com
Hand Made Collectable and Wearable Masks by Dalili 636 Royal St New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 |
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Buy mardi gras posters, zydeco cajun music, and
New Orleans collectibles. Mardi Gras, Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Jazz
posters and CDs. French Quarter Masks, Cookbooks, and more from
New Orleans. neworleansproducts.com
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Treat your Guests to a Delicious Louisiana Creole
Fruitcake sorry this store was never able to reopen after the hurricanes |
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Hats, shirts, prints and more - The items are created, made and promoted by a group of native New Orleanians who lost their homes and personal possessions. 100% of the net proceeds will go to organizations dedicated to building, rebuilding or “greening” homes in New Orleans. |
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sorry this store was never able to reopen after the hurricanes |
Great cajun food, books, Mardi Gras king cakes, gifts & more at everyday low prices! New Orleans Showcase |
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The New Orleans Jazz Vipers |
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NOLA
SOAP
Handmade Soap Store |
Corsair
Neckwear Co. Inc.
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 Conversation-starting New Orleans tee's |
 RedBagCollection.Com |
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MORE
MARDI GRAS PARTY/FUNDRAISER LINKS:
Some photos of a Mardi
Gras fundraiser at the Bootheel Youth Museum in Malden, Missouri
Photos from Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's, 3rd annual
Mardi Gras
fund raiser
Madcap
Mardi Gras - Downtown Sandpoint, Idaho - Several Event Ideas
Photos from the St.
Thomas More Mardi Gras Dance 2003
Thanks for visiting!
I love to give party planning advice... - I'm online whenever I'm not at work or asleep, but by chance if I'm not online, you can leave your questions there for emailed responses, usually in 24 hours or less! -Nancy |
Thanksgiving - Halloween - Easter - Valentines - Summer
Parties
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The
King's Cake has its roots in pre-Christian religions of Western
Europe. It was customary to choose a man to be the "sacred king"
of the tribe for a year. That man would be treated like a king for
the year, then he would be sacrificed, and his blood returned to
the soil to ensure that the harvest would be successful. The method
of choosing who would have the honor of being the sacred king was
the King's Cake. A coin or bean would be placed in the cake before
baking, and whoever got the slice that had the coin was the chosen
one. 
CELEBRATE
