Carnival season has been among us the past two weeks but most of us continue through our mundane day-to-day life totally oblivious. This electrifying string of parades and floats is put on by countless krewes throughout the heart of New Orleans. Participants venture from all over the world to experience this world of catching beads, doubloons, cups, stuffed animals, hats, pretty much, you name it, and there’s a possibility you’ll catch it. From the marching bands to the cheap booze at the nearby bars, Mardi Gras is a party you may not remember yet will never forget. This is the most exhilarating holiday to me; always has been, always will be. I was ripped from the culture and forced to grow up in the burbs in northern Texas but don’t think that stopped me from celebrating. Decked in head to toe with Mardi Gras colors: purple, green, and gold, and weighed down with as many beads as my middle-school body could bare, I would jingle through school every year on this special day. The teasing and stares couldn’t touch me because the day lived on in my heart even though to the rest of the world, it was just a Tuesday. On dating blog, I can’t help but relate one of my very favorite holidays to dating… The Krewes of Isis weathered the rain this year and seemed to look deep in your eyes but they hardly notice the color. Of the 71 parades, this one is just another parade in the crowd but, this is a fact you won’t realize until you’re hungover from this two-hour slew of floats. The parades of Zulu symbolized the men of culture; these men show you their roots and teach you never imagined and throw you things you’re not sure how to catch. They pass through your life possibly because of differences in opinion or because of things deeply embedded. Regardless, you are left with an impression that lasts even though they don’t. Krewe of Tucks- If this parade doesn’t make your heart beat, I’m not sure if any parade ever will. Tucks is a traditional Uptown parade on Saturday every carnival season. This year however, the parade made the news with a surprising story. A lady in the crowd caught a teddy bear from a friend on one of the floats that contained a special message on the teddy bear’s t-shirt. It said her name followed by the words, “Will you marry me?” Her boy friend behind her was on one knee with a ring. I guess this parade is about revival of the “typical” and branding it with original and unforgettable. Krewe of Endymion- This parade is the big bad wolf and you are simply one of a slew of little red riding hoods. Possibly the most coveted parade in Mardi Gras, with the most glam: A-List celebrities, elaborate float décor and animatronics, and extravagant throws. Although it seems like the parade of a lifetime, it brings out the worst in those around you: competition is heightened, dragging aggression with it. This parade has more fights than any other, so, like Scar sings to his hyenas, “be prepared!” Bacchus- The image of grapes and the color purple. Drunk with wine and delight, Bacchus storms through downtown New Orleans every year with a “best by” date on this fling of a float. It captivates as it passes you by just until the next float. These are pretty to peer into the distance at but nothing for long-lasting. Orpheus- The sexy slur of the saxophone lures you in and provides you the promise of beauty for the immediate future. The selective hearing of a woman does not serve her well hear because she is beckoned by the sweet sound of future while ignoring the word “immediate” not permanent. At least you have keepsakes… Rex~ King of Mardi Gras… they are beyond prince charming ideals. Only advice upon discovering a float from Rex is to hop on the back of the moving float and hold on for dear life. Chivalry is nothing foreign to this noble man, nor is pride so be weary upon receiving your first catch. Unlike the parades of men before him, he has a desire to catch you right back. But after the parades have passed, the bands have all put their rhythms to rest, the street sweepers come and vacuum up the broken beads. The beads that were neglected or missed out of ill aim. The beads that were too ordinary to reach for. The beads that landed in puddles or got stuck to trees. The beads that were caught by two hands then jerked and then ripped apart. The beads that will not see another Mardi Gras, much less another day. Recipe to make the ever-popular king cake glaze. It’s white, it’s sweet, and it proudly drizzles every king cake made. The simplicity of it is shocking while it’s presence in the king cake tradition is epic. Mix warm water with powdered sugar. THAT’S IT. Add a little vanilla extract if you so desire (I always do). You’ll want to use a small amount of water for a large amount of powdered sugar— we are talking 1-3 Tbs of warm water to 1- 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar. Drizzle onto hot king cake for best effect.
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AuthorChef Steph cooking up trouble. If she can't find anything real, she bakes real good sweets. Chocolate really may mend a broken heart... Archives
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