Mardi Gras Eats!

Down South, Mardi Gras is a big deal. It's not as big in Memphis as it is in New Orleans, of course. But we're only six hours away, so the Fat Tuesday partying is definitely a thing here. And, as a lover of all things NOLA, it's one of my favorite holidays!

I started my Fat Tuesday with a locally made Dave's King Cake Bagel stuffed with blackened Cajun tofu, Chao cheese, and spinach. These are plain bagels but with fun Mardi Gras colors! I typically reserve white bread for before or after runs, so I had this immediately after my morning six-miler to re-fuel my carbs.

I always make coffee with chicory to enjoy on Fat Tuesday so I can pretend like I'm lounging on the patio at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans.

Every year, I made Kittee Kake's recipe for king cake. It's a no-fail recipe that bakes up a massive king cake! Sadly, I don't think her recipe is online anymore, but I have a printed copy that I've held onto for years. This year, I went with her apple praline filling (cooked, tart apples with cinnamon and vegan butter and maple-y praline pecans). I took this to work, and I'm not sure who found the baby. But the cake was gone by mid-morning.

Here's my slice, enjoyed mid-morning with a second cup of coffee.

My coworker Lily, who runs Darling Donuts, also brought in some vegan King Cake Donuts! I only had a bite of one since I'd already had king cake.

Later in the day, Crosstown Concourse (where I work) held its annual Mardi Gras celebration. We had a second line, a brass band, a puppy costume contest, and free beads for everyone! Here's the pic of the group that did a Beychella flash mob dance!

After the event, I went home and enjoyed an amazing Mardi Gras takeout meal from Imagine Vegan Cafe. They were offering a special with Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, and Gumbo — all made with Beyond Sausage. REALLY GOOD!