Small discoveries: Mardi Gras masquerade

Mardi Gras Masquerade

Small discoveries add up to big fun for your little ones! Join the Lake County Discovery Museum on  select Wednesdays each month as they explore a variety of topics through stories, hands-on activities, pretend play and simple crafts. A great opportunity to learn, make new friends, and get to know other families.

This month, learn about the celebration of Mardi Gras. Instructor Seleena Kuester will teach kids to make a mask, listen to music, and enjoy traditional treats.

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Cajun shrimp soup

Cajun Shrimp Soup

I recently did some window shopping at the Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park and was pulled into the Williams-Sonoma by the tantalizing aroma.   At the front cooking station was a chef making Cajun Shrimp Soup using gumbo filé.

After commenting about the wonderful smell, the chef told me that as a mainstay of Cajun and Creole cooking, gumbo filé lends a woodsy, herbal sassafras flavor, with delicate tangy and peppery notes, to the soup she was making.

I had to agree that the soup had a wonderful taste and was told that those wanting a heartier soup that resembles a quick version of gumbo, you can ladle each serving of soup over a scoop of cooked long-grain rice.

Click here for the recipe!

Gumbo filled pastry shells

Gumbo Filled Pastry Shells

Looking for a new twist on an old favorite? Then try this Gumbo Filled Pastry Shell recipe to kick off your Mardi Gras celebration!

Golden puff pastry shells are filled with a Louisiana-style gumbo made with chicken, shrimp, kielbasa, green and red peppers and cream of celery soup.  This recipe has great taste and comfort written all over it!

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Mardi Gras sweet yeast bread

Sweet Yeast Bread

Delight your guests during your Mardi Gras celebration by serving this Mardi Gras Sweet Yeast Bread for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

The King Cake is a New Orleans tradition that involves a pastry, a small plastic baby, and a party. The King Cake is baked with a small plastic baby hidden inside;  the person who gets the slice with baby in it has to host the next party.  It is traditionally decorated with sprinkles of purple, green and gold sugar, or decorate with whole pecans and candied cherries.

This is not your traditional Mardi Gras Kings cake, but instead a sweet bread with a rich almond pastry filling. 

Click here for the recipe!

Gumbo casserole

Gumbo Casserole

Short on time, but still want to make a Cajun favorite, then this Gumbo Casserole using Campbell’s soup is just the ticket.

Two comfort foods, gumbo and casserole, come together to make a tasty family favorite.  Plus, it takes just 15 minutes to put together before you pop it in the oven...you don't even have to cook the rice beforehand.

Click here for the recipe!