Sassy Living with Caryn

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Fun and Easy Mardi Gras Foods

Ahhh….Mardi Gras. What sweet memories of my 20’s going to New Orleans. I love that city. It is funky, weird and unforgettable. Though my bad behaviors of my 20’s are far behind me I still hold dear the incredible meals I ate while visiting. Jack and I went to all the famous spots but the ones off the beaten path, like Dookey Chase’s, are what I remember the best. Incredible meals that left me wanting more. Many of the cajun dishes I ate in New Orleans I was able to come right home and make my own version. However there was one dish that took a long time for me to master. That is the classic Red Beans and Rice. The secret is good andouille sausage. I really like Schwab’s sausages which is made right here in Oklahoma!  It is the perfect blend of spices that works perfectly with Red Beans and Rice!

Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice
1 pound dried red beans, soaked overnight*
4 cups chicken broth
4 cups water
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 package Schwab’s smoked sausage or Jalapeño cheddar smoked sausages, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 ham hock
1 green pepper, rough chop
1 onion, rough chop
1 cloves garlic, chopped
1 jalapeño chopped
6 fresh basil leaves
3 cups white rice, cooked
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the andouille sausage with the onions and green peppers. Place all of the ingredients except for the rice in a slow cooker. Cook on High for 4-6 hours. Serve the red beans over the rice!
Now that you have the main course done it is time to make a fun party dessert. This is a perfect thing to have the kids help you make!

Mardi Gras Tie Dye Cupcakes

1 white cake mix, prepared according to package
yellow, green and purple gel food coloring
vanilla frosting
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Divide the cake batter equally into 3 small bowls. Place drops of food coloring  each of the cups with the yellow, green and purple. This would make 3 separate colors. Now pour the batter into the cup cake liners. Using a tooth pick drag it through each of the cups allowing the colors to swirl. Place in the oven and bake according to cake mix instructions. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
To make a tie dyed frosting: Place lines of yellow, green and purple into a ziploc bag. Add the frosting and then snip the end. Use as a piping bag to swirl onto each cup cake top.