Can you believe that the French celebrated the first Mardi Gras parade in 1699! Over 300 years of gluttonous celebration feasting on delicious food before the fasting of Lent arrives.
New Orleans classics include praline King Cake, jumbo slushy hurricane beverages and zesty jambalaya! While spending Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a bucket list dream, you can still have a lovely celebration at home! On today’s post I’m mapping out a few fun and classy ways that you can have your own party!
Healthier Quinoa Jambalaya
When it comes to casual parties, I love putting something in my All-Clad slow cooker to set and forget. You can start this zesty jambalaya recipe in the morning and totally forget about it until your guests arrive. This flavor-filled jambalaya is lightened up in calories, but is still maximized in flavor! Filled with chicken Andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning and protein-packed quinoa!
Healthier Quinoa Jamabalaya
Ingredients
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 1 30-ounce can of diced tomatoes
- 1 package of chicken Andouille sausage (4 small links), quartered
- 1 lb thin chicken breasts, cubed
- 3 bell peppers, chopped (I used red, orange and green)
- 1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
- 1.5 cups uncooked tri-colored quinoa
- 2 jalapeños, minced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 3.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (homemade or store bought)
- Serve with chopped cilantro and extra jalapeno slices!
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into slow cooker and turn on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours. Stir half way through cooking and uncover for 20 minutes before serving. Serve with freshly chopped cilantro and extra jalapeno slices!
Nutrition
Décor
When it comes to cheesy paper party décor, I try and find other options as much as I can. I love giving out festive party favors instead. Things like masks, beads, glasses and funky headbands can be great for Mardi Gras. It will also help encourage them to snap a photo or two and loosen up!
French Cocktails
You know what also helps people loosen up… cocktails! I kept it super simple with an easy champagne bar. Be sure to have plenty of champagne French elderflower liqueur and edible flowers for a little glam! Nothing says French celebration like a little bubbly!
Festive King Cupcakes
The King Cake is a classic brioche cake. The cake also features some rich jewel tone colors that actually have some meaning! Gold represents power, green is designated with faith, and purple is all about justice. When it comes to a party, I usually buy 1-2 things pre-made to lighten up the load for myself. My favorite tip, you can usually buy pre-frosted cupcakes at your local grocery store. Frost them with classic Mardi Gras colors or set up a small decorating station for kids to have an activity during your party!
Want more Mardi Gras inspo? Try these Paczki with Vanilla Bean Pastry Cream!
