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I have always loved celebrating Mardi Gras by indulging in treats, sweets and fatty delights all day long before fasting on Ash Wednesday. When I was in college I met one of my dearest friends, Addie, who shared my childhood love of Mardi Gras indulgences. We ran along The Ave in Seattle eating pizza, ice cream, french fries and more until our tummies ached. This week’s vegan Caramelized Onion & Broccoli Pizza would have had a huge pile of cheese on it, if it was on our list of Mardi Gras indulgences, but it would be perfect for the more resigned days of Lent that followed. If you enjoy it on Tuesday, you have my full permission to go crazy with the cheese.
As an adult I have explored other ways to celebrate Fat Tuesday. One of my favorites is the European tradition of using up the remaining eggs, milk and butter for pancakes. My favorite buttery, eggy pancakes are Crepes, so whip up a batch for breakfast, dessert or even dinner and sprinkle with Lemon & Sugar, Sweet Orange Sauce or Whipped Yogurt Cream. Do yourself a favor and make a double batch and stuff them into these Spinach Crepes. Actually, if I was able to celebrate with Addie again this year without a doubt I would make these for us to eat. And maybe the pizza with extra cheese and some sort of indulgent dessert such as Red Velvet Cake with Mocha Ice Cream.
Of course most of us think of the Carnival celebrations in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. One of these days I hope to make it there, but in the meantime mix and match these simple NOLA inspired dishes of Cajun Chicken, Vegan Dirty Rice, Bacon Shrimp, and for breakfast the leftover Cajun Aioli makes an easy spicy Cajun Egg Sandwich.
After celebrating you may want to mellow out the decadence but not the flavor with a rice & veggie packed Spring Sushi Bowl with Avocado Wasabi & Sesame Tofu. The Bok Choy Slaw with Baked Tofu is a great way to use up seaweed too.
Whether you traditionally celebrate Mardi Gras or not, I welcome you to indulge a bit this year.
Cook seasonally. Eat consciously. Live well,
