Hallmark!
Today is Mardi Gras which is also known as Fat Tuesday. It is the last day of the Carnival season, a period of raucous merry making in the weeks leading up to Lent. In countries around the world, people will celebrate with festivals, parades and feasts. They will don costumes, dance in the streets and binge on decadent desserts.
The two most famous Mardi Gras celebrations take place in Venice, Italy and New Orleans, Louisiana. At the Canevale di Venezia the important event is the contest for the best mask, which is judged by a panel of international fashion designers. Most years in New Orleans, the festivities revolve around Mardi Gras parades, which are organized by secret societies known as krews. The members of these societies design the elaborate floats and ride them during the event, tossing beads to the crowd below.
To celebrate today enjoy some delicious king cake or make a Venetian Mardi Gras mask. Let the good times roll!
If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Common take me to the Mardi Gras
Where the people sing and play
Where the dancing is elite
And there’s music in the street
Both night and day
Paul Simon
I was once fortunate enough to visit New Orleans and came home with some souvenir Mardi Gras beads and the symbol of Mardi Gras, the colors, purple green, and gold. Purple - Justice, Green - Faith, Gold - Power.
Many have pancakes today as a treat before Lent, when the eating will be done much more sparsely.
Traditional Louisiana gumbos can be revamped into healthful recipes. Special seasonings and cooking techniques eliminate high levels of fat and calories while preserving the rich taste and smoky flavor.
I’m going to be making
Red Bean Gumbo
Makes 8 servings
2 cups red kidney beans, rinsed
2 Tbsp canola oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
4 oz. chopped turkey ham
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 tsp. ground red pepper, or to taste
8 cups sodium reduced chicken broth
4 cups hot cooked brown rice.
In a large, heavy pot, heat oil until hot. Add onion and garlic and gently saute until onion is translucent and garlic is soft, taking care that they do not brown. Add celery and green pepper and saute, stirring frequently, Add ham and lightly saute
Mix in herbs, seasonings, broth and beans. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Stir Occasionally, for about 1 hour.
As this serves 8, I’ll be cutting the recipe in half.
Rain is blowing its way in today, so it will be a great day to stay in and keep dry. Tomorrow will be a rainy one too. I think rain is better than snow, so I’m thankful for that.
I hope you all have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!
COUNTING MY GIFTS
Mardi Gras traditions began long ago during winter festivals.
Late, Christians saw it as a time to eat rich foods before fasting, or not eating during Lent. Today everybody joins the fun.
Molly Aloian
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
11,073. for a day to celebrate before Lent starts
11,074. for a mild day with rain, which is better than snow
11,075. for a healthy recipe to enjoy
5 comments:
Be sure to indulge in your favorite treats before Lent begins!
I didn't know that today was Mardi Gras which is also known as Fat Tuesday. So you said it was the last day of the festival? I didn't know that. But yes - eat what you want now - right?
I think I've been behaving like it's Fat Tuesday ever since Thanksgiving! Prior to our town's carnival, I'd never paid much attention to Mardi Gras, or even heard of a King cake. These people sure know how to have a good time.
Enjoy that gumbo!
I've been in New Orleans at Madi Gras before! I went all day long today without remembering this was Fat Tuesday!!!
I had lemon paczki. :)
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