Gratituesday: Fat Tuesday

I am sure everyone is sick of hearing about Mardi Gras and how much I love it.

Well...today is the last day.

Tomorrow starts Lent and a season of reflection, moderation  and sacrifice. 

TODAY is Fat Tuesday.

I love the name. Shrove Tuesday just doesn't sound the same. Fat Tuesday is the last day of whatever you are giving up for Lent.  The day you wear  your beads and mask.  The day you get serious about Lent and what will be your Lenten promise.

I used to give up french fries as I love them so much

My mom and I were talking about what we were going to do/ give up for Lent. She likes to give things up as that prompts her reflection of Lent and it's meaning. I haven't given anything up for years, but have chosen to do something instead. 

This year, my Lenten promise is to pray the rosary with my kids on the way to school once a week.  This is not a huge thing, but I feel that it will benefit my kids as much as it benefits me. Praying together is a way to share our faith and make them comfortable, hopefully sharing with others.

So, today I am grateful for Mardi Gras day 2013. 

Now to go find some fries....

 

Cooking: Happy Mardi Gras!

It's Mardi Gras!

Time for partying and last minute decadence before we hit the long desert of Lent.

My favorite thing about Mardi Gras is the party.  I used to have huge ones. After I had kids, we even had floats! This year it has been a little less party, but the sentiment is still the same.

I made a GIANT king cake  this year (I left it for it's second rise while I was at Mass and Mass ran about 30  minutes longer than I had expected)and promptly ate half of it. Yep, I literally ate about 4,000 calories of cake between Saturday and Sunday.  Enjoyed every second of it. I mean, I make it once a year and damn if I am not going to enjoy it!

Steve made jambalaya and once I find his recipe, I will post it. But suffice it to say, it makes about 103 servings and so we are having it for dinner tonight.

Happy Mardi Gras to you! 

 Mardi Gras/Lent Week at Casa Swann Menu

• Jambalya
• Beef/ Kale enchiladas
• Kitchen Sink salad (Ash Wednesday)
• Valentines Day...Chicken Cacciatorre for my one true love

This is hands down THE best king cake in all the world. I have had them from Mississippi and Louisiana bakers and I have to say, this recipe is way better. Save yourself the $75 and make this one.  Just be ready to eat it all!

Ooey, Gooey, Warm King Cake