Today marks the official start of Mardi Gras around the world, and we can’t think of a better way to add some flare to date night than with a private celebration of your own. We’ve taken to the web and found a dinner & cocktail recipe that will make you feel like you’ve traveled to the French Quarter, without leaving your living room. If you still have room post-dinner, try your hand at a traditional King Cake with this recipe from allrecipes.com – and don’t forget to throw on a little jazz trombone to tie it all together!
- 12 ounces light rum
- 12 ounces dark rum
- 10 ounces grenadine, or passion fruit syrup
- 10 ounces fresh orange juice
- 10 ounces sour mix, or fresh lime juice
- 3 tablespoons superfine sugar, or more to taste
- 1 large orange, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
Directions
Mix all the ingredients in a tall pitcher or large pot and stir to dissolve the sugar. Pour into a punch bowl and add the ice cubes and orange segments. Serve in tall glasses over ice with straws.
Quick Jambalaya (Recipe via Martha Stewart)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
- 1 pound andouille sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken stock
- 3/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes with juice
- 1 cup long-grain rice




