Celebrating Mardi Gras in the West

Christmas is over. 2012 is here. Valentine's Day is around the corner. 


That must mean that king cake season is close at hand. 

For those of who you are unfamiliar with king cake and its consumption, check out this post from last year.  

Although Mardi Gras itself isn't until February 22nd, Matt and I decided to begin our king cake consumption early this year. 

Thanks to my new KitchenAid standing mixer, a fabulous Christmas gift from my grandparents, I was able to make my king cake this year without developing hand cramps (from all of the kneading of the dough). 

This is my third time making a king cake and I have continued to modify the recipe each time in an effort to create a king cake that rivals those sold in New Orleans.


I can dream, can't I?

I tend to create chaos when I bake, so I don't have any charming photos of the process but this is what the king cake looks like fresh out of the oven (and undecorated). 

Matt lent mission-critical support by helping me ice the king cake...

As well as helping me with the strategic sprinkling of purple, green, and yellow sugars.

The proud baker (I felt like I was holding a baby). 

 Matt savoring the king cake (with Mardi Gras beads on), with the iconic New Orleans radio station WWOZ playing in the background. 
Go here if you are interested in checking out the local Nawlins music scene (Click 'Listen Now'). 

 Matt with matching Mardi Gras cup!

Happy Mardi Gras season, everybody!

p.s. I am totally planning on one day posting photos of this entire process, along with my recipe. Just shoot me an email if you can't wait until then and want to try out my recipe!