Mardi Gras Recipe Roundup!

Did you know that today is Fat Tuesday? {Isn't every Tuesday around here?}

This week is just full of all kinds of celebrating -- from Mardi Gras to Valentine's Day -- but since I've already covered a few Valetine's recipes last week, I thought I'd put together a list of some Fat Tuesday favorites!

Last year I dedicated a whole week to Mardi Gras {I even managed to put together a little history lesson for ya} and, man, were those dishes tasty! Here's a little recap:

Cajun Jambalaya - A hearty classic filled with sausage, seafood, and loads of spicy seasoning.

Mini King Cakes - My take on a Mardi Gras tradition, scaled down to portable {and adorable!} size, complete with a step-by-step guide on how to make your own!

Oven Baked Beignets - I know, nothing beats the real, deep fried New Orleans delicacy... but if you're trying not to take "Fat Tuesday" quite so literally, this oven baked version satisfies your sweet tooth without all the guilt.

All these fun foods put me in such a party mood that I even designed some Mardi Gras printables for you! They can be printed out onto sticker paper for some cute treat bag seals, or onto cardstock for party tags you can cut out, hole punch, and tie with ribbon onto party favors.

Mardi Gras Label by

I haven't gotten around to trying out the recipe ideas I have in mind for this year, but I'm hoping I'll have some time to get in the kitchen and test them out this week. So, stay tuned and give these a try in the meantime!

Do you have any Mardi Gras favorites?

Hop To It! {A Speedy Easter Treat}

I am up to my {bunny} ears in projects, orders, and baking today, but I wanted to leave you with a super quick "recipe" for something that you must make for the special little ones that will be gathering around your Easter table this weekend.

As I mentioned yesterday, my original plans for Easter treats kinda fell apart through, so I went on my very own Easter hunt of sorts for an alternative plan. Ever the treasure trove of creative ideas, Pinterest came through for me once again when I found this idea for "Bunny Bait" {I would credit the original, but I've seen so many versions I have no idea where it started!}.

It was the perfect solution for whipping up a speedy treat to take to the kiddies at work. {Thank goodness, because I literally had half an hour to make something!}

The combo of popcorn, pretzels, M&M's, mini marshmallows, Easter sprinkles, and white chocolate coating makes a sweet and salty snack that will please kids, adults, and cotton-tailed visitors alike.

Package the mix in a cute little bag, print out an adorable tag, tie on some pretty ribbon, and just like that you've got a fun little gift to add to any Easter basket!

You can add or omit any ingredient you want to this customizable mix {I was thinking next time I'd try out a healthier version}, and make it your own.

As a little bonus, I'm sharing the labels I made on Publisher for you to download & print onto some cardstock! {You're welcome, cheaters!} ;)
Bunny Bait Labels

{*Labels made using background downloaded from 4shared.com, Office clipart, and font from dafont.com}

Bunny Bait

1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels

1 cup Easter M&M's or pastel candies

1 cup broken mini pretzels or whole pretzel sticks

1/2 cup mini marshmallows

1/2 cup white chocolate candy coating, melted to pourable consistency {I used Ghiradelli. If your coating isn't liquid enough, you can add 1 tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil and stir until desired thickness is reached.}

Pastel sprinkles

Pop popcorn. {I make my own by adding unpopped kernels to a brown paper bag & microwaving, but you can use the regular stuff if you prefer.}

Place onto a large sheet tray or in a very large bowl.

Toss M&M's, pretzels, marshmallows, and sprinkles together on sheet tray or in bowl.

Drizzle melted candy coating over popcorn mixture. Toss together carefully, making sure to coat all pieces. {I have a Calphalon sheet tray with a lid that I closed & shook to coat evenly.}

Allow candy coating to set. {If you're in a rush, place in the rerigerator for 10-15 minutes.}

Break apart any large clumps and scoop into desired packaging.