Phat Foods for Fat Tuesday

Mardi Gras is here! The parades, parties and beads—and a little spirited flashing—are in full-swing from Rio De Janeiro to New Orleans because TODAY is the last chance to party guilt-free for six whole weeks.

Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" in French and celebrates the final day of Carnival, which begins on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6th or Twelfth Night, and ends the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. During the 46-day Lent period, people traditionally give up favorite foods, drinks or vices—meat and booze—most decadently top the list.

Since tenderloin, tiramisu and Tanqueray & tonics are taboo as of tomorrow, we've rounded up a few naughty vittles so you can make the most of Fat Tuesday:

Get Your Meat On
If fatty meat makes you cringe, fear not. Fat is back. Go all out and make succulent Buffalo Steaks with Jack Daniels Sauce. Crave a burger? The Juicy Lucy Burger by Franklin Becker oozes with cheese in the middle. And don't forget exquisite Foie Gras.

Queso the Munchies
Definitely say cheese with always yummy Broccoli and Cheddar Potato Skins or scrumptious Parmesan Fritters.

Cajun and Creole
Legendary New Orleans cuisine celebrates spicy Cajun and Creole foods, and thus the good times can't roll on Fat Tuesday without Seafood Jambalaya and traditional Chicken & Sausage Gumbo. While Cajun and Creole have French roots and share these signature dishes, it is important to note that they are distinct. Famous Louisiana chef (known for his blackening cooking technique), Paul Prudhomme, describes Cajun food as country cooking, whereas Creole is more city style and came out kitchens from New Orleans restaurants.

Bourbon and Booze
Bourbon Street, New Orleans is famous for, well, bourbon and famously packs in Mardi Gras revelers. The main, historic street that runs the length of the French Quarter has relaxed liquor laws, which means you can drink on the street (as long as it's not a common source or a glass container). The Hurricane is the drink of choice and packs a punch. The award-winningBourbon House has one of the biggest selections in town and for the ultra enthusiast, its own Bourbon Society.

Have Your King Cake
No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without a lucky King Cake! Baked inside is a small plastic baby trinket (representing Baby Jesus). Tradition says whoever finds the hidden treasure will have luck for the coming year, and to see the luck through they should host next years party.

As they say New Orleans, Laissez les bon temps rouler —"Let the good times roll!" Bon Appetite!

— Written by Mona Buehler

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