Feeling & Feeding the Spirit of Mardi Gras ~ Getting my party on!

Dressing the house up for Mardi Gras!  There are lots of fun, pretty things to get you into the party mood ~ I had to look no further than to our local dollar store.  For $5 I've got strings-upon-strings of Mardi Gras beads, feather & jeweled masks and other New Orleans inspired goodies.  I just love an excuse to buy colorful, sparkly & feathery things!  How about you?  Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Must have a Creole Coffee!

In just a few more days, it'll be Mardi Gras!   I'm starting to feel the spirit, and have been looking at some of my old posts that feature the flavors of Creole and Cajun spices ~ just searching for a little cooking inspiration for the coming days.  Here are some of the dishes that I've made last year, that might just make an encore appearance in my kitchen this weekend...

Cajun Perch ~ I could make this spicy dish with any fish, wonder what kinds I've currently got in the freezer...

Cajun Gumbo Sloppy Joes ~ These are a favorite around here & I've got a head of cabbage in the fridge, so making the coleslaw would be no trouble...

Roasted Cajun Sweet Potato Fries & Hurricanes ~ Of course, I'll be making Hurricanes & I've got a sweet orange spud, just sitting there, waiting in the pantry...

Easy Red Beans & Rice ~ I made this as a vegetarian version for a Meatless Monday post last year.  Maybe this year I'll use some Trader Joe's sausages for a more traditional spin...

Banana Pudding with Creamy Banana-Rum Sauce ~ I've got lots of ripe bananas sitting on the kitchen counter, this one will have to be made!

Cajun 15 Bean Soup & Cornbread ~ This one would be good, especially with all that winter weather coming our way...

Shrimp & Oyster Gumbo ~ This one is high on my list!

After all that looking, I think I've found a few recipes that I'll be making ~ hope you find something in here that inspires you, too!