Mardi Gras

We had our very own Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday night! We were happy to have Grandma Kathy join us (Grandpa Dean was in Arizona visiting family).

I thought it would be fun to try out a few new recipes (surprise surprise!) - I made Cajun Jambalaya and a King Cake.

The jambalaya was simple to make - there is just some chopping prepwork to do. The recipe calls for chicken, shrimp, and Andoille sausage. I didn't put much hot sauce in our jambalaya - we are Norwegian afterall!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/cajun-jambalaya-recipe/index.html

The King Cake took more time to make, but it sure was fun. I thought this recipe had more of a sweet bread consistency than a cake. Start by making a brioche dough (yum: lots of butter & eggs). Roll out and top with lemon zest and nutmeg - work this into the dough and then form into a round shape. After baking, decorate with colored frosting. Joel found an article that stated the traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power) to honor the three kings who visited the Christ child on Epiphany.

http://www.artisanbreadinfive.com/?p=2812

It turned out pretty well - I just love working with bread dough, it's magic!