Gumbo for Mardi Gras
Sometimes, it’s just been a cold winter. Or maybe that “getting away from the kids” vacation to the Caribbean just isn’t an option this year. Or perhaps, just perhaps, you’re going to be fasting for Lent, and you’d like to have a Fat Tuesday party and dinner feast. You have this crazy idea of actually having it in your house!
For those of us who live outside New Orleans, (ie North Dakota), having a parade outside, dressing in silly costumes and finding ways to collect beads (ahem) may not work well if your upturned jester shoes keep slipping on the ice and your mask keeps freezing to your face. Most cities will have their own Mardi Gras festivities, but you know what, this is a perfect occasion to invite friends and family you haven’t seen since … New Year’s. If you and your house have the winter blues , it’s time to inject some jazz and Louisiana Cajun spices into the air. Put the call out for a gumbo party!
Costumes May Apply
First, decide if you want the costumes. Come on, let’s make this fun! Nothing elaborate, most of what you and your guests will find may likely already be in the closet. Just look for anything purple, yellow and green. Or make one yourself.
An easy way to make your own costume is to find some sweat pants and a long or short sleeved T-shirt in one or two of the Mardi Gras colors. Use a pair of scissors to cut the shirt sleeves in long fringe strips. Do the same to the midriff. If you really want to go all out, find some craft sparkle beads and thread them through the fringes. Wear a short sleeve black or dark purple shirt underneath if you don’t want your kids peering at the lint in your belly button. Do the same to your pants, up to the knee.
Okay, now you look like a Mardi Gras hippie, and that’s okay! Don some beads, a simple mask with some feathers and glitter glue pasted on (hmm, craft idea for your kids), and you’re all set!
In your invitations, indicate what guests should wear, and of course have the option to allow simply a mask or even just beads to show the spirit. It’s all good! Buy a bunch of beaded necklaces (available at any dollar store) so everyone will be wearing at least one piece of Mardi Gras attire.
Gumbo Parade
Even if you don’t know much about Mardi Gras, you’re probably aware that it involves a very colorful parade. What you probably don’t know is that in the Cajun Tradition, the parade is a daylong quest for Gumbo ingredients. Costumed men on horseback go door to door begging for ingredients, and usually go through humorous tasks like chasing down live chickens to get them. This is the main event of the holiday.
I wouldn’t recommend introducing live chickens to your house (it just gives your husband that chance to quip about the pecking of hens), but cooking gumbo should still be at the center of your activities.
A fun idea would be for everyone to bring a surprise Gumbo ingredient. Make sure you have the essentials, a broth, and okra, but beyond that, anything goes. People can bring a spice, meat (already cooked), or vegetable that they want to contribute to the gumbo.
Make concocting the Gumbo the first activity of the evening. Throw all the bits and pieces in a crock pot, and call it gumbo. Let it stew for an hour. It’s sure to be tasty and surprising!
Other Treats
While the Gumbo simmers, be sure to have some other treats available. One dish that will be perfect as a side is called ‘dirty rice,’ a Cajun-style fried rice. It’s made by sauteing chopped onion, celery, garlic, green pepper, spices, and cooked rice together. It is not uncommon to use chopped chicken livers and/or giblets, which give it the ‘dirty’ look.
The traditional drink of the day is beer (who knew?) If you choose to go with this option, be sure to have a couple different types available. Try an amber brew with some spice to it, as this should compliment your gumbo nicely.
Another, more unique southern cocktail is Brandy and Herbsaint Milk Punch. Herbsaint is a liquor that tastes of anise.
For 8-10 people:
- 1 quart whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups brandy
- 1/4 cup Herbsaint
- 1/4 cup sugar
Mix it all together and serve it in a punch bowl with ice. You can add more sugar or brandy to match your personal preference. Have a small spice shaker of nutmeg available to garnish. This drink appeals to a rather specific taste.
If that’s not the taste of your guests, try a Hurricane:
For 2 -3 people:
- 3 parts light rum
- 3 parts dark rum
- 2 parts orange juice
- 2 parts lime juice
- 4 ounces passion fruit syrup
- 2 teaspoons of pomegranate grenadine or pom juice
For the kids, replace rum with ginger ale and orange juice.
Finally, try the classy 1900s Highball, the Roffignac:
- 2 parts cognac
- 1 part raspberry syrup
- Top off with club soda
Good food, good company, sparkly beads and gumbo. Sounds like my idea of a great party! You and your guests will be bringing the warm south into your home, and all will get a satisfying taste of the more rural Mardi Gras traditions. Enjoy, because Lent is the next day!
Written by Chris Molnar, owner of Themeaparty. Definitely not a native of the south, he nevertheless stumbles through the winter’s snow to grab gumbo ingredients and Cajun spices, then listens to Jazz while cooking. Check out his Mardi Gras party page for more ideas.
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