Mardi Gras: Quick Mardi Gras King Cake

From Denny:  This version of the sweet yeast bread known as King Cake only requires an hour in the fridge to chill and rest the dough.  Then it rises for another hour or so while you work on putting together the yummy filling.

The traditional three colors of icing are green, purple and gold.  Make sure you wait for the baked cake to cool off before inserting a small hole in the bottom of the cake to place the miniature plastic baby.  

It's considered good luck for the following year to receive the baby in your slice of King Cake.  You also get to pay for the next King Cake.  Hey, with fame comes social responsibility! :)

Mardi Gras: New Orleans Zulu King Cake

From Denny:  When you experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans one of the first things you want to enjoy again is the famous King Cake.

Here in Baton Rouge our grocery stores and local bakeries offer literally dozens of varieties from chocolate eclair to cream cheese and blueberry.  Those are two of my favorites.  :)

The Zulu King Cake has coconut and chocolate chips.  Cinnamon, sugar and cream cheese is another popular version.

Mardi Gras: Winner Meatloaf and 3 Sauces

From Denny:  Looking for a healthier recipe for the Mardi Gras season?  While the kids are busy jumping off and on to the porch to grab fistfuls of chips and quick sandwiches and then run back to the parades, the adults might enjoy taking a plate of this crowd pleaser.

This recipe is so easy to make it's kid friendly.  The versatility of this meatloaf is that it can be topped with something as simple as a warmed can of cream of mushroom soup or any of the three sauce recipes that follow.

One is a tomato sauce with brown sugar and mustard.  Another is a sweet and sour taste.  The final one is an Asian flavor using hoisin sauce, soy sauce, ginger and ketchup.