Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Our Mardi Gras at home party, several years ago!

Mardi Gras is here! Are you ready for the fun? Even if you're not in N'Orleans right now in the midst of the revelry... and/or if you're not heading to a Mardi Gras Party.... why not have a little celebration at home? Here's a simple recipe for an at-home Mardi Gras Party:

The Big Easy Soundtrack on Amazon

Tunes - A Mardi Gras Party isn't complete without some great zydeco tunes! I'm sure there are many, many incredible cajun/zydeco albums available, but one of my favorites I've had for some time is the "Big Easy Movie Soundtrack." There's "Iko Iko" on it, as well as cajun greats, Buckwheat Zydeco, BeauSoleil and the Neville Brothers. Hey even Dennis Quaid has a tune on it!

Pat O'Brien's famous Hurricane Cocktail

Food and Drinks - Fortunately, for those of us who aren't from the South, and can't whip up étouffée to save our souls, we are so fortunate to have brands like Zatarian's with all sorts of easy, and I must say good New Orelans Style dishes-- including Jambalya, Dirty Rice, Gumbo and more. Yum.

As for drinks, it is imperative that you mix up some Hurricanes. Using the recipe from Pat O'Brien's will make folks think you are even more of an expert! Here is the recipe from What's Cooking America:

Hurricane Cocktail Recipe

1 ounce fresh-squeezed lemon juice
4 ounces dark rum
4 ounces passion fruit syrup
Crushed ice
Orange and/or lime slice
1 Maraschino Cherry

In a cocktail shaker, add lemon juice, rum, passion fruit syrup, and crushed ice; shake vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes.

Strain into a tall glass or hurricane cocktail glass.

Garnish with an orange and/or lime slices and a maraschino cherry.

Makes 1 serving.

Make Masks - Mardi Gras is not complete without some masks and beads! Head to the local party store and pick up some beads to toss around the dinner table. Make a game of it... the funniest joke gets beads, the best smile, the silliest face, etc. Also, don't forget to make some masks. See B.Nute productions Free Printable Masquerade Masks-- the perfect template to print out, decorate and wear!

Let the good times roll! Happy Mardi Gras!