Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Mardi Gras Fun for Everyone

Happy Mardi Gras! 


New Orleans might be nearly 2,000 miles away from us here in California, but that won't stop us from getting in the spirit!





(For an explanation of why Mardi Gras is one of my and Jess's most favorite holidays, 
see our February 19, 2012 post.) 

Tonight, I'm cooking up a jazzy favorite--shrimp étouffée.


(recipe from the world famous Gumbo Shop)

Good food like this takes time to make, so we'll need a few nibbles while we wait... 


These mini-muffulettas are super simple. Just slice up a seeded French baguette, spread on a little olive tapenade, add some cured meats, a little mozzarella cheese, and voilà!  


Around here, we all get a little festive for Mardi Gras.


Wishing you many reasons to celebrate the day!

~ Nel ~

20 comments:

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Nel, everything looks divine for your celebration! Your doggie is so cute! He has the cutest expression. The shrimp is making my mouth water. Enjoy! ♥

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Nel what time is dinner tonight? I love Shrimp Étouffée ... Love New Orleans and anything Cajun. Your sweet dog has such an expressive face. Enjoy your celebration,
xx,
Vera

a writing place said...

Wow, I mostly forgot Mardi Gras!

Enjoy!!!

Sherry said...

what a festive setting!
i've never tried Shrimp Étouffée.
curious.....

Bety said...

When a man brings celebration in your heart, no matter how far away it is!

R's Rue said...

Beautiful

Barbara Lilian in France said...

happy Mardi-gras
25 yrs. ago I celebrated Mardi-gras in New Orleans with my brother who was living there, sadly he is now no longer with us, but he gave me and my husband a wonderful time. He took us to the 'Bacchus' ball, I was able to get Ernest Borgnines autograph on my menu. he along with other well known film stars of that era were sitting at the table next to ours. People were dancing on the tables to Dixie music. then seeing the processions with marching bands, everyone throwing beads, & doubloon coins, I still have some somewhere. Happy memories. Your food for celebrating looks delicious. Have a wonderful time, your lovely dog looks like he's having fun too .

Susie said...

Hi Nel, The tea and gumbo appeals to me. Yum. The dog's cute with all the beads. Hope you have a fun Fat Tuesday. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
p.s. hello to your mom.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Hi Nel,
What a great celebration. Everything looks so pretty.. Love your dog!
Enjoy.

Dear Sheri,
Thank you dear friend for visiting... Oh my! You are afraid of white mice?
Well, ping is very gentle.. teee
blessings,
Penny

nuria said...

Everything looks lovely ready for the celebration :)
xxx
www.travelera.es

Gypsy Heart said...

Hmmmm, love anything Cajun! Nothing like the Louisiana food...and drink. :) Hoping you have a lovely evening!

xo
Pat

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

Hi Nell
Oh this is such a fun post today - who doesn't love a Mardi Gras!
My mouth is salivating at the sound of the mini-muffulettas - a perfect nibble while cooking the gumbo.
I'm thinking about doing something similar at the weekend - I'm inspired!
Hugs
Shane

LoveT. said...

What a beautiful Post Sheri! i love the colorful Images :)

lovely Greetings <3

Teresa said...

ahahaha I love the dog with the beads ahahahah

Happy Mardi Gras Sweet Girl!

Love,
Teresa

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

teeehee...even the dog!

Here I am a French teacher and I totally FORGOT it was Mardi Gras! My colleague was playing Cajun music in his classroom and then it hit me. DUH!

ENJOY!

Imogen said...

Looks like the perfect celebration and I love the decorations. You always impress when it comes to holidays.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Looks like a very fun time with delicious food and your sweet little friend looking very festive! New Orleans is a very special place - love the shops and restaurants there. xx Karen

Unknown said...

This is all looking festive and delicious--what a fun way to celebrate!!
xx, Heather

Things and Thoughts said...

Yes, mardi gras even for the dog! Wishing you all a great celebration with much fun and happiness. We all deserve a break like this, don't we?
Looking forward to see next...
Olympia

Lowcarb team member said...

What a fun post and lovely pictures.
Aren't those beads so colourful.

All the best Jan