COOKING WITH ACCENTS

So Valentine's Day, as always, falls on the 14th of February, and Mardi Gras this year runs from the 24th of February and ends on Fat Tuesday, the 28th. The way I see it, that’s food and fun for two weeks! The celebration possibilities for both are typically traditional with romantic dinners and chocolate confections at one end to steaming pots of jambalaya and purple, green and gold-decorated king cakes at the other. And in some instances, both celebrations can end with a baby!

This season, why not tie the two festive occasions together? The romance and love of Valentine's Day and the glitz, glitter and excess of Mardi Gras work hand in hand and quietly settle on Ash Wednesday, ushering in the 40 days of Lent.

I happily leave the ideas of frolicking, glamor and any other party exploits to you. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t “throw you” a few festive food ideas that will provide the elegance and excess all at the same time. Laissez les bons temps rouler!