It's that time again, folks! Time to head to New Orleans for a serious partyfest, or if you can't make the trip, host some kind of Mardi Gras shindig of your own. Mardi Gras is next Tuesday, February 21, so this weekend is the perfect time to celebrate.  On Mardi Gras day, lots of folks have open house brunches because the parades finish early in the day, so having some brunchy foods to eat late at night are a good idea. But all kinds of Louisiana foods are perfect for Mardi Gras. It's the last day to party before Lent! GET IT ON.

Here are some of my favorite recipes that would make a party extra bead-worthy:

Natchitoches meat pies

king cake with bacon pecan praline filling

new orleans barbecued shrimp

grillades and grits

iron-skillet cornbread

jambalaya

red beans and rice

jalapeno roast pork...serve it shredded on biscuits or as a po-boy...yum!

blackened shrimp and bacon po-boy

crawfish etoufee

shrimp and grits

WHEW! That's a party. And keep a watch out for a new gumbo recipe this week!