Carnevale is celebrated in many places around the world and in cities throughout Italy, with Venice being the most well known. The coming of the wisemen bearing gifts to the Christ Child is celebrated twelve days after Christmas. This Feast of the Epiphany or Twelfth Night as it is referred to, heralds the start of the Carnevale Season and a time of celebration.
In the United States this is known as Mardi Gras and no one does it better than New Orleans. Both of my maternal grandparents, each 100% Sicilian, are from this southern state and my mother was born and raised in New Orleans. I am both proud and grateful for my Sicilian heritage and my southern roots. I’ve grown up believing good food is a birthright. Is it any wonder I’m a foodie? Good eatin’ is in my DNA.
As we begin this month of February, Mardi Gras season is in full swing with masked balls, dozens of parades, King Cake parties and unabashed joie de vivre. If those weren’t enough reasons to enjoy great food with friends, the Cresent City is also host to the Super Bowl this year (2013). As a tribute to my mother I will share some of the recipes I lovingly call ‘comfort food’ – Red Beans and Rice, Gumbo, Pecan Pie French Toast, Sweet Potato Andouille Hash, Muffuletta, Jambalaya, Bread Pudding. You’ll find more recipes under the category, New Orleans Recipes. They are perfect for a Southern-style Super Bowl, a New Orleans style brunch or your own King Cake party. As they say in Nawlin’s, ” Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll).
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