I feel like I’ve lamented this a bazillion times, but I seriously don’t know how people can keep up with a blog AND have a full time career.. It’s impressive, don’t get me wrong, but let’s be honest–my job comes first. Plus, I will admit that I have a really, really cool job, so that is not the least bit burdensome.
So, here we go: Another attempt at getting regular with blogging. I’ll commit to three posts per week: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Trying to do five is too much! The ironic thing is that, ever since I bought this domain, I have been waaay less regular. It’s been hanging over my head for a while, and I want to get back in the swing of things. Anyway, that’s it for the blog status.. Not onto the fun part.
My tiny Catholic college, which slightly resembles a cult commune, attracts people from all over the country, and makes for a very unique experience. One of the places in which many people hail from is Louisiana… Growing up in Ohio, I have to (embarrassingly) admit that I had no idea that Mardi Gras was even a thing… The fact that these people were used to getting the entire week off of work and school for celebration purposes was something totally foreign to me! I also used to think it was pronounced with the “S,” as in Mardee Gr-ah-ss. Oy vey.
Since coming to an appreciation for all things Carnival, I have learned some pretty fantastic recipes to make for an authentic celebration of the days before we enter in to the solemnity of Lent.
Below you’ll find recipes for:
- Pralines
- Jambalaya
- Mach Choux
- Muffaletta Sliders
- King Cake Bars
LAISSEZ BON TEMPS ROULER!!!
My friend, Kaitlyn (who I haven’t talked to in eons–heyyy girl, if you’re reading this) sent me this microwave praline recipe ages ago, and I refer back to it (and think of her!) every year! Its nice because it doesn’t require a candy thermometer, and it super easy!
- 1.5 c brown sugar
- 2/3 c half and half
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1.5 c pecans
Combine sugar, cream, salt, and butter; stir. Cook on high 10 minutes. Take out. Stir in nuts. Let stand 1 minute, then beat 2 or 3 minutes. Drop on waxed paper.
The one and only Miss Joey, aka my “Texas Mama” (my BFF’s mom) is a Louisiana native, and has a fantastic jambalaya recipe, which I’m pretty sure I’ve shared here before. It’s super easy, and always a big hit. I started using the chicken andouille from Trader Joes (since I’m a poultry-tarian) and fresh tomatoes and chile peppers, but the canned is also really good!
Joey’s Jambalaya Recipe
- 2 cups Uncle Ben’s Converted Rice
- 1 can French Onion Soup
- 1 can beef broth
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes
- 1 stick of butter
- Green onions (3 or 4)
- Boneless chicken breast ( 3)
- 2 packages of sausage
Put rice & 3 cans of soup & tomatoes in pyrex pan & mix together. Add uncooked chicken & sausage & stir together. Cut butter & put on top. Cover & bake at 350 for 1 hr. & 15 minutes. Add green onions after removing from oven. I sometimes add shredded cheese , but the recipe doesn’t call for it
I also made Mach Choux last year, and it’s soooo easy and soooo bad for you.
Muffaletta sliders are a total faker recipe.. Many New Orleans people would cringe, because part of the appeal of a muffaletta is the fact that it is served on huge bread. But, sliders are more feasible for a crowd, especially if you’re serving it with lots of sides. You can order muffaletta olive spread online, but I’ve found like the Green Olive Tapenade from Trader Joes works fine too :). As far as ordering the meats and cheeses go, I always get them from Whole Foods, and they’re amazing. Just tell them how many buns you have, and they’ll calculate the amount of meat you need. I recommend 1/2 slice of each meat for each dinner roll. There are a lot of meats and cheeses on these babies, and I personally hate when things are too meaty (in the rare occasion I’m eating red meat, that is ;).
- Hawaiian Dinner Rolls
- Mortadella
- Genoa Salami
- Ham
- Provolone Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Olive Tapenade
I made these King Cake bars last year when I didn’t feel like making an actual king cake, and they were a big hit!