New Orleans Super Bowl 2013 Recipes Cajun Courtbouillon, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Etouffee

Our daughter moved to Lafayette, Louisiana from Michigan. Prior to that, we'd never traveled in the southern U.S. It was a treat to visit and sample local Cajun and New Orleans creole dishes. Many became family favorites. I recreated our Louisiana experience for my husband's birthday. Here's a northerner's version of catfish courtbouillon, jambalaya, gumbo and crawfish etouffee.  Louisiana Cajun Menu--Courtbouillon, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Etouffee 

Costumes, Not Booze Are the Best Part of Mardi Gras

 What's the best part about Mardi Gras in New Orleans? According to the Huffington Post, most people prefer the booze cruises. I disagree. For me, Mardi Gras is all about the parades, music and best of all the wonderful costumes. Would Mardi Gras be as fun without the alcohol? Absolutely; teetotalers get to enjoy all the color and flavor without the hangover or the unpleasant after-taste. I actually have more fun because I didn't miss everything in a drunken fugue. Costumes, Not Booze or Food, Are the Best Part of Mardi Gras