Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday," always takes place on the day before Ash Wednesday. Carnival season runs from January 6 -- Twelfth Night -- to Mardi Gras Day.
Whether you're planning a Mardi Gras celebration or just want to sample some of the nation's most famous food traditions, you're likely to find something you'll make again and again. Use the resources on the right or recipe pages below to begin your plans, and enjoy the celebration!
Louisiana Recipes
Cajun Cuisine
Background, along with several recipes; banana crepes, dirty rice, crawfish, shrimp, and more.
Beignets, Fritters, Calas
A little history and several recipes for these New Orleans breakfast favorites.
Gumbo
Several wonderful gumbo recipes, some history, and roux-making tips.
Jambalaya
A mixture of rice, vegetables, and more, this is perhaps the most versatile dish the South has to offer.
New Orleans Desserts
Sweet traditions, from Carroll Pelligrinelli.
Louisiana King Cakes
Information, recipes, and history for this traditional Louisiana celebration cake.
Red Beans and Rice
Recipes for Louisiana's traditional red beans and rice and other Southern favorites.
Grits
Louisiana grillades & grits, basic boiled, cheese grits, and more.
Oysters
All about delicious oysters and a variety of recipes, including the famous New Orleans dish, Oysters Rockefeller.
Shrimp Recipes
Barbecued shrimp, shrimp Creole, salads, pasta dishes, and more.
Related Sites:
Make a Mardi Gras Mask
Mardi Gras masks are a traditional part of this annual celebration, and making them is a fun and very creative project.
MardiGras.com
Current parade schedules, history, where to stay, live Web cams, answers to a variety of travel questions, and more.
About Entertaining
Great advice and tips for Mardi Gras party decorations and gear.
