Mardi Gras Madness!!

Well, it is officially Mardi Gras madness here in the great state of Louisiana. I've always know that Mardi Gras was a big celebration, but I guess I never fully understood how big until now. People really go all out here. Wherever you go, the streets and homes are decorated with the traditional colors of purple, green and gold. What a sight! For those of you like me who don't know a whole lot about this celebration let me share a little bit of background. Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday". It is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, and from about two weeks before, through "Fat Tuesday", there is at least one major parade each day. One of the traditions of Mardi Gras is the King Cake. King Cakes are decorated with white icing and sprinkles of gold (for power), green (for faith) and purple (for justice). Inside each cake is a small plastic baby. If you are the recipient of that baby you are crowned "king" for the day. Now that's pretty slammin! You are also in charge of throwing the next years party, and supplying the King Cake. I was offered a slice of this delightful treat, and I have to say that it was pretty good stuff. It tastes a lot like a cinnamon roll but with filling,and topped with icing and sprinkles. I think that my back side is officially starting to realize why this holiday is know as "Fat Tuesday". Click here for recipe.