So, what's Mardi Gras? For us Pacific Northwester's Mardi Gras isn't that big of a... public celebration. But in other parts of the country, Mardi Gras is a pretty big deal!

Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday" is the celebration and feasting before Lent, to prepare oneself for the season of fasting. 

When French settlers came to America, they brought with them these traditions, more commonly named "Carnival" in France, to Louisiana. More specifically, New Orleans is the largest melting pot of Mardi Gras celebrations and festivities in the United States. Many streets are closed down to allow for residents to celebrate all day and night during Mardi Gras. 

But aside from the wild celebrations, here are some funs ways you can participate in Fat Tuesday this year (which falls on Tuesday, March 5th).

Homemade Jambalaya:

From our website and Creole seasoning white pack recipe for One Pot Jambalaya, all you'll need for this tasty recipe is:

• 2 boneless, chicken breasts (cubed)
• 8 oz andouille sausage (sliced)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 2 tbsp. garlic (chopped)
• 14.5 oz tomatoes (diced)
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups uncooked white rice (rinsed)
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 2 tbsp. Spice Hut Creole Seasoning
• Salt to taste

1. Heat oil in large pot over medium-high heat.

2. Lightly Brown andouille sausage, stirring constantly. Remove and set aside.

3. Add chicken to pot and lightly brown.

4. Stir in onion, bell pepper, garlic and the Spice Hut Creole Seasoning. Cook until onion becomes translucent.

5. Add sausage, rice, tomatoes, salt to taste and stir in chicken stock.

6. Bring to boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked.

7. Serve hot!

King Cake

Making a king cake, or just picking one up at the store is an age-old Mardi Gras tradition.

A king cake, is traditionally made into a bundt, and covered in the class Mardi Gras colors, green, purple, and gold/yellow. But the most important element of the cake is the plastic baby that gets baked into the center. 

The baby is representative of luck and prosperity, and if your piece of cake contains the baby, then it is believed that you will receive good fortune. 

In some traditions, the finder of the baby is designated "king" or "queen" for the evening.

Here is a website with a great King Cake recipe.