Along with the decorative costumes and beads, King Cake is a famous symbol for Mardi Gras and is a popular treat at the celebrations. Inside the cake is a plastic or ceramic baby doll that represents Baby Jesus. The person who receives the piece of cake with the doll in it has different obligations and privileges, including providing the next cake!
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for bowl & baking sheet
- 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ ounce active-dry yeast
- ½ cup warm water
- 5 cups of all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- Sanding sugar, for garnish
1. Combine milk, butter and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until incorporated.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla once cooled. Set aside.
3. Stir 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar into warm water.
4. Mix eggs and milk mixture together (use an electric mixer if you have one) on medium speed.
5. Add yeast mixture and mix until well combined.
6. Add the flour gradually, beating until mixed well.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface, knead until smooth.
8. Place in prepared bowl, turning several times to coat. Let rise, covered with wax paper and a clean damp towel, in a warm place until doubled in size. About 1 hour.
9. Once the dough has doubled, punch down with your first and knead a few times in the bowl. Turn out onto a floured work surface and divide evenly into six pieces.
10. Roll each piece into a log; about 24 inches long then braid the 3 logs together. Shape each braid into an oval, pressing the ends together to seal. Transfer to two buttered baking sheets; cover with wax paper and let sit in a warm place until the dough has doubled in size. About 1 hour.
11. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Once the dough has doubled in size, get rid of the wax paper and bake until golden. (About 25-30 minutes) Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.
12. Stir the confectioners’ sugar with remaining ¼ cup of milk into a medium size bowl to form a smooth, thick glaze. Add more milk or sugar if needed. Coat the cakes with glaze and sprinkle with sanding sugar. Serve warm.
For all the seafood lovers, enjoy these tasty tacos with a twist. Use catfish or any other type of white fish and sprinkle toppings of your choice on top.
- 1 pound catfish or other white fish
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons creole seasoning
- 8 tortillas
- 2 cups of lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- ¼ cup remoulade sauce
- Hot sauce for taste
This yummy dish will sure to be a favorite at any Mardi Gras celebration and will have your friends begging for the recipe!
- 2 green tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup masa harina (corn flour) or flour
- ¼ cup cornmeal
- Salt and pepper for taste
- Oil or bacon grease for frying
An appetizer that is simple to make and cooks in less than an hour! This dip is perfect for friends to eat while mingling around the party.
- ½ pound of jumbo lump crabmeat
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz.)
- 1.2 cup mayo
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan
- 3 tbl. Minced green onions
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbl. Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. hot sauce
- Salt and pepper for taste
Instead of the classic potato wedges or french fries, give your taste buds a surprise with these Cajun style wedges.
- ¼ cup of milk
- ¼ cup mayo
- 4-1/2 teaspoons ranch salad dressing mix
- 2/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning, divided
- ¾ cup of crushed cornflakes
- 2 medium russet potatoes