Can you believe it’s already Fat Tuesday?

And can you believe this year Fat Tuesday is on February 13th, which means it’s followed by Ash Wednesday on February 14th – Valentine’s Day?  Yep, the kickoff of Lent – a season of fasting, abstinence, and avoiding temptation – falls on the same day devoted to gorging on chocolates, getting tipsy, wearing naughty lingerie, spending way too much on fancy dinners and jewelry – plus flirtations and temptations of all kinds! Should be interesting!

I do have a few new Creole-inspired recipes for you, but Carnival really snuck up on me this year! So I will share them later this month! In the meantime, here’s a recap of some classic New Orleans recipes and the history behind them.

A History of New Orleans Red Beans and Rice

Red Beans and Rice – The Recipe

A Brief History of Jambalaya

Balayez! Jambalaya! (Five Vegan Variations)

Not So Dirty Rice

Finally, as we move into the Lenten Season when many people give up meat for 40 days – don’t forget this is an awesome opportunity to be an ambassador for the animals and the environment. Resist the temptation to preach, to immediately give a dozens reasons “why.” Instead, become the go-to resource. Let others taste your food. Share recipes, cookbooks, your favorite blogs. Advise where to eat out and what to order. Once you become a trusted expert, some of these 40-day vegans, vegetarians, and pescaterians will be more open to having a deeper conversation.

In the meantime, Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)