Mardi Gras Recipes: Cajun Style Meals, Snacks, Drinks and More

Most of the world thinks of Cajun food as being hot and spicy, but it's not. The Cajun/Creole tradition is about creating wonderful tasting food with fresh, locally available ingredients. Like any style of cooking, the key is the consistent use of spices and herbs to make food taste exciting and good - not overwhelmed by the ingredients.

Here's some traditional New Orleans cuisine that anyone can prepare with common, inexpensive ingredients.

"New Orleans Stuffed Mushrooms"

Sensational flavor that can be whipped up at a moments notice! It's so versatile that you can use any ingredients that are handy - and it's almost goof proof!

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Ready In: 40 min or less
Yields: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

2 pkg White or Brown Mushrooms
1 lb Andouille Sausage, freshly ground (Sweet Italian sausage is also good)
1 cup Apple Cider
1 6oz pkg Cornbread Stuffing Mix
2 Scallions, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced or 2 tbl Garlic Powder
1 Shallot, minced
Balsamic Vinegar
1 tbl Sea Salt
2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp White Pepper
1 tsp Sweet Paprika
3 tbl of your favorite Hot Sauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven or grill to 375-400 F.
2. Do Not Wash the Mushrooms! They will absorb the moisture and get soggy. Instead, remove the stems and save for another recipe. Lightly brush all the dirt off the mushroom caps, and wipe them down with a dishtowel soaked in balsamic vinegar.
3. In a large bowl, combine stuffing mix and apple cider a bit at a time until stuffing is just moist and clingy - not wet. It may take a little more or less cider than called for.
4. Add remaining ingredients, and combine until well incorporated.
5. Press mixture firmly into mushroom caps until slightly mounded.
6. Arrange on baking sheet covered in foil, and bake or grill at 375-400 F for about 25 minutes, or the sausage is done.
7. Garnish with your favorite grated cheese and serve warm.

"Chicken Gumbo"
This is the classic New Orleans dish that's easy to make and can be readily adapted to please anyone's taste!

Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: 2-3 hrs
Ready In: 3-4 hrs
Yields: 8-12 servings

Ingredients: