Mardi Gras Made Easy: Recipes, Cocktails, and Decorations
Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 11:58PM 
Fat Tuesday is the day everyone outside of New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras. Down in New Orleans and in Mobile, the Mardi Gras party season has been underway for weeks. Fat Tuesday this year is March 8th. Until then, we've got a lot of Mardi Gras food, fun, and maybe even a parade or two to get jammed into the next eight days! So as they say in New Orleans, and in the words of Delbert McClinton, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!"
Since this is the holiday named for me:) it's my favorite holiday! Seriously, it IS my favorite holiday. I love the food, the culture, the whole thing. If you want to host a Mardi Gras party, it's not too late. Here's everything you need to get your party started:
The Invites
Facebook, email, Evite, or call... anybody would love to get a last minute Mardi Gras invitation!
Decorations
This one is easy. Feathers, masks, beads, green, gold, and purple! You still have time to get a huge box of beads and anything else you need from our friends at Oriental Trading Company. Of course they have beads of every color and price range. Take a look at some of the fun, affordable decorations you can get....
Jester Half Mask $3.99 from OTC
Deluxe Feather Masks $24.99 per dozen at OTC
Sequin Masks $9.99 per dozen at OTC 
French Quarter Street SIgn $19.99 OTC 
Balcony Mural $14.99 from OTC
Parade crowns $3.49 per dozen
The Menu
Gumbo. Etouffee. Red Beans and Rice. The food is the very best part of Mardi Gras. Most residents host their parties before a parade. Here are some recipes I love, including my own Super Secret Gumbo recipe.
Classics
Martie's Secret Gumbo: Mine is one of those labors of love that takes most of the day and fills the house with all kinds of delicious aroma. If you are in a hurry, try Terry's Quick Gumbo!
The Dean Bros. Lighter Gumbo: If you want a lighter, healthier Gumbo that's still full of flavor, this one from Paula's boys looks pretty good.
Red Beans and Rice: Here's Emeril's recipe. If anyone has a great Red Beans and Rice recipe, pass it on!
Charlotte's Shrimp Etouffee: I wish I'd developed this recipe, it's that good. My friend Charlotte B. from Auburn, Alabama sent it in. It's fantastic. And believe me, I know my Etouffee. Get the recipe...
Jambalaya: A lighter version made with shrimp, this recipe gets a 5-star rating and a guarantee from the Southern Living test kitchens.
Chef John Besh's Green Onion Sausage & Shrimp Gravy: Serve this classic sauce or "gravy" over biscuits. It's fantastic. Maybe better. Serve with his Grandmother Walters's Biscuits. Heaven.
Three Cheese Grits:I'm re-running this recipe because it is a classic Southern recipe, perfect for a Mardi Gras celebration or brunch. Or try another classic New Orleans dish, Shrimp and Grits!
Muffulettas: Try Emeril's recipe. I simply get a round loaf of bread, slice in half. Pull out some of the bread to make room for the meat. Spread with olive salad. Then stuff with different meats and cheeses. These mini-muffulettas are very good, too.
Desserts
Beignets: You can make these from scratch; Paula Deen has a good recipe for them. I say just order the mix from Cafe DuMonde. Much easier! Some high-end grocers stock it around Mardi Gras. Watch the demo on how to make authentic New Orleans-style beignets from Cafe DuMonde.
Brennan's Bananas Foster: What's more New Orleans? Try this recipe from the famous Brennan's Restaurant.
King's Cake: Order online from one of these New Orleans bakeries if you can't find one at your local store. Gambino's, Randazzo's and Haydel's Bakery all have online shops!
Cocktails and Beverages
Brandy Milk Punch: While I have not yet perfected my own recipe for this classic Southern favorite, this recipe from the fine folks at Epicurious is just dandy for any Mardi Gras celebration. Get the recipe...
Hurricane: Try my recipe. As close to Pat O's as you can get without a flight... and maybe even better because I use fresh juices.
Sazerac: I love Sazerac cocktails. Learn the story behind one of the oldest cocktails dating back to 1858.... quite interesting. Get the recipe from Sazerac.
The Entertainment
Almost anything goes... but if you plan to have a Mardi Gras parade or a "Second Line" - the parade down the street complete with dancers and umbrellas, well, you might want to check with the neighbors.
Make some playlists with New Orleans jazz, Harry Connick Jr., and Zydeco music like Buckwheat Zydeco is also fun.
Happy Mardi Gras everyone.... let the good times roll!