Throw Some Beads!

This is the time of Mardi Gras! Here in the south revelers are beginning to reach their fevered pitch. The parties will continue until Fat Tuesday which is Feb.20. Traditionally the partying will end at midnight before Ash wednesday, but there may be some who have been known to have trouble telling time at that late hour.

NewOrleans has been known for their parades and parties. There are many other southern towns that spread the purple and green; In fact Mobile claims the oldest Mardi Gras celebration, in fact their Kowbellin society (yes, that is cow belling) help to establish the Mystic Krewe in New Orleans. Biloxi, Shreveport, towns all across the gulf coast will be parading, throwing beads and moon pies.


Another tradition during Mardi Gras is the King cake , a gift for the magi. Inside each cake is hidden a tiny baby king. Whoever gets the baby gets to make the cake for the next year. It is a sweetened yeast bread with sprinkles of coloring. Purple for justice, green for faith, & gold for power. This is Emeril's recipe for a quick King Cake~ couldn't be easier!

King Cake
1 can crescent rolls
1/4 cup cinnamon
1/4 cup butter
8oz cream cheese
1 cup powered sugar
1 small can fruit pie filling
a tiny baby or bead
colored crystals

Spread out rolls and press together to form one long strip. In a bowl combine butter cream cheese with cinnamon and sugar. In the center of the dough spread filling, hide the tiny baby somewhere in the center. Spoon on fruit. Roll up into a large log. Join together to form a ring. Bake @ 350 for 15-20 minutes. Just as you take it out of the oven sprinkle in with colored sugar crystals in the traditional colors of mardi gras.

Where ever you are you can celebrate the butterfly of winter~ the coming of spring. Shake some feathers, wear your beads, and y'all have some fun!
Sandi