Woo! Get out your beads and whet your appetite because it’s time to celebrate… It’s Mardi Gras! This week is Fat Tuesday! Of course the Sunday Supper team is starting the party a little early with “Fat Sunday” hosted by Leslie of La Cocina de Leslie. I love all of the New Orleans-inspired dishes, especially having just been there a month ago! I have never celebrated Mardi Gras, but apparently it is one hell of a shindig. I think the overlying theme of the holiday is complete utter overindulgence. In everything. Food. Drinks. Partying. I can only imagine how crazy Bourbon Street and the French Quarter are during this time of year.

I bought mixes for shrimp creole, gumbo, and Cajun etouffe at the French Market while I was there and have yet to use them. This was the perfect opportunity! One of my favorite things I ate during my visit to NOLA was the seafood gumbo at Peche Seafood Grill. I knew I’d never be able to actually recreate it, but I could at least try to replicate that spicy bowl of heaven. Shrimp, scallops, mussels, okra, corn and tomato make up my Seafood Gumbo…and of course some Slap Yo’ Mama Cajun Spice (another French Market buy) sprinkled on top. 

I had a moment of nostalgia as I savored each spoonful, really feeling like I was back on that trip, enjoying all of that amazing food and culture. Ah, New Orleans, how I miss you…

But at least I can pretend I’m there partyin’ it up with lots of yummy Fat Tuesday recipes!


Cocktails & Other Beverages:

• The Hurricane Cocktail Recipe from An Appealing Plan
• The French 75 from Kimchi MOM
• Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie from Peanut Butter and Peppers

Appetizers:

• Fried Oysters and Remoulade from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
• Shrimp in Mustard Sauce from Noshing With The Nolands
• Mini Sweet Potato Pies from MealDiva
• Cajun Crab Beignets from Delaware Girl Eats
• Pancetta and Mushroom Arancini from Ruffles & Truffles

Main Dishes:

• Creole Shrimp Po Boy Recipe from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Chicken and Sausage Gumbo from Supper for a Steal
• Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya from Yours And Mind Are Ours
• Vegan Pizza Waffles from Killer Bunnies, Inc.
• Red Beans and Rice from Cookin’ Mimi
• Baked Catfish Po’Boy from Curious Cuisiniere
• Muffaletta from Casa de Crews
• Bayou Seafood and Andouille Jambalaya from The Weekend Gourmet
• Seafood Gumbo from Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Cajun Rice and Beans from Momma’s Meals
• Creole Celery Root Bisque (with Lobster) from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Louisiana Roasted Barbecue Shrimp from Food Lust People Love
• Cajun Dirty Rice Bowls from The Dinner-Mom
• New Orleans Fried Chicken from Family Foodie

Side Dishes:

• Baked Endive and Pears in Blue Cream Sauce from Shockingly Delicious
• Okra Creole from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
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Desserts:

• Banana Creme Pie with Honey Whipped Cream and Pecan Brittle from The Foodie Patootie
• Chocolate Ganache Tart from Melanie Makes
• Banana Bread Pudding from Gotta Get Baked
• Delicious Saffron Baked Beignets from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• New Orleans Bread Pudding with Caramel Whiskey Sauce from La Bella Vita Cucina
• Polish Paczki from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Buttermilk Beignets from The Messy Baker
• Eggless Bread Pudding in a Jar from What Smells So Good?
• Mint Julep Bars from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Mardi Gras Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frostingfrom Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Mardi Gras Long Johns from Kudos Kitchen by Renee 
• Mexican Chocolate Coffee Cake from La Cocina de Leslie
• Fasnetküchle from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Cheesecake Swirl Brownies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Pecan and Chocolate Pralines from Desserts Required
• Chocolate Raspberry Cake from Clarks Condensed
• Baked Coconut Beignets from Mess Makes Food
• Ravioli dolci di Carnevale from Manu’s Menu
• Strawberry Paczki from Neighborfood
• Blackberry Fritters from girlichef
• Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheesecake from Magnolia Days
• Flourless Chocolate Cake in a Mug with Coconut Cream from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
• Pecan Bars from Pies and Plots
• “Skinny Tuesday” Bananas Foster Cheesecake Parfaits from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Mocha Pear Cake from Happy Baking Days
• Skinny Baked Beignets from Daily Dish Recipes



Seafood GumboMakes 2 servings 2 cups water 4 tbsp Gumbo Base mix 8 medium sized shrimp 6 Patagonian scallops (the big ones!) 6 mussels 1/2 cup frozen cut okra, thawed 1/4 cup frozen corn, thawed 1/4 roma tomato, medium diced 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Wash mussels thoroughly and place in a small sauce pot along with 1/2 cup water. Cook on high, covered, until steam starts to come out of the sides of the pot, about 2-3 minutes. The mussels are cooked if their shells have opened. Remove from heat and set aside. Add water, gumbo base, shrimp and scallops to a medium pot and heat on high. Bring to a boil and then cover. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 25 minutes. Add okra, corn and tomato to the pot and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning. Pour into serving bowl and top with the steamed mussels. Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.