Southern Living's own Test Kitchen Professional Marian Cairns made a sausage and seafood gumbo on the CBS Early Show this morning. Here's a clip of her cooking as well as a link to the recipe. Marian's crash course on Mardi Gras food will get you ready for the festivities, as will some of our favorite recipes for the occasion.
I figured out how to turn Fat Tuesday, the annual celebration for Mardi Gras, into something quite healthy, while still preserving the fun and flavor. You can have a complete menu of New Orleans favorites and not feel guilty about the day's intake (not that there's ever guilt associated with Mardi Gras!) by sticking to low-fat, modified recipes.
By the way, here are some fast facts about nutrition associated with common Mardi Gras ingredients:
Okra contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and folacin.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shrimp does not adversely affect production of cholesterol in the body.
Crawfish is a great source of protein (for crawfish recipes: http://www.crawfish.org/pages/nutrition.html).
Rice is a complex carbohydrate and contains insoluble fiber.
Couldn't find anything specifically nutritious about King Cake. Feel free to comment on what you think is healthy about King Cake (besides that it makes you feel good).
HEALTHY MARDIS GRAS MENU
Don't' worry--low-fat doesn't equate to low-taste when it's done right!
Check out these recipes for your Mardi Gras celebration. They'll bring a little of New Orleans to your day so you'll be ready to "Let the Good Times Roll."
Don't forget to stop by Southern Living's online food pages for a complete Mardis Gras menu that is sure to please.
