If the name Carnival doesn't ring the old holiday bell, it's possible you've heard of the French equivalent of Carnival - Mardi Gras. Or perhaps you are more familiar with the English equivalent - Shrovetide. Whatever name you call it, this year's February holiday is guaranteed to keep with tradition and kick off a day dedicated to fun, feasting, and famously raucous parties!

Carnival is the over-arching name for the holiday that can encompass the days or weeks leading to Lent. During Carnival, (historically) Christians rid their houses of indulgent foods like meats, eggs, fats, alcohol and any indulgent practices before Lent officially begins. Over the years, Carnival has extended beyond the boundaries of religion and country and become universally celebrated. America's most famous celebration takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. The streets of New Orleans are transformed into a sea of costumed revelers; there are literally people and music pouring out of every cobblestoned inch of the French Quarter (ground zero for Mardi Gras celebration). It's widely recognized that there is no better party than Mardi Gras, and people flock from all around the world to take part in the incredible festivities. If you can't make the journey to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year, plan your own party! All you need are some indulgent Louisiana Cajun-inspired recipes, dancing music, and a crew of wacky party guests!

Pancake Day!
If you're not up for a wild night of Cajun cookery, consider taking advantage of another pre-Lent tradition, Pancake Day! As you might expect, on Pancake Day people are expected to rise, shine, and proceed directly to the breakfast table to eat a heaping platter of pancakes. What better way to get oil and dairy products cleaned out of your house than serve pancakes on Shrovetide morn'?

Appetizers
• Ham and Corn Beignets

Main Dishes
• Cajun Barbecued Chicken
• Spicy Shrimp Creole
• New Orleans Barbequed Shrimp
• Cajun Catfish Supreme
• Cajun Ponchartrain Sauce

Stews, Gumbo, Etouffee and Jambalaya
• Catfish Gumbo
• Seafood Gumbo Stock
• Jenny's Jambalaya
• Easy Cajun Jambalaya
• The Captain's Famous Jambalaya
• Shrimp Etouffee II
• Shrimp Etouffee III

Sides
• Southern Dirty Rice
• Broccoli Crawfish Cheese Soup
• Easy and Fast Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad

Desserts
• Beignets
• Southern Praline Pecan Cake
• Sweet Potato Pie I
• Two Ton Bourbon Pecan Cake
• Pecan Praline Cookies

Pancakes
• Dairy Free Whole Wheat Pancakes
• Johnny Cake
• Best Buckwheat Pancakes
• Buttermilk Pancakes I
• Good Old Fashioned Pancakes
• Mom's Applesauce Pancakes

Feel like making pancake syrup?
• Blackberry Syrup